Study Abroad Scholarships for Bulgaria
Now Part of the European Union
Bulgaria is another Southeast European country that really gets its flare from a blend of Mediterranean and East European flavors. Students often pursue studies in Bulgaria for the opportunity presented by the last half century’s worth of rise and fall. Economically, the country has been on a roller coaster ride for the last two decades and is just now gaining a toehold in a more stable marketplace.
Study in Bulgaria on the Government’s Dime
Need a few thousand bucks for that junket to Bulgaria? If you are economically disadvantaged, as proven by your Pell Grant standing, you may consider applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships. You must be an undergrad with a very good academic record and a willingness to pursue new places and face a challenging curriculum. Gilman Scholars are the new collegiate elite and the award may immediately mark you as outstanding, now and for the future. The next generation of decision makers, nationally or internationally, is designed to be more diverse and internationally savvy. You could be one of them. Awards are as much as $5,000.
The National Security Education Program’s David L. Boren Scholarships are a neatly packaged duo for undergrads and grads pursuing ultra-challenging programs in non-traditional destinations such as Bulgaria. Think you would like one of those cool jobs working for Homeland Security? Then don’t overlook the Boren Scholarships. Your tenure of time immersed in the local culture and language of Bulgaria could win you big scholarship dough as well as earn you an instant career in national security after graduation. Boren Scholars may earn up to $26,000 for a graduate program.
Private Funds Target Post-Graduate Scholars
IREX is an internationally known organization that provides funding for worthy projects that stimulate sustainable development and promote openness of communication. The organization offers the following programs to scholars seeking funding for travel to Bulgaria:
- Travel Fellowships are short term and suitable for doctoral level students and higher who need to conduct research in Bulgaria. Due to the competitive nature of the fellowships, scholars must have well-defined research proposals and be able to show top-notch academic credentials. Awards are $5,000.
- Students from Masters level through post-doctoral may be qualified for one of the Individual Advanced Research Opportunities Fellowships. These are specifically designed for those researchers whose projects are based on Bulgarian affairs or current Southeastern European issues. Term of fellowships ranges from three months for Masters students to nine months for post-doctoral scholars. Fellowships cover airfare and housing for the duration.
College Scholarships for Bulgaria Attract Students from a Range of Disciplines
The Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia has forged a valuable partnership with the American University in Bulgaria. MU journalism students have the unique opportunity to study in Bulgaria where they may experience Eastern European culture, and witness the challenges faced by emerging socio-political systems. Travel to Bulgaria is not cheap; MU offers the following scholarships:
- Modest scholarship to cover partial travel expenses is awarded to those students whose financial need is greatest.
- School of Journalism Scholarships are specially designed to provide additional funding for students studying abroad. Awards vary based on criteria.
Students at the University of Minnesota planning on heading off with others to the three-week abroad program in Bulgaria may apply for any number of scholarships. The program is suitable for a range of student disciplines:
- U of M maintains well-funded list of private scholarships a few of which provide modest general scholarships for almost any study abroad program. Awards average $500.
- The Diversity Scholarships are awarded to outstanding minority students who are participating in an international study program. Applicants are required to write an essay and prove financial need for the funding.