Study Abroad Scholarships for Bulgaria

Now Part of the European Union

Bulgaria is a southeastern country in Europe. Home to some of the earliest metalworking and artistic and religious artifacts, it is a country that is proud of its heritage. It sided with the wrong parties in both of the World Wars which led them to have a struggling economy during the 20th century. However, in 1990 they held their first democratic elections and have since been pushing toward economic reform. They have even come so far as to join the European Union in 2007. This mix of economic downfall and uprising make it a key location for students wanting to learn more about socio-political reform.

Study in Bulgaria with Federal Help

Studying abroad in countries such as Bulgaria can be rather expensive. Luckily, there are many scholarship opportunities to help ease the financial burden. In fact, the government wants students to study abroad, and has programs in place to allow students the opportunity to do so.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program offers generous awards to students wishing to study abroad. The only requirement is that you must currently be receiving Federal Pell Grants. This is because they strive to increase the diversity of students who are engaged in study abroad programs. They encourage students who demonstrate great financial need, are from diverse backgrounds, attend community colleges, and who have disabilities to study abroad. Their main goal is to prepare American students to be key leaders in an increasingly international community. Also, they focus on sending students to areas not traditionally visited by other study abroad programs. Countries in Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand are discouraged. Each year they award over 2,300 scholarships. The average amount is $4,000, and the maximum amount given is $5,000.

Another great program offered by the government is the National Service Education Program (NSEP) which offers the David L. Boren Awards for International Study. These awards are given to students to travel to nations that are critical to the United States’ interest and are underrepresented in other study abroad programs. They focus on preparing students to become key players in a global society by sending them to learn the language and cultures of other regions that America does not have a strong presence in.  Students will face the challenges of an increasingly complex international society such as global disease and hunger, environmental degradation, and economic competitiveness. They will work towards finding answers to these problems and creating solutions to aid and promote the well-being of all people.

The Boren Awards offer up to $20,000 in scholarships to undergraduate students and $30,000 to graduate students! In exchange for this generous scholarship, it is required that students agree to the NSEP service agreement. After graduation students will work for one year in a governmental role focused on United States security. While in this position, you will implement all of the skills and experiences gained while studying abroad.

Private Funds Target Post-Graduate Scholars

If governmental funding is not enough, there are always private institutions willing to help you out. IREX is one such institution that promotes long-term global change. Located in over 100 countries, they are dedicated to helping local communities build vibrant societies through quality education, independent media, and stronger relationships within their community. They also focus on resolving conflict, promoting gender equality, and furthering technology in these areas. In fact, much of their focus is in European nations such as Bulgaria.

They offer Short-Term Travel Grants to help postdoctoral scholars perform their own independent or joint studies in Europe Eurasia. This grant allows these scholars to conduct their experiments and gather research without greatly disrupting their work and teaching schedules. While abroad, scholars will conduct on-the-ground research, lecture at various universities, and brief government officials on their research.

For scholars that are looking for a more long-term experience, IREX offers Individual Advanced Research Opportunities. This is similar to the Short-Term Travel Grants in that scholars perform research and have other similar roles. The minimum length of study is two months, and the maximum length is 9 months.

College Scholarships for Bulgaria Attract Students from a Range of Disciplines

Those studying at the University of Minnesota are eligible for their Study Abroad Scholarship. Students must submit a one-page application on how the study abroad program will affect them, as well as how they will work to affect the lives of others. Awards can be anywhere from $500 for just a few weeks of study up to $2,000 for a full academic year. They also have privately funded scholarships to help if there is still financial need.

The University of Maine also offers a study abroad scholarship to students. They provide a scholarship solely for those wishing to study in Bulgaria. $1,000 for an academic year and $500 for one semester are awarded each year. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The University of Maine also offers Academic Programs International Scholarships which provide anywhere from $250 to $1000 for students wishing to study abroad.