Prof. Galin Ivanov
DSc – Rector
Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria are increasingly gaining popularity among Indian students for their innovative programs and career opportunities post-graduation.
Among the unique institutions in Europe catering to specialized industries, the University of Food Technologies (UFT) in Bulgaria stands out. Established in 1953 as the Higher Institute of Food and Flavour Industries, it has grown from one of the oldest food technology faculties in Southeastern Europe into a modern university.
In 2003, the institute was renamed to its current identity and is located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-most important city, known for its ancient history and cultural significance.
In 2023, UFT celebrated its 70th anniversary, marking decades of excellence in education and research. The university’s mission is centered on sustainable development and interdisciplinary integration. By combining natural, engineering, social, and economic sciences, UFT prepares students for thriving careers in sectors such as Food & Beverage, Wine, Hospitality & Tourism, Essential Oil & Cosmetics, and Biotechnology.
With its strong academic foundation and industry-aligned curriculum, UFT is an excellent option for Indian students seeking practical, career-oriented education in a European setting. Its specialized focus, long-standing tradition, and international outlook make it a strategic choice for those aiming to enter globally significant industries.
A European Hub for Industry-Focused Education
The University of Food Technologies (UFT) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is a distinguished institution offering specialized education in various technological and technical domains. Open to international students, including those from India, UFT provides a unique learning environment focused on industries such as food, wine, cosmetics, and biotechnology.
The university is structured into three main faculties, namely Technological, Technical, and Economic, delivering a wide array of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes.
Over 30 bachelor’s degrees are offered in Bulgarian, alongside three English-language bachelor’s programmes, including Food, Gastronomy and Tourism, Industrial Engineering and Management (Food, Cosmetics and Bioproducts), and Biotechnology for Food and Health.
UFT also offers specialized English-taught master’s programmes, namely Technology of Wine and Wine-Based Beverages, developed in partnership with the International
Organisation of Vine and Wine(OIV), and Food Quality Control, delivered jointly with the University of Western Macedonia (Greece). These programmes are modeled after successful examples from L’Institut Agro Montpellier and UC Davis, and meet international standards for oenological education.
UFT is actively involved in numerous European and international networks, including EIT Food, EMaVE Vinifera, EFFoST, BUA, and the International Association for Education and Research. Its commitment to global standards is evident in its innovative teaching approaches, international collaborations, and student mobility opportunities.
Through Erasmus+ exchanges, students gain hands-on experience in European companies, enriching their education with intercultural and practical insights. UFT continues to be a forward-looking university shaping professionals for a sustainable global future.
“At the University of Food Technologies, we take pride in our expert faculty who use modern teaching methods and emphasize real-world applications. Our professors actively publish in international journals and engage in global research. Through collaborations, guest industry lecturers, and faculty mobility, we enrich our students’ learning and help them develop valuable professional and intercultural skills”, says Prof. Galin Ivanov, DSc, Rector, UFT.
The University of Food Technologies (UFT) boasts four main buildings equipped with numerous laboratories, classrooms, and student spaces, all with free Wi-Fi. Practical training is integral to the curriculum, with the PlovdivFoodUni technology centre featuring pilot plants for meat, dairy, bread, confectionery, fruit, vegetable, coffee, and culinary labs. Around 50 percent of seminars are held in real production settings. UFT also offers fully renovated student dormitories with 1,123 beds, just a 5-minute walk from campus. The dorms include modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, kitchens, relaxation zones, and a sports complex with tennis courts.
Promising a Global Learning Experience to International Learners
The University of Food Technologies (UFT) in Plovdiv offers international students a comprehensive preparatory language course in Bulgarian or English, ensuring they are ready to pursue their chosen degree programs. The course is provided by the Department of Foreign Language Training, Physical Education, and Sport.
UFT welcomes students from various countries, including India, Turkey, Vietnam, Ukraine, China, and Australia. To help students integrate into university life, the International Office offers support alongside the Student Council and a strong international community.
Located in Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful cities, UFT provides students with a unique opportunity to explore its rich history, enjoy traditional Bulgarian dishes, and experience vibrant student life. The city offers a mix of cultural heritage and international influences, with food outlets serving a variety of traditional and global cuisines.
