Opportunity Funds – Bulgaria competition

The main objective of the Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria program is to support talented students in grade 11 who demonstrate high academic and leadership potential but do not have the financial means to prepare successfully for applying to accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The program promotes the U.S. Department of State’s objectives of expanding engagement with youth, fostering mutual understanding, and supporting outreach to all communities. Receiving the Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria scholarship does not guarantee acceptance or financial aid awards at U.S. universities. 

• Test preparation modules and testing fees for the SAT and TOEFL / IELTS exams; 

• Application fees to accredited colleges/universities in the United States; 

• Visa and SEVIS fees; 

• Round-trip transportation to Sofia to attend training modules and pre-departure orientation at the EducationUSA advising center (including overnight accommodation and meals if needed); 

• Expenses related to U.S. student visa application 

• 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). 

To be eligible for Opportunity funding, a student must:  

• be current high school junior (student in the 11th grade) in a Bulgarian school 

• be a citizen of, or officially recognized refugee in Bulgaria; 

• demonstrate English language proficiency 

• have excellent high school grades, academic awards, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities and potential to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities 

• demonstrate that they and their family are not able to pay for the application process (a baseline indicator of gross average family member income of 2250 BGN /1150 EUR/ per month is suggested.) 

• regular participation in EducationUSA’s ongoing virtual cohort advising program is a plus. 

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents, employees and immediate family of employees of EducationUSA Advising Centers, American Councils for International Education or a U.S. Embassy are not eligible for Opportunity funding.