About the University

The National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts “Krastyo Sarafov” (NATFA) is a specialised public higher education institution located in Sofia, Bulgaria. Established in 1948, it is the oldest and most prestigious academy in Bulgaria for theatre, film, and performing arts education. NATFA is internationally recognised for training actors, directors, filmmakers, designers, and creative professionals.

History

NATFA was founded in 1948 as the State Higher School of Theatre, created to provide professional education in acting, directing, and theatre studies. In 1954, it became the Higher Institute for Theatre Art (HITA), and in 1995 it was officially transformed into the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts “Krastyo Sarafov”. Over the decades, the academy has played an important role in developing Bulgarian theatre and film culture.

Campus Details

NATFA is located in Sofia, Bulgaria, and provides specialised facilities for creative arts education.

Campus facilities include:

Theatre and film studios
Training theatres and performance spaces
Film production facilities
Classrooms and rehearsal halls
Libraries and research resources
Specialised equipment for cinema, television, and stage production

The academy provides students with practical training alongside academic studies, helping them develop professional skills for the theatre and film industries.

Education Programmes Offered

NATFA offers programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels.

Bachelor's Degree Programmes

Drama Theatre Acting
Puppet Theatre Acting
Theatre Directing
Puppet Theatre Directing
Film and TV Directing
Film and TV Cinematography
Film and TV Editing
Animation
Photography
Stage and Screen Design
Theatre Studies and Theatre Management
Playwriting and Screenwriting

Master's Degree Programmes

Theatre Arts
Film and Television Directing
Film and Television Production
Cinematography
Theatre Studies and Management
Acting and Performing Arts

Doctoral (PhD) Programmes

Theatre Arts
Film Studies
Performing Arts
Cultural Studies
Related research fields

The academy is especially recognised for its programmes in acting, theatre direction, filmmaking, cinematography, and performing arts.

Basic Admission Requirements for International Students

Bachelor's Degree

Completion of recognised secondary education.
Secondary school diploma and academic transcripts.
Valid passport.
Medical certificates as required.
Participation in specialised entrance examinations/auditions.
Proof of language proficiency depending on the programme.

Master's Degree

A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Academic transcripts and degree certificate.
Portfolio or creative materials (for selected programmes).
Entrance examination/interview.
Additional programme-specific requirements.

Doctoral (PhD) Degree

A recognised master's degree.
Research proposal.
Academic certificates and transcripts.
Interview and evaluation by the academic department.
Additional documents required by the programme.

NATFA admission is mainly based on creative entrance examinations, which assess applicants’ artistic talent, motivation, skills, and suitability for the chosen discipline.

Awards and Achievements

Recognised as the oldest higher education institution for theatre and film arts in Bulgaria.
Considered one of the most prestigious institutions in Bulgaria for stage and screen arts education.
Graduates and faculty members have received numerous national and international awards in theatre and film.
Maintains partnerships with international universities, cultural organisations, and film institutions.
Known for producing successful actors, directors, filmmakers, and creative professionals who contribute to Bulgarian and international cinema and theatre.

National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts

Courses at National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (0)