Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

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Bulgaria

1 Fulbright Bulgaria-Greece Joint Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
Fall Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
Special Study/Research
Award Profile

This joint award is provided by the Bulgarian and Greek Fulbright Commissions and allows students to engage in comparative trans-regional research and/or study. Up to one award per academic year is open to candidates at all degree levels, but preference is given to Master's and Ph.D. candidates. Applications will be considered in all fields, with special emphasis on the following disciplines related to Bulgaria and Greece: archaeology, history and art history (Antique, Byzantine, Ottoman and contemporary), Balkan studies, trans-border/emigration studies, economics, tourism (including eco- and agro-tourism), preservation of cultural heritage, political science, social sciences, classical studies, and the arts.

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
Fall Start

The award is for nine months, with a four-month term in Greece and a five-month term in Bulgaria. Applicants may select which country to visit first, depending on the needs of their project. Grants in Bulgaria begin on September 1 while grants in Greece begin on September 15. Grants in either country must be completed by late June. 

Orientation
In-Country Orientation

Grantees are expected in the first country of destination at least a few days before the beginning of the academic year and are required to attend a Fulbright Commission orientation.

If the grant starts in Bulgaria, grantees are encouraged to take part in the orientation seminar for US grantees beginning Sept. 1, which includes language instruction, as well as cultural and social events.

If the grant starts in Greece, grantees are required to participate in a two-day orientation program organized by the Fulbright Foundation in Greece in late September 2024 and a seminar in Spring 2025.

Candidate Profile

Candidates at all degree levels are accepted, but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. Ability to conduct independent, unstructured research with minimal oversight is crucial.  Applications will be considered in all fields, with special emphasis on the following disciplines related to Bulgaria and Greece: archaeology, history and art history (Antique, Byzantine, Ottoman and contemporary), Balkan studies, trans-border/emigration studies, economics, tourism (including eco- and agro-tourism), preservation of cultural heritage, political science, social sciences, classical studies, and the arts.

Eligibility
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant
Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Special Application Instructions

In the Fulbright online application, Award Name please select Bulgarian-Greece Grant from the drop down menu to be considered for this award. Select Bulgaria for Country 1 and Greece for Country 2 (regardless of which country you intend to visit first).

Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Bulgarian or Greek proficiency is not required.  Independent research projects with minimal support from local English speaking hosts may require a good command of Bulgarian and/or Greek languages. Some study of Bulgarian and Greek prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.

The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission provides a one-time allowance of US$250 for Bulgarian language training during the grant period. Fulbright Greece provides the same benefit for Greek language lessons up to US$450.

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter recommended but not required at deadline

Applicants are encouraged to secure affiliation(s) in both countries and to submit letters of invitation/affiliation indicating name/position of host and details on collaborating educational/cultural organization/institution. Projects must be well formulated and achievable under the guidance of an adviser/mentor at an educational, cultural, or government institution.

The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission can assist in establishing contacts at prospective host institutions but it is up to the candidate to secure support from a host institution/organization. Final assignments in Bulgaria will be coordinated and confirmed by the Commission.

The Fulbright Foundation in Greece can assist candidates with affiliations but it is up to the candidate to secure a host institution/organization. Placements take place throughout Greece. Students can seek affiliations at https://www.fulbright.gr/en/study-in-greece/resources  

The Fulbright Commissions in Bulgaria and Foundation in Greece reserves the right to interview finalists via an online platform or by telephone.

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition offered at discretion of host university/Award

If courses are available in the relevant field at Bulgarian academic institutions, the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission may cover tuition fees up to $750 upon approval by the Commission Board. Tuition fee support is not provided by Fulbright Greece.

Fulbright Greece may provide partial associate membership fees to students affiliated with the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA).

Housing Arrangements

Grantees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Grant Benefits

Travel and relocation allowance to cover Commission-approved international travel.

Grant Benefits While in Bulgaria:

  • Basic monthly stipend – $1,200 per month
  • Research, book and incidentals allowance – $250
  • Bulgarian language training allowance – $250
  • Health benefit plan for grantees only

Dependent support is only available for the Greek portion of the grant; the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission does not offer dependent support for this grant.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
http://www.fulbright.bg/en/
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Rada Kaneva, Program Officer - Bulgaria: rkaneva@fulbright.bg
Additional Online Resources
Bulgaria-Greece Joint Student Research Grant: https://www.fulbright.bg/en/graduate-students-usa/