Discover how to study in Bulgaria on scholarships in 2027. Learn about undergraduate, master’s, and PhD scholarship opportunities, admission requirements, tuition costs, and application tips for international students.

Study in Bulgaria on Scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD Students

Bulgaria is becoming one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students seeking quality education at affordable costs. Located in Southeast Europe and a member of the European Union, Bulgaria offers internationally recognized degrees, modern universities, diverse academic programs, and numerous scholarship opportunities for students from around the world.

For students who dream of studying abroad but are concerned about financial challenges, Bulgaria provides an excellent balance between academic excellence and affordability. Many universities, government programs, and international organizations offer scholarships that help reduce tuition fees and support living expenses.

Whether you are planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, a master’s program, or a PhD, Bulgaria offers a wide range of opportunities to achieve your educational goals.

Why Study in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria has gained popularity among international students due to several important advantages.

Affordable Tuition Fees

Compared to many Western European countries, tuition fees in Bulgaria are significantly lower. This makes higher education accessible to students from various economic backgrounds.

Internationally Recognized Degrees

Bulgarian universities follow European educational standards, and degrees are recognized throughout Europe and many countries worldwide.

Wide Range of Programs

Students can choose from programs in:

Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Engineering
Computer Science
Business Administration
Economics
Social Sciences
Law
Agriculture
Arts and Humanities

English-Taught Programs

Many universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs entirely in English, making them accessible to international students.

EU Study Experience

As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria offers students exposure to European education systems and career opportunities.

Can International Students Get Scholarships in Bulgaria?

Yes. International students can apply for various scholarship opportunities in Bulgaria. These scholarships may be funded by:

Bulgarian Government Programs
Bulgarian Universities
European Union Initiatives
International Organizations
Research Institutions
Bilateral Educational Agreements

Scholarships may cover:

Full tuition fees
Partial tuition fees
Monthly stipends
Accommodation assistance
Research funding
Travel support

The level of funding depends on the scholarship provider and academic program.

Undergraduate Scholarships in Bulgaria

International students seeking bachelor’s degrees can find numerous scholarship opportunities.

University Merit Scholarships

Many Bulgarian universities reward high-performing students with merit-based scholarships.

These scholarships are often awarded based on:

Academic performance
Entrance examination results
Language proficiency
Leadership achievements

Merit scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and encourage academic excellence.

Government Scholarship Programs

Certain international students may qualify for government-supported scholarships through bilateral educational agreements between Bulgaria and their home countries.

Benefits may include:

Tuition fee waivers
Monthly allowances
Accommodation support

Students should check official government announcements and embassy websites for eligibility information.

Scholarships for Specialized Fields

Students pursuing priority disciplines such as engineering, information technology, agriculture, and scientific research may have access to additional funding opportunities.

Master’s Scholarships in Bulgaria

Master’s degree students often have access to more scholarship opportunities than undergraduate students.

Graduate-level scholarships are designed to attract talented individuals and support advanced academic training.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships to outstanding international applicants.

Selection criteria often include:

Undergraduate GPA
Academic achievements
Research potential
Personal statement quality

Students with strong academic records have a higher chance of receiving funding.

Research-Based Scholarships

Master’s students involved in research projects may receive additional financial support through research grants and institutional funding programs.

Research scholarships are common in fields such as:

Engineering
Information Technology
Environmental Science
Biotechnology
Economics
Health Sciences

European Educational Funding

Some master’s students may benefit from European educational initiatives that support international mobility and academic collaboration.

These opportunities vary by year and program.

PhD Scholarships in Bulgaria

Doctoral students often have access to some of the most generous scholarship opportunities available.

Because PhD candidates contribute to research and innovation, many institutions provide funding packages to support their studies.

University Research Scholarships

Bulgarian universities frequently offer research scholarships to qualified doctoral candidates.

These scholarships may include:

Tuition coverage
Monthly living stipends
Research grants
Conference funding

PhD students are often expected to participate in research projects and academic activities.