“Graduates from the University of Food Technologies (UFT) can advance their careers in various sectors of the food and culinary industry. They can apply their expertise in food production, culinary arts, gastronomy, tourism, hospitality, and engineering.
The university has strong connections with companies in these fields and collaborates with prominent business associations, such as the Bulgarian Industrial Association and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. These partnerships offer students valuable opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in industries like food production, beverage technology, packaging, logistics, and hospitality”, shares Prof. Georgi Kostov, DSc, Vice-Rector (Education & Academic Staff), UFT.
Committed towards Innovation & International Integration
In recent years, UFT has focused on increasing its global presence and integrating into European university networks. Recognizing the need for more interactive and flexible learning methods, the university has prioritized digitalization to enhance its educational processes. UFT aims to embody the concept of a modern university by maintaining highly qualified faculty with innovative teaching methods, state-of the-art facilities, and up-to-date courses aligned with industry demands. The university is dedicated to ensuring that its students are competitive in the job market and equipped for the challenges of the future.
UFT is actively involved in numerous European and international networks, including EIT Food, EMaVE Vinifera, EFFoST, BUA, and the International Association for Education and Research. Its commitment to global standards is evident in its innovative teaching approaches, international collaborations, and student mobility opportunities.
With its strong academic foundation and industry-aligned curriculum, UFT is an excellent option for Indian students seeking practical, career oriented education in a European setting
Through Erasmus+ exchanges, students gain hands-on experience in European companies, enriching their education with intercultural and practical insights. UFT continues to be a forward-looking university shaping professionals for a sustainable global future.
“At the University of Food Technologies, we take pride in our expert faculty who use modern teaching methods and emphasize real-world applications. Our professors actively publish in international journals and engage in global research. Through collaborations, guest industry lecturers, and faculty mobility, we enrich our students’ learning and help them develop valuable professional and intercultural skills”, says Prof. Galin Ivanov, DSc, Rector, UFT.
The University of Food Technologies (UFT) boasts four main buildings equipped with numerous laboratories, classrooms, and student spaces, all with free Wi-Fi. Practical training is integral to the curriculum, with the PlovdivFoodUni technology centre featuring pilot plants for meat, dairy, bread, confectionery, fruit, vegetable, coffee, and culinary labs. Around 50 percent of seminars are held in real production settings. UFT also offers fully renovated student dormitories with 1,123 beds, just a 5-minute walk from campus. The dorms include modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, kitchens, relaxation zones, and a sports complex with tennis courts.
Promising a Global Learning Experience to International Learners
The University of Food Technologies (UFT) in Plovdiv offers international students a comprehensive preparatory language course in Bulgarian or English, ensuring they are ready to pursue their chosen degree programs. The course is provided by the Department of Foreign Language Training, Physical Education, and Sport.
UFT welcomes students from various countries, including India, Turkey, Vietnam, Ukraine, China, and Australia. To help students integrate into university life, the International Office offers support alongside the Student Council and a strong international community.
Located in Plovdiv, one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful cities, UFT provides students with a unique opportunity to explore its rich history, enjoy traditional Bulgarian dishes, and experience vibrant student life. The city offers a mix of cultural heritage and international influences, with food outlets serving a variety of traditional and global cuisines.
“Graduates from the University of Food Technologies (UFT) can advance their careers in various sectors of the food and culinary industry. They can apply their expertise in food production, culinary arts, gastronomy, tourism, hospitality, and engineering.
The university has strong connections with companies in these fields and collaborates with prominent business associations, such as the Bulgarian Industrial Association and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. These partnerships offer students valuable opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in industries like food production, beverage technology, packaging, logistics, and hospitality”, shares Prof. Georgi Kostov, DSc, Vice-Rector (Education & Academic Staff), UFT.
Committed towards Innovation & International Integration
In recent years, UFT has focused on increasing its global presence and integrating into European university networks. Recognizing the need for more interactive and flexible learning methods, the university has prioritized digitalization to enhance its educational processes. UFT aims to embody the concept of a modern university by maintaining highly qualified faculty with innovative teaching methods, state-of the-art facilities, and up-to-date courses aligned with industry demands. The university is dedicated to ensuring that its students are competitive in the job market and equipped for the challenges of the future.
