Fulbright Scholar Award

All Disciplines

Bulgaria

Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Award Code
271238-BG
Activity Type
Professional Project
The Professional Project Award Activity is an opportunity for applicants to pursue projects that would enhance their professional development and the field at large.Professional Projects may include, but are not limited to: Professional consultations or exchange of expertise with other professionals, Artist residencies, Visits to organizations in the applicant's field, Practical experience in day-to-day operations, Public lectures, Mentoring, Arranging and planning exhibitions, Performances or musical compilations, Participation in public events, Preparation of print materials (books, articles, or reviews).If your project involves classroom teaching, as opposed to public or guest lectures, then please apply for the Teaching Award Activity.If your proposed project answers a research question or will have research outcomes, then please apply for the Research Award Activity.
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Not Required
Career Profile
Artists
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in an artistic profession.
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Approximately
5
Award Start Period
August 2027 - May 2028
Award Length
3 months - 5 months
Flex Option
Yes
This award allows Flex. This option enables applicants to propose multiple short-term stays in the host country over two years if required by their proposed project. Refer to Flex Description below for specific parameters. Plans, goals, and rationale for Flex must be described in Project Statement.
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
The applicant can propose any of the listed activities

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities‎.

Award Activity

Fulbright scholars can engage in a variety of activities tailored to their expertise and host institution needs:

Teaching & Research:

  • Teach undergraduate or graduate courses, assist with thesis advising, collaborate on faculty research projects, or consult on curriculum and program development.
  • Participate in seminars, conferences, open lectures, performances, and guest lectures at other institutions.
  • Scholars are encouraged to be flexible in terms of syllabi and proposed course topics which may change due to host institution's needs and preferences.
  • While teaching-only proposals are welcome, we encourage candidates to consider including a research/professional component, as many hosts are not able to offer visiting scholars a full course load. There is no preference on the division of proposed teaching and research responsibilities.
  • Conduct research in cooperation with local institutions.

Professional Projects:

  • Conduct practical projects, consultation, capacity building, or training with NGOs, academic or non-academic institutions.
  • Professional projects may include teaching or research activities, depending on the scholar’s proposal and host requirements.
Locations
Location Selection: Applicant may propose an appropriate host
Locations Detail
  • Applicants may indicate preferred host institutions anywhere in Bulgaria, submission of an invitation letter is optional.
  • The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission will consider preferences but may also suggest alternative placements based on past experience and host availability.
  • The Commission can assist with identifying prospective hosts and providing relevant contacts.
  • For inquiries, please contact Program Officer Rada Kaneva at +359-879-918212 or rkaneva@fulbright.bg.
Award Length and Period

Three to five months. For Flex grants: three to four months total grant length.

Teaching grants begin in either October 2027 or February 2028. For the American University in Bulgaria, grants begin in either August 2027 or January 2028. For research and professional projects, start date is flexible, as long as they are conducted within the academic year for which the grant was awarded (academic year 2027-28 for the current competition).

Flex

The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.

Flex awards are offered for teaching, teaching/research, research, and professional projects. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, consult on program development and curriculum design, participate in open lectures, seminars, conferences, performances, and otherwise engage with the host-country community.

Flex allowed for only the following activity type(s):
Professional Project
Research
Teaching
Teaching/Research
Segments may be proposed for up to a 2 year period
2 Segments may be proposed
Grant segments are allowed to be conducted in summer months (June, July, and August)
Yes
Minimum segment length is 1 month(s)
Maximum segment length is 2 month(s)
Minimum total award length is 3 month(s)
Maximum total award length is 4 month(s)
*Total award length is the total length (duration) of all segments and does not include time between segments.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Not applicable – all U.S. citizens are eligible to apply, regardless of dual citizenship or residency.
Invitation Requirement
An invitation letter is optional.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

A letter of invitation from a host institution is optional but highly encouraged. Applicants are advised to reach out to local institutions early. The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission can assist by providing contacts and guidance.

  • In some fields, a letter of invitation is preferred due to the limited number of host institutions available for teaching or research.
  • Scholars should begin contacting potential hosts as early as May–June, since many academic institutions are difficult to reach during the summer months.
  • If a letter of invitation is not obtained, applicants may still indicate affiliation preferences.
  • Final placement is coordinated with the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission to ensure alignment with host availability and project feasibility.
Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement
Additional Language Requirement
  • English is sufficient for all teaching, research, and professional projects.
  • Scholars must demonstrate the feasibility of conducting their project in English within their project statement.
  • Conversational Bulgarian is recommended but not required, as it can enhance engagement with local communities and institutions.
Additional Qualification Information
  • Projects in all disciplines, including interdisciplinary projects, are welcome.
  • The program is open to both academics and professionals.
  • For teaching grants, some universities or departments require a Ph.D., while others do not. Applicants should confirm degree requirements when contacting potential host institutions.
  • For research and professional projects, applications are accepted from university faculty, professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, or independent scholars outside of academia who have recognized professional standing and substantial accomplishments.
Additional Comments

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Rada Kaneva, Program Officer for US Grantees at rkaneva@fulbright.bg

You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.

Interview Requirements
  • Interviews are generally not required for U.S. Scholar candidates.
  • The selection committee may conduct online interviews (in English, up to 20 minutes) if additional clarification is needed regarding project goals and methodology, collaboration plans with prospective hosts, approach to local engagement and community interaction, etc.
Contacts and Helpful Links

Education & Academic Institutions

Cultural & Country Information

Language & Communication

  • Bulgarian Language Resