The South-West University "Neofit Rilski" was founded in 1976 in Blagoevgrad. With a history of over 40 years, the University has gained a reputation as a leader in the sphere of science and education in Bulgaria and on the Balkans. At present it is recognized as one of the forefront classical universities in South - Eastern Europe.

The University is accredited with maximum assessment grade by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency, which guarantees the quality of the educational service in 75 Bachelor's and Master's programs after secondary education, 120 Master's programs after completion of higher education and 88 Doctoral programs. The training is conducted in 30 professional areas in the fields of the humanities, the technical, management, social, pedagogical, legal and economic sciences, the arts, health care, public health and sports, security and defense, etc. According to this criterion, the university holds a top position in the country ranking.

Currently, over 11,500 students", of whom more than 500 foreign students from over 20 countries around the world, are receiving training in different areas of education and science at SWU "Neofit Rilski".

The Erasmus + mobility option is especially attractive for the students. On the basis of signed bilateral contracts they can choose from over 60 universities in Europe and other countries worldwide. This allows the students to study abroad for at least one semester and put into practice the knowledge acquired in foreign scientific and educational institutions.

The South-West University possesses its own library with a rich collection of over 200,000 volumes of scientific literature and access to various international databases.

The University offers accommodation for its graduate and post graduate students in two renovated dormitories. There is a university canteen where students can have both lunch and dinner.

The University possesses some of the most modern sports facilities in Bulgaria such as a multifunctional indoor sports complex, a center for functional research, physiotherapy laboratories, a sports-recreation center, stadiums, outdoor sports grounds etc.

The graduates of the South-West University "Neofit Rilski" go on to pursue successful careers in different spheres of the social, educational, cultural and political life in Bulgaria and worldwide.

Blagoevgrad is a unique place for living and learning. With its two universities and two colleges, the city combines the opportunities and advantages of the big city with its cinema, opera, theaters, libraries, discos and restaurants, on the one hand, and the cozy atmosphere of the small town, on the other.

The town is located only 90 km south of the capital of Bulgaria - Sofia, 20 km from the border with Northern Macedonia and 80 km from the border with Greece. This allows a quick and easy access to many interesting destinations both in Bulgaria and the neighbouring countries such as Bansko, Sandanski, the ancient Rila Monastery, Melnik, the national parks Pirin and Rila, Thessaloniki, Serres, Shtip, Bitola etc.