The University of Veliko Tarnovo was founded in the autumn of 1963 on the historic and picturesque hill "Sveta Gora" in Veliko Tarnovo. The patrons of the first university outside the capital are the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius. The university continues the educational and cultural traditions of the famous Tarnovo literary school of the XIV century. In the beginning, studies were mostly related to the arts and humanities. The first 340 students studied in four fields: Bulgarian Philology, Russian Philology, History and Art. The old barracks of "Sveta Gora" are now reconstructed as auditoriums, seminar rooms and offices.

The development of Veliko Tarnovo university is a complex and dynamic process in which teaching and learning go hand in hand with active and productive research. The accelerated development of the university is evident by the creation of the new Pedagogical Institute. From the moment it opened its doors it had been a place for work and student training. The institution has begun to organize important national and international scientific events such as: conferences, symposia, seminars and scientific expeditions for students.

Over the years The University of Veliko Tarnovo has  established itself as the largest state university in Bulgaria outside the capital. The institution is a center for learning and research and it holds both national and international prestige.

In 2015, the university has nine faculties: Modern Languages, Pedagogy, Economics, History, Law, Fine Arts, Orthodox Theology, Philosophy, Mathematics and Computer Sciences. Today the university is home for more than 15 000 students.