Fulbright Grants
Open competition for Bulgarian citizens: research grants for scholars, PhD students and NGO representatives
Application deadline: December 5, 2023
Bulgarian citizenship
Excellent English language skills
Invitation by a U.S. institution
All disciplines except clinical medicine and dentistry
Tuition for the full period of the scholarship
30 years of educational and cultural exchange between the USA and Bulgaria. Shared knowledge across the globe for a meaningful contribution to mankind. Find out more about the anniversary of the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission.
Coming up: Fulbright Grants for Bulgarian Scholars 2024-25
CompetitionOPEN
Fulbright Bulgarian Leaders Grant
A generous $100,000 grant for self-placed candidates who pursue an MA or PhD in the U.S.
Apply by Feb. 1
CompetitionCLOSING SOON
Fulbright Specialist
Fully funded slots for Bulgarian host organizations who would like to invite a U.S. specialist for a project of 2-6 weeks.
Apply by Sept. 30
CompetitionCLOSED
Hubert Humphrey Fellowships
Grant for mid-career professionals in all fields except clinical medicine. No age or other restrictions.
Apply by Sept. 11
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Why apply for a Fulbright grant
The International Fulbright Commission was established in 1993 and is widely recognized across the globe as a renowned institution for educational exchange.
Opportunities for education in elite universities
Transparent and honest proceedings for applicants' selection
Objective application criteria
Funding of your tuition and stay in USA
Other Services
The Commission offers free of charge education advising for high-school students who would like to pursue a university degree in the USA, we conduct internationally recognized tests, as well as project management courses.
Education USA
One-on-one and group advising about the American educational system and the application process for admission with financial aid to accredited U.S. colleges and universities.
Grants for High-School Students
Opportunity Funds – grants for secondary school students in year 11, showing financial need and demonstrating academic excellence to apply for US universities.
Test Center
Information about the most popular American standardized tests iBT TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT: content, prices, timetable, location.
Project Management Courses
Project Management training courses held in English. All participants become PMP® certified, when they meet the eligibility criteria.
Total number of grantees
Grantees from Bulgaria for AY 2021-2022
Grantees from USA for AY 2021-2022
Javor Gardev
It was very easy for me to take the decision to apply to Fulbright. This coincided with the first Covid quarantine and seriously interrupted all the projects I was working on at the time. It appeared a really adequate thing to do at that specific moment, since I could make use of this major break in order to return to my academic activities.
The prominent Bulgarian stage and film director was a Fulbright Visiting Researcher for AY 2021-22.
Excellent opportunity to join a network of top experts
An experience across state borders and human perceptions
Stimulating impact and exchange of ideas
Education as a function of freedom
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Fulbright grant if I have a dual citizenship?
All applicants need to have a Bulgarian citizenship. Persons with dual citizenship (Bulgarian and US) as well as those holding a working visa / Green Card are not eligible to apply. It is possible to have dual citizenship, different from US, for example Bulgarian and German. US citizens who come to Bulgaria on a Fulbright grant are being selected in the United States.
Can I apply for an MA degree in USA if I already have one?
Yes, but it is necessary to include clear argumentation in the application essay why you would like to complete another MA in the USA. You need to have a BA, though, completed within a certain period before you apply for the respective grad student program. You cannot apply only in case you are currently studying in the USA or if you have lived there for five or more consecutive years during the six-year period preceding the date of application.
Can I apply for a Fulbright grant if I have already been a Fulbright grantee?
Yes, but you need to wait at least 2 years after the end of the program, which you won the previous time round.
What does the grant cover?
Based on the respective program, the amount covers the tuition within certain limits, and for some programs the grant covers allowance for accommocation, visa expenses, plane tickets and U.S. health insurance.
What tests and exams do I have to take in order to apply to Fulbright?
Graduate and doctoral students’ applicants need to take TOEFL. Waivers or other equivalent tests are not admitted. All applicants for a Fulbright grant holding an MA or PhD in various fields, different from law or business administration, have to take GRE as well. For scholars and NGO representatives it is not mandatory to sit an English language test. Their language skills are being assessed on the basis of their application documents and during the interview.
What test results do I have to aim for at the English language test in order to have higher chances of winning a Fulbright grant?
The least permissible TOEFL score is 80, but ideally a score upwards of 100 gives you much higher chances of winning.
