One may graduate university via skype. Well, not exactly.

Actually it means that universities will offer virtual classes and examinations. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Science has provided 30 million BGN to this end. This money will be available to universities which would like to provide online schooling (some universities have already provided such distant training courses).

The funds have been donated by the European programme Human Resources Development, announced the educational body. The minister, Sergei Ignatov, is positive that the future success lies in this training form exactly, for it is directed to working students who cannot attend classes on a regular basis. As well as to graduates who now want a new diploma. 

The distant form will encompass 50 000 young people. The diploma hunters would have the opportunity to study without even going to the university, unless of course the specific major requires it. However, they can be tested online, schedule virtual meetings with their professors, receive textbooks and lectures via e-mail.

The universities should first develop a system of virtual libraries, online teaching modules, syllabuses etc. The professors themselves should also be instructed to use this form, explain the project experts. The latter believe online classes are a chance to attract more students from the graduates. This is also the most suitable system for obtaining qualification and re-qualification of the whole company personnel.

All universities which would like to apply for online courses grants should submit their projects by 21 February 2012, announced the ministry.