Government-Funded Research Programs

Government-funded initiatives support doctoral students working on research topics that contribute to national development and innovation.

Priority areas may include:

Artificial Intelligence
Environmental Sustainability
Healthcare Research
Engineering
Energy Technologies
Agricultural Development

International Research Funding

Doctoral candidates may also qualify for international research grants and collaborative projects involving universities across Europe.

These programs can provide valuable financial support and international research experience.

Top Universities in Bulgaria for International Students

Several Bulgarian universities are well known for welcoming international students and offering scholarship opportunities.

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

As Bulgaria’s oldest and largest university, Sofia University offers programs in numerous academic disciplines and attracts students from around the world.

Technical University of Sofia

This institution is highly respected for engineering, information technology, and technical education.

Medical University of Sofia

One of the most popular choices among international students pursuing medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.

Plovdiv University

Known for quality education and diverse academic programs.

University of National and World Economy

A leading institution for business, economics, and management studies.

Medical University of Plovdiv

Offers internationally recognized medical education programs taught in English.

Cost of Studying in Bulgaria

One reason students choose Bulgaria is affordability.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on:

University
Program
Language of instruction
Academic level

Programs such as medicine and dentistry often have higher tuition fees than other fields.

Living Expenses

Students generally find Bulgaria more affordable than many Western European countries.

Monthly expenses may include:

Accommodation
Food
Transportation
Internet
Health insurance
Personal expenses

Budget-conscious students can manage living costs effectively with proper planning.

List of Scholarships in Bulgaria 2026-2027 | Free Study in Bulgaria Universities

The Bulgarian Government Scholarships

Varna Free University Scholarships For International Students

Eastern European Study Abroad Scholarships

OppU Achievers Scholarships For International Students

Afidavit Full Science and Law Scholarships For International Students

American University in Bulgaria Scholarships

American University in Bulgaria Scholarships For Continuing Students

Fulbright Bulgaria Scholarships For International Studentsudents

How to Apply for Scholarships in Bulgaria

Applying successfully requires preparation and attention to detail.

Step 1: Research Available Scholarships

Start researching scholarship opportunities at least 6 to 12 months before your intended enrollment date.

Step 2: Choose a University and Program

Identify universities that offer programs matching your academic goals and scholarship needs.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Most applications require:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Passport copy
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
Recommendation letters
Language proficiency documents

Step 4: Submit Strong Applications

Pay careful attention to deadlines and submission requirements.

A complete application significantly improves your chances of success.

Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances

Competition for scholarships can be strong.

Maintain Excellent Academic Results

Strong grades remain one of the most important selection criteria.

Write a Compelling Motivation Letter

Explain:

Your educational goals
Career ambitions
Reasons for choosing Bulgaria
How the scholarship will help you succeed

Demonstrate Leadership

Leadership activities and community involvement can strengthen your application.

Obtain Strong Recommendations

Choose professors or professionals who can provide detailed recommendations about your abilities.

Apply Early

Early applications often receive more careful consideration and reduce the risk of missing deadlines.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates from Bulgarian universities may pursue opportunities in:

International companies
Research institutions
Government organizations
Healthcare sectors
Technology firms
Business and finance industries

A degree from a recognized Bulgarian university can open doors to career opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bulgaria a good destination for international students?

Yes. Bulgaria offers affordable education, recognized degrees, English-taught programs, and a welcoming environment.

Can I study in Bulgaria in English?

Many universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs taught entirely in English.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes. Universities, government programs, and international organizations offer scholarships and funding opportunities for eligible students.

Can PhD students receive funding?

Many doctoral programs provide research-based scholarships, grants, and financial support.

Final Thoughts

Bulgaria is an excellent study destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education in Europe. With numerous scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, studying in Bulgaria can be an achievable goal for ambitious learners from around the world.

By researching opportunities early, preparing strong application materials, and applying strategically, students can improve their chances of securing scholarships and building a successful academic future in Bulgaria.

Start your scholarship search today and take the first step toward studying in Bulgaria.