The programme is unique for Bulgaria, integrating theoretical achievements, practical experience, good practices and examples of Public Administration organisation and management. In 2010, the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency accredited the doctoral programme in Public Administration with the highest grade for a period of six years. In 2016, the programme was accredited for a period of five years until May 20, 2021. It received its third accreditation in the professional area of 3.7 Administration and Management with an overall grade 8.83 and a term of validity until the next programme accreditation according to Art. 81, para. 2 of The Law on Higher Education and Professional Accreditation Schedule Directions. The training to obtain the educational and scientific doctoral degree takes place according to the Doctoral Student Training Procedure of the NBU Educational Process Regulation, with a standard duration of 3 years and 180 ECTS credits earned as follows:

1. Scientific/creative activity: 90 ECTS;

2. Training: 40 ECTS (10 ECTS allocated for courses, 30 ECTS allocated for doctoral minimum standard exams);

3. Teaching and/or expert activity: 20 ECTS;

4. Doctoral Dissertation Defence: 30 ECTS.

The doctoral students enrol in two compulsory credit courses to acquire fundamental knowledge in the field of Public Administration and, based on the topic of their dissertations, they choose three specialised credit courses. In addition, they choose two training courses as well.