Bulgarian Education Minister Krasimir Valchev has accused the European Polytechnical University, located near Sofia, of functioning as a "funnel for migrants" rather than a legitimate educational institution.
The university, which is in the process of renewing its accreditation, has dismissed the claims as an "attack."
According to Bulgaria's Education Ministry, an inspection found no real educational activity taking place at the institution, with discrepancies in lecture schedules, a lack of professors and students, and unusually low utility bills.
The university, owned by Italy-based EPU Consulting, enrolls students from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Russia, with visas issued based on its admissions list.
However, authorities question whether these students are actually in the country, while the university insists they are.
Education officials declined to comment further due to ongoing inspections.
RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service visited the university to investigate the accusations.
