Opportunity Funds – Bulgaria competition
10-12 $5,000 scholarships are available for high school students in grade 11, showing financial need and demonstrating academic excellence.
The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria
Scholarships up to $5000 each
Supported by the services of the EducationUSA Advising Center at the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission
Designed to support talented international students who need financial help to take their first steps toward study in the U.S.
This program is one of the most prestigious U.S. government-funded exchange programs
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It is designed to support talented international students who need financial help to take their first steps toward study in the United States at an accredited institution of higher learning.
The program promotes the Department’s objectives of expanding engagement with youth, fostering mutual understanding, and supporting outreach to all communities.
The Opportunity Funds Program also strengthens American communities and classrooms by assisting highly qualified international students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs to apply, such as testing, application fees, or airfare.
The model supports economic prosperity by ensuring that the United States can attract top talent to U.S. higher education institutions. The program also attracts highly resourced students to U.S. colleges and universities, building more prosperous communities. International education is a billion-dollar industry that establishes global relations in critical sectors such as business, diplomacy, and security for years to come.
In addition to academic abilities, Opportunity Funds students strengthen the global competitiveness of Americans whose knowledge and understanding of the world grows through engagement with international students on U.S. campuses.
Allowable Costs
Opportunity Funds assist highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of obtaining admission, such as testing, application fees or airfare.
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A maximum of $5,000 in Opportunity Funds may be spent on each student to cover costs associated with any of the following:
- Test preparation modules and testing fees for the SAT and TOEFL;
- Application fees to accredited colleges/universities in the United States;
- Visa and SEVIS fees;
- Round-trip transportation to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a visa or attend a pre-departure orientation at the EducationUSA advising center (including overnight accommodation and meals if needed);
- Round-trip international airfare to the U.S. institution where the student will study;
- One-time settling-in allowance (e.g. for laptop purchase or other personal expenses).
Student Eligibility
Opportunity Funds is available only to 11th grade students enrolled full-time in Bulgarian high schools.
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- Bulgarian citizenship or officially recognized refugee status
- English language proficiency
- Excellent high school grades, awards, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities and potential to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities
- Demonstrated financial need to cover the up-front costs of obtaining admission such as testing, application fees, or airfare. A baseline indicator of average family member gross income of 2000 BGN is suggested and supporting documentation is required.
- Regular participation in EducationUSA’s ongoing virtual cohort advising program is a plus.
Application deadline for the current 2025 program is over
The application process for the Opportunity Funds 2026 will begin in November 2026
Application Timeline
Submitting full application via email to the EducationUSA Advisor
Interviews with shortlisted candidates
Award letters sent to the nominees
Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee shall be comprised of the: Cultural Attaché, U.S. Embassy (САО), the Regional Educational Advising Coordinator for EducationUSA Europe and Eurasia (REAC), the Executive Director of the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission and the EducationUSA Advisor at Fulbright Bulgaria.
Notification Letter
All candidates are receiving notification letter by e-mail for the results of their participation. Additional information and application form are available upon request from Filip Lyapov, EducationUSA Advisor at Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission
Filip Lyapov
Education USA Advisor
0879 164 096
f.lyapov@fulbright.bg
educationusa.state.gov
1000 Sofia, 12 Vitosha Blvd., floor 5