Agricultural University – Plovdiv expands international cooperation in Malta

From May 3 to 6, 2026, the Rector of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Prof. Dr. Boryana Ivanova, and Prof. Dr. Svetla Yancheva,  Secretary General for Institutional Cooperation and Communications, participated in an academic delegation of representatives from Bulgarian higher education institutions in Malta. The visit was organized with the active support of INTERHECS – Study in Bulgaria and the gracious hospitality of ASOMI College of Science.

The delegation was led by Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov and also included representatives from the University of National and World Economy, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University, and the National Sports Academy.

The main purpose of the visit was to discuss opportunities for cooperation with Bulgarian universities and to attract students to Bulgaria through joint bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

A key highlight of the delegation’s program was the meeting with Clifton Grima. During the official discussions, opportunities for cooperation were explored, including the exchange of students and academic staff, as well as collaboration on joint research projects. Both sides identified priority areas for future cooperation, including academic exchange programs, joint education initiatives, capacity building, digital skills development, research, and innovation.

The delegation also visited the student training facilities at ASOMI College of Science, where the President of ASC, Prof. Dario Silvestri, and his team presented the institution’s scientific activities and expressed a strong interest in future collaboration.

On behalf of the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, readiness was expressed for cooperation in the education of students and doctoral candidates, the development of joint master’s programs, and the exchange of lecturers and students between the two institutions, including the promotion of mobility under the Erasmus+ Programme. The beginning of this partnership was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation by the leaders of the two institutions.

The official events organized by ASOMI College of Science in honor of the Bulgarian academic delegation took place in an atmosphere of exceptional hospitality and strong interest in future joint initiatives.