In May 2026, the University of Prešov (UNIPO) actively engaged in international recruitment activities aimed at promoting study opportunities in the Slovak Republic. Representatives of the university took part in the Begin High School Visits and University Visits events held in Sofia (Bulgaria) and Bucharest (Romania), recruitment events focused on attracting prospective international students.

Programme in Sofia

Due to an unexpected change in the schedule, the original programme in Sofia was postponed from 18 May to 19 May 2026. On that day, visits were carried out at both a university and a secondary education institution:

• Medical University Sofia
• American English Academy 

Meeting with Partner Sofia University

Despite last-minute changes introduced by the event organiser, Begin Group, and despite limited time, UNIPO representatives arranged an additional meeting beyond the official programme at their partner institution, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, one of the most prestigious universities in Bulgaria.

The UNIPO delegation was welcomed by the team of coordinators responsible for incoming student mobility within EU programmes (Erasmus+ and KA171). These coordinators manage the administration and organisation of international student mobility.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss further possibilities for strengthening cooperation.

The partner university was represented by:

• Ms. Karolina Manukyan
• Ms. Antonia Dimitrova

The discussion focused primarily on the organisation of incoming international students, administrative processes, and ways to improve the efficiency of mobility. It also included an exchange of experiences in the field of higher education internationalisation.

UNIPO representatives highly appreciated the warm welcome, inspiring discussion, and the opportunity to visit the beautiful historic campus building. Special thanks were extended to Karolina and Antonia for their hospitality.

Continuation of Events in Bucharest

The activities in Sofia were followed by recruitment events in Bucharest:

20 May 2026 – Begin High School Visits

• Questfield School
• Deutsche Schule Bukarest

21 May 2026 – Begin University Visits

• Romanian-American University

At these events, participants presented UNIPO study programmes and engaged in discussions with students about opportunities to study in Slovakia.

Support Within the Ministry Call

Participation in these events was also part of a call launched by the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic (MŠVVaM SR), aimed at supporting the international promotion of Slovak higher education institutions.

The call, launched on 23 April 2026 under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (Component K10 I4), seeks to:

• increase Slovakia’s visibility as a destination for study and academic cooperation
• support the internationalisation of higher education institutions
• raise interest among international students in studying in Slovakia
• strengthen international mobility of students and staff

One of the requirements for participation in the call is active involvement in international recruitment events, such as those held in Sofia and Bucharest.

Participation in similar events is also an important part of the university’s long-term strategy focused on internationalisation and strengthening its position in the global academic environment.