General Information

The Higher Institute for Physical Culture (at present National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”) - Sofia was
founded as a university level educational institution graduating Physical Education Teachers and Sport Trainers.
The Programme in Physiotherapy has been launched from 1947.
The Higher Institute of Physical Training was founded by Decree of His Majesty Tzar Boris III in 1942. In 1967 the Sports Pedagogical Faculty and the Faculty for Group Physical Therapy and Remedial Physical Culture were set up.

The aquatic sports training base  was opened near Nessebar, the Black Sea, in 1972.
The same year the United Centre for Science and Training of Specialist in the field of Physical Culture and Sport was established.
In 1973 the Scientific Council certifying awarding of degrees in science were set up.
The alpine training complex in Vitosha mountain was opened. In 1974 the specialized training of elite sportsmen - olympic, world and european champions was introduced in the curriculum.

Another alpine training complex  in Borovetz, the Rila mountain was opened in 1986. In 1991 theLanguage Centre for preparatory training of foreign students was set up.
In 1995 the Higher Institute of Physical Culture was renamed National Sports Academy by decision of the National Assembly. The new modern educational complex  was inaugurated. As of 1996 the National Sports Academy started attributing the honorary title "Doctor Honoris Causa" to distinguished persons with special contribution to science and sport.At present the National Sports Academy (NSA) - Sofia is the only higher educational establishment in Bulgaria in the field of physical culture and sport. The NSA is granted full state accreditation, offering 3 university degree programmes (BSc, MSc, PhD)

1. Faculty of Physical Education (Teachers) 
2. Faculty of Sports (Coaches)
3. Faculty of Physiotherapy, Tourism and Sport Animation.

The Centre of Post-Graduate Studies at the NSA offers different post-graduate continuing education programmes in specialized and interdisciplinary fields (in Adapted Physical Activity as well). The NSA together with the Bulgarian Football Union is authorized by UEFA to train football coaches and issue License PRO which is valid for all levels football coaching.

NSA distinguished itself by the fact that its teaching is based on its own research and interdisciplinary approach.

Its programmes integrate professional training with research, promoting skills of identifying, formulating and solving problems, shaping learners for life - reflective graduates capable of analytic and creative thinking.

 

With its top scientific potential the NSA deservedly plays the role of national centre for research and development in the field of physical culture and sport enjoying wide international prestige.

NSA pays special attention to the training of young researchers within the framework of their doctoral studies.

Besides writing the obligatory course and degree thesis students may take part in scientific circles with the respective chairs, in the activities of the discussions clubs, round tables on topical issues R&D projects.

Also annual internal conferences and events included in the calendar of the international scientific cooperation.

 

The scientific activities are carried out in specialized R&D laboratories.
The NSA computer network is linked to the national academic network and Internet.
The scientific achievements of the NSA researchers are internationally recognized.

The NSA computer network is linked to the national academic network and Internet.

The scientific achievements of the NSA researchers are internationally recognized. NSA specialists are honorary members of foreign academies. The NSA enjoys international prestige: it is not the foreign students willing to pursue their studies in the NSA alone ;it is also the fact that many distinguished persons have received with gratitude the honorary title "Doctor Honoris Causa" and they have undertaken to participate in a number of endeavours of the Academy among them being Mr.Simeon Sax Coburg-Gotha,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, Marquis de Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr.Bruno Grandi, member of IOC, President of FIG, Mr.Egidius Braun, President of the German Football Union, Vice-President of UEFA, Mr.Franz Beckenbauer, Vice-President of the German Football Union, President of Football Club “Bayern’ - Munchen etc.

The best testimony of the scientific achievements of the NSA are the European, World and Olympic titles won by the Bulgarian athletes
graduates of the Academy.

They are as follows - 42 olympic titles, 150 silver and bronze olympic medals, 90 world champion titles and 120 silver and bronze medals at world championships.

Nineteen NSA sports clubs /28 men and 18 women teams/ compete in national and international championships and tournaments.