The University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski” has been an independent educational institution since 1953. In the course of sixty years of existence, it has established itself as an academic and research centre that provides training in the spheres of geology, in mining, and electrical and mechanical engineering. It is an institution where fundamental and applied scientific research is carried out, and the whole range of post-graduate qualification courses offered. The proper combination of general engineering education together with the acquisition of profiled knowledge and abilities provides immense opportunities for the graduates of the University to find their professional realisation in this country and abroad. Since it was founded, more than 21 000 engineers, amongst whom citizens of around 40 countries from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, have been trained and have found occupational employment in the areas of geology and mining, in power engineering, in civil engineering and industrial construction, in environmental protection, and other branches.