Bulgaria
3 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length6-10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides up to three awards per academic year for U.S. citizens holding at least a Bachelor's degree to conduct individually designed research, engage in civic projects or develop their talents in Bulgaria. Students may be affiliated with institutions of higher education, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, research institutions or think-tanks, cultural institutions, public organizations, media, etc.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grantees are strongly encouraged to arrive in country by September 1, 2026, to take part in the orientation for US grantees.
Orientation
Grantees are encouraged to take part in the orientation seminar for US grantees beginning September 1, which includes language instruction, as well as cultural and social events. The Commission will organize one-day orientations for grantees arriving later in the fall.
Candidate Profile
Well-qualified candidates holding a Bachelor's degree will be considered. MA/PhD candidates, young professionals and artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants already holding a Ph.D. should apply for the US Scholar program. Ability to conduct independent, unstructured research with minimal oversight is crucial. Candidates do not need to currently be enrolled in a graduate program to be eligible.
Preference is usually given to those who have not previously held a Fulbright grant. However, those who may have held an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award may apply for a study/research grant, provided that at least two years have elapsed from the end of their ETA period, and they continue to meet all other eligibility requirements. Previous experience in Bulgaria is not considered a disadvantage. Knowledge of Bulgarian or another Slavic language is not required, but is considered an advantage.
Watch successful candidates talk about their projects and experience here.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
The benefits of life in Bulgaria include a breathtaking countryside, a relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, affordable prices, and delicious food. A member of EU and NATO, Bulgaria is generally a stable country, and the local population is proud of the nation’s long history and holds education in very high regard, which results in a good number of opportunities for collaboration.
As a Fulbright student in Bulgaria, you can conduct your research with the support of various hosts: institutions of higher education, research think-tanks, NGOs and international organizations. During your grant period, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission will be there to help you settle into your Bulgarian life. We organize an orientation in the beginning of September, a midterm meeting in January, and a wrap–up seminar in June. If your grant start date doesn’t coincide with those events, Fulbright Bulgaria staff will set up an individual meeting after your arrival to discuss aspects of living and working in the country and to answer any questions you may have. We also strive to provide a cultural/educational program for scholars and students every month; we share information and invitations from partner organizations that may enrich your stay in the country, and we support our students research or community engagement activities in a variety of ways.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Bulgarian language proficiency should be commensurate with the proposed project. The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission offers an online summer language and culture course, as well as language training at the September U.S. grantee orientation. The Commission also provides a one-time allowance of US$500 for Bulgarian language training during the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Applicants are encouraged to arrange affiliations and submit letters of invitation in their application. If unsure about prospective host institutions, candidates may consult the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission about affiliation. Final placements are approved by the Commission, which can also assist in establishing contacts at appropriate institutions. Affiliation is acceptable with academic and research institutions, NGOs, media, libraries, museums, cultural institutions, and governmental organizations. Candidates can be affiliated with more than one host institution, i.e. a university and an NGO.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
If courses are available in the relevant field at Bulgarian academic institutions, the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission may cover tuition fees up to $1,500 upon approval by the Commission Board.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
- Mid-year seminar
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Housing expenses range from 400-900 USD (studio apartment) to 500-1200 USD for 2-3 bedroom apartments per month depending on location. Quality fresh produce, groceries and other types of food can be found at reasonable prices. Eating out can be fairly inexpensive. Local transportation in major cities is not expensive. For up to date information on the cost of living visit https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
Dependents
Dependents are allowed to accompany grantees but the Fulbright Commission does not provide any dependent support. Grantees must cover all travel and living expenses for dependents.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Grant Benefits
Fulbright Bulgaria offers the following benefits:
• A monthly stipend of $1,400
• Round-trip airfare of $1,700 (for grantee only)
• A one-time travel/relocation allowance of $1,300 (for grantee only)
• A book/research materials allowance of $500 (for grantee only)
• A Bulgarian language lessons allowance of $500 (for grantee only)
• Tuition fees for attending courses/lectures at a local university up to $1,500 (if applicable and for grantee only)
• Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) Health Benefit Plan
Bulgaria Country Overview
Bulgaria has a relatively homogenous majority population of Slavic-speakers who traditionally identify as Orthodox Christian; however, the country is also home to Turkish and Roma communities and has a sizeable Muslim population (more than 10%). While Bulgarians are known for their warm hospitality, some communities may not have extensive experience interacting with foreigners. Younger Bulgarians often have solid levels of English-language competence thanks to access to digital and online resources, while older generations, who had limited access to English instruction under communism, may have studied Russian, German or French instead.
Since the fall of communism in 1989, Bulgaria has been a parliamentary democracy, joining the EU in 2007. Although Bulgaria has one of the lowest standards of living in the EU and struggles with challenges such as emigration/brain-drain and rule-of-law issues, the country has nevertheless generally been politically and economically stable. All applicants are urged to consult the most recent State Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices, which offers the most exhaustive and up-to-date description of political, social and cultural trends in Bulgaria.
For a glimpse of Bulgaria, you can watch the following video: https://youtu.be/esT3KbwgjGg