Higher education in Bulgaria is discussed. The following topics are considered: the history of Bulgarian higher education; structure, content, and functioning of higher education; higher education organization and administration; nonuniversity higher education; other forms of higher education; fields of study; curriculum; educational process and assessment of knowledge; probation service and practice; diplomas and degrees; teaching staff; college admission; job assignments for graduates; social support services provided for students; foreign students; postgraduate training; the role of research; university libraries; international cooperation in higher education; and future prospects and reform of higher education. Data are included on: total population in Bulgaria in 1979; student enrollments and development of institutions during 1939-1980; number of research workers and teaching personnel; distribution of institutions, academic staff, and students in 1971; regular and nonpermanent academic staff, 1980-1981; teacher-student ratios, 1977-1978; number of students studying abroad; number of students receiving scholarships; and number of foreign students, 1980-1981. A list of higher education institutions is included. (SW)