Are you looking for an affordable European study destination with excellent academic opportunities? Bulgaria has become an increasingly attractive choice for international students thanks to its high-quality universities, affordable living costs, and a growing number of scholarship opportunities.
Whether you are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, Bulgaria offers scholarships that can help reduce or even eliminate the cost of studying abroad. Many Bulgarian universities also participate in European Union mobility and research programs, making the country an excellent gateway to international education.
In this guide, we highlight the 8 best scholarship programs in Bulgaria for 2026, including eligibility, benefits, and application tips.
Why Study in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is becoming a preferred destination for international students because of its:
- Affordable tuition fees
- Low cost of living compared to many European countries
- Globally recognized university degrees
- English-taught degree programs
- Safe and welcoming environment
- Rich cultural heritage
- Opportunity to study within the European Union
- Access to international research collaborations
Quick Overview
| Country | Bulgaria |
|---|---|
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded & Partially Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Study Language | English and Bulgarian (depending on the program) |
1. Bulgarian Government Scholarships
The Bulgarian Government offers scholarships to selected international students through bilateral agreements and national education initiatives.
Benefits
- Tuition fee support
- Monthly stipend (where applicable)
- Accommodation assistance
- Access to public universities
Eligible Programs
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- Doctoral studies
- Research programs
2. Stipendium Hungaricum Mobility Opportunities (Partner Exchanges)
Some Bulgarian universities collaborate with regional and European mobility initiatives that allow students to study through exchange agreements.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Travel assistance (program-dependent)
- Living allowance
- International academic experience
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
Many Bulgarian universities participate in the Erasmus+ Programme, allowing students to study or complete internships across Europe.
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly financial support
- Travel grant
- Tuition fee waiver at the host institution
- Cultural exchange opportunities
This is one of the most popular scholarship options available for students enrolled at participating institutions.
4. American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) Scholarships
The American University in Bulgaria offers generous merit-based and need-based financial aid for talented international students.
Benefits
- Partial to substantial tuition support
- Merit awards
- Need-based grants
- Academic excellence scholarships
Programs
- Business
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Journalism
- Political Science
- Psychology
5. Sofia University Scholarships
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” provides scholarships and financial support for eligible students through university and government funding.
Benefits
- Tuition assistance
- Academic merit awards
- Research support
- Student grants (subject to eligibility)
6. Technical University Scholarships
Several Bulgarian technical universities provide scholarships for engineering and technology students.
Fields include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
Scholarships may be based on academic performance, research potential, or institutional funding.
7. Medical University Scholarships
Bulgaria is well known for its affordable medical education.
Many medical universities offer scholarships or tuition discounts for outstanding international students studying:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
- Nursing
8. University Merit Scholarships
Most Bulgarian universities provide merit-based scholarships to high-achieving students.
These scholarships reward:
- Excellent academic performance
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Research achievements
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
Popular Universities in Bulgaria
Some of the top universities offering scholarship opportunities include:
- Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
- American University in Bulgaria
- Technical University of Sofia
- Medical University – Sofia
- University of National and World Economy
- Plovdiv University
- New Bulgarian University
- Varna Free University
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the scholarship, students may receive:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Research funding
- Travel grants
- Student health support (where available)
- Access to academic and professional development programs
Eligibility Requirements
Although requirements vary by scholarship, applicants generally should:
- Be an international student
- Meet the academic requirements of the chosen university
- Hold the required previous qualification
- Demonstrate English or Bulgarian language proficiency if required
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
Required Documents
Applicants may need:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- CV or Resume
- Motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency (if required)
- Research proposal (for some Master’s and PhD programs)
How to Apply
Step 1
Research scholarship opportunities and choose your preferred university.
Step 2
Review the admission and scholarship requirements carefully.
Step 3
Prepare all required documents.
Step 4
Submit your university application.
Step 5
Apply for available scholarships, if a separate application is required.
Step 6
Track your application status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
🇧🇬 1. Bulgarian Government Scholarships 2026
Application / Information Portal:
How to apply:
- Check the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science announcements.
- International students usually apply through their country’s education authorities or Bulgarian diplomatic missions depending on the agreement.
🇪🇺 2. Erasmus+ Scholarships (Study in Bulgaria)
Official Erasmus+ Application Information:
🔗 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
How to apply:
- Apply through your home university’s Erasmus+ office.
- Check participating Bulgarian universities and exchange agreements.
🇺🇸 3. American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) Scholarships
Scholarship Application Link:
🔗 https://www.aubg.edu/admissions/bachelors/cost-aid/scholarships/full-scholarships-available/
AUBG offers merit-based and need-based financial support. Students are considered after submitting their admission application and required documents.
Apply for Admission:
🔗 https://www.aubg.edu/admissions/
🎓 4. Sofia University Scholarships
Scholarship Information:
🔗 https://www.uni-sofia.bg/index.php/eng/
Admissions Information:
🔗 https://www.uni-sofia.bg/index.php/eng/admission
Students can check available scholarships, financial support, and admission procedures through the university portal.
⚙️ 5. Technical University of Sofia Scholarships
Official University Website:
International Students Information:
Application Process:
- Select your program
- Apply for admission
- Check available university scholarships after admission
🩺 6. Medical University Scholarships in Bulgaria
Popular medical universities:
Medical University Sofia
Medical University Plovdiv
Medical University Varna
Programs include:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Health Sciences
🏛️ 7. University Merit Scholarships in Bulgaria
You can apply through individual university admission portals.
Examples:
New Bulgarian University
University of National and World Economy (UNWE)
Plovdiv University
🔬 8. Research & PhD Scholarships in Bulgaria
For Master’s and PhD applicants:
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Research Opportunities)
EURAXESS Bulgaria (Research Jobs & Scholarships)
Important Advice for Applicants
✅ Apply early for 2026 admission
✅ Prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Language certificate (if required)
✅ Always verify deadlines on the official university website because scholarship dates can change.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship
- Maintain strong academic results.
- Write a compelling motivation letter.
- Highlight leadership and extracurricular achievements.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters.
- Apply before the deadline.
- Carefully follow all application instructions.
Why Choose Bulgaria?
Studying in Bulgaria offers several advantages:
- Affordable education
- European Union academic environment
- Internationally recognized degrees
- Diverse student community
- Modern teaching methods
- Opportunities for exchange and research
- Lower living costs than many Western European countries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are scholarships available for international students in Bulgaria?
Yes. Many Bulgarian universities and exchange programs offer scholarships or financial support for eligible international students.
Can I study in English in Bulgaria?
Yes. Many universities offer English-taught programs, particularly in medicine, business, engineering, and computer science.
Are Bulgarian degrees recognized internationally?
Yes. Degrees awarded by accredited Bulgarian universities are recognized within the European Higher Education Area and by many institutions and employers worldwide.
Is Bulgaria affordable for international students?
Yes. Bulgaria is considered one of the more affordable study destinations in Europe, with comparatively low tuition fees and living expenses.
Can I work while studying in Bulgaria?
International students may be able to work subject to Bulgarian immigration and employment regulations. Always check the latest rules that apply to your nationality and visa status.
Final Thoughts
Bulgaria continues to grow as a popular destination for international students seeking a quality European education at an affordable cost. From government scholarships and Erasmus+ opportunities to university-based merit awards, there are numerous funding options available in 2026.
Start researching your preferred universities, prepare your application documents early, and apply before the deadlines. With careful planning and a strong application, studying in Bulgaria could become the next exciting step in your academic journey.
