Fulbright Graduate Study Grants (All Disciplines)
The Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange “Fulbright” is the institution authorized to administer the program for U. S. Government supported grants to Bulgarian citizens for graduate study in the United States. 5 to 8 grants are awarded yearly in open competition supervised by binational selection committees.
Grants last up to one academic year (10 months) and are valid for all disciplines except clinical medicine and dentistry.
- Eligibility Requirements
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Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must have Bulgarian citizenship. Green card holders and persons with dual (Bulgarian and US) citizenship are ineligible.
- Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and be able to submit the official diploma by September 1, 2021.
- Evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL, GRE/GMAT scores).
- Applicants should be in sound health.
- Candidates already studying in the U.S. are ineligible for a Fulbright grant.
- Candidates who have resided in the United States for five or more consecutive years during the six-year period preceding the date of application are ineligible for a Fulbright grant.
- General Selection Criteria
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General Selection Criteria
- Excellent academic record.
- High scores on the American standardized tests and other qualifying academic and professional experience.
- Adaptability and personal suitability.
- Applicants should be representative and responsible citizens who contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture and civilization of Bulgaria.
- Preference is given to applicants who have not had a prior opportunity for studying in the U.S.
All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, and sex.
- Selection Procedures
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Selection Procedures
- Applications are subject to pre-screening.
- Evaluation of study projects is carried out by Fulbright alumni and leading Bulgarian and U.S. scholars in the respective fields.
- Candidates recommended by reviewers are invited for an interview conducted by a binational nomination committee.
Interviews of eligible candidates are conducted in person and take place during the second half of June. Date and time are fixed.
- Nominations are announced in early July.
- Nominees are subject to final approval by the Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB).
Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs.
- Checklist
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Checklist
- Application (the web-based Fulbright Foreign Student application is located at https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2022/
- Three letters of reference (can be submitted online by instructors, professors or work supervisors, or sent directly to the Fulbright Commission office);
- Academic transcripts/diplomas (certified translation into English of verified copies of original academic transcript and degree certificate – scanned and attached to the application);
- Valid results from American standardized tests: TOEFL (required for all candidates) and GRE (required in most fields of study with the exception of MBA and Law) or GMAT (required for MBA and business-related programs).
PLEASE NOTE:- All items should be translated into English.
- All supplementary documents should be submitted as scanned attachments in the online application form. Only reference letters that are not submitted electronically can be mailed to the Commission.
- Nominated candidates will have to submit a copy of the original academic transcript bearing all official legalization stamps to the Fulbright Commission.
- The Fulbright Commission will advise applicants to submit a medical history and examination report if and when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What does the Fulbright graduate study grant cover?
- Q: How many Fulbright awards are granted annually to Bulgarian graduate students?
- Q: Do I have to be admitted to a US university in order to apply for a Fulbright grant?
- Q: Is there an exclusive list of US universities the Fulbright program works with?
- Q: Do I have to complete the preferred institutions section in the online application form?
- Q: Do I have to submit separate applications if I want to apply for the core Fulbright graduate study grant and for the Thanks to Scandinavia grant?
- Q: Are TOEFL waivers possible?
- Q: What TOEFL (iBT) scores should I aim for?
- Q: Do I need the GRE/GMAT test?
- Q: What GRE/GMAT scores should I aim for?
- Q: I am not able to be present at the interview. May I be interviewed via telephone or Skype?
- Q: What type of visa is required for the Fulbright program
- Q: How do I register referees?
- Q: How do I submit supplemental forms?
For more information please contact:
The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission
12, Vitosha Blvd., Sofia 1000
Maria Kostova
Program Officer, Bulgarian Grantees
- +359 2 980 8212; 0879164095
- mkostova@fulbright.bg
- Skype
- Office location
Visiting hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00–4:00 PM
Snejana Teneva
Educational Adviser
Visiting hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00–4:00 PM
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