Ivan Ilchev (Bulgarian: Иван Илчев), Ph.D. in history, the rector of Sofia University (the oldest and biggest higher education facility in Bulgaria) between 2007 and 2015.

His father is Ilcho Dimitrov, also a famous historian and former minister of education.

He was awarded the title of professor of modern history of the Balkan Peoples in 1995.

He was dean of the History Department of Sofia University and member of the Academic Council from 2003 to 2007.

At the beginning of November 2007, professor Ilchev was elected rector of the Sofia University, after a ballot, by 218 votes to 90 for the other candidate.