Bulgaria allocates the lowest amount for scientific research among the 27 member states of the European Union, according to participants in a round table discussion concerning higher education in the country.

Scientific research receives the equivalent of 0,32% of Bulgaria's gross domestic product, compared to the EU average of 2,8%.

Boosting tuition fees to raise more funds for research, however, would be counterproductive, because it would discourage Bulgarians from studying in the country.

Instead, they would go abroad, helped by the fact that tuition fees in many countries are now significantly lower for Bulgarian students after the country joined the EU in January.

The biggest problem faced by Bulgaria's education system is the fact that 84% of the professors are over 55, while 44% are over 65 and facing retirement in the next 12 months.

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