Bulgaria
3 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length6-10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides up to three awards per academic year for U.S. citizens holding at least a Bachelor's degree to conduct individually designed research, engage in civic projects or develop their talents in Bulgaria. Students may be affiliated with institutions of higher education, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, research institutions or think-tanks, cultural institutions, public organizations, media, etc.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grantees are strongly encouraged to arrive in country by September 1, 2024, to take part in the orientation for US grantees.
Orientation
Grantees are encouraged to take part in the orientation seminar for US grantees beginning September 1, which includes language instruction, as well as cultural and social events. The Commission will organize one-day orientations for grantees arriving later in the fall.
Candidate Profile
Well-qualified candidates holding a Bachelor's degree will be considered. MA/PhD candidates, young professionals and artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants already holding a Ph.D. should apply for the US Scholar program. Ability to conduct independent, unstructured research with minimal oversight is crucial. Candidates do not need to currently be enrolled in a graduate program to be eligible.
Preference is usually given to those who have not previously held a Fulbright grant. However, those who may have held an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) award may apply for a study/research grant, provided that at least two years have elapsed from the end of their ETA period, and they continue to meet all other eligibility requirements. Previous experience in Bulgaria is not considered a disadvantage. Knowledge of Bulgarian or another Slavic language is not required, but is considered an advantage.
Eligibility
Accepted Degree Levels
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Bulgarian language proficiency should be commensurate with the proposed project. The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission offers an online summer language and culture course, as well as language training at the September U.S. grantee orientation. The Commission also provides a one-time allowance of US$500 for Bulgarian language training during the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
Applicants are encouraged to arrange affiliations and submit letters of invitation in their application. If unsure about prospective host institutions, candidates may consult the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission about affiliation. Final placements are approved by the Commission, which can also assist in establishing contacts at appropriate institutions. Affiliation is acceptable with academic and research institutions, NGOs, media, libraries, museums, cultural institutions, and governmental organizations.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
If courses are available in the relevant field at Bulgarian academic institutions, the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission may cover tuition fees up to $1,500 upon approval by the Commission Board.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Dependents
Grant Benefits
The standard grant benefits include:
- Monthly stipend – $1,200 per month
- Travel and relocation allowance to cover round-trip international travel – $3,000
- Research, book and incidentals allowance – $500
- Bulgarian language training allowance – $500
- Health benefit plan for grantees only
Bulgaria Country Overview
A mountainous country of seven million people located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria boasts a rich archaeological heritage and vibrant artistic culture, including its unique folk music and dance traditions as well as contemporary literary and performance practices. Thanks to its striking natural landscape, rich agricultural roots, and four-season climate, Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for outdoor and culinary tourism. Bulgaria also has a strong ICT and start-up sector, based primarily in Sofia, and some Bulgarian companies have started receiving international recognition for their innovations.
Bulgaria has a relatively homogenous majority population of Slavic-speakers who traditionally identify as Orthodox Christian; however, the country is also home to Turkish and Roma communities and has a sizeable Muslim minority (more than 10%). While Bulgarians are known for their warm hospitality, some communities may hold conservative views and may not have extensive experience interacting with foreigners. Younger Bulgarians often have solid levels of English-language competence thanks to access to digital and online resources, while older generations, who had limited access to English instruction under communism, may have studied Russian, German or French instead.
Since the fall of communism in 1989, Bulgaria has been a parliamentary democracy, joining the EU in 2007. Although Bulgaria has the lowest standard of living in the EU and struggles with challenges such as emigration/brain-drain and rule-of-law issues, the country has nevertheless generally been politically and economically stable. All applicants are urged to consult the most recent State Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices, which offers the most exhaustive and up-to-date description of political, social and cultural trends in Bulgaria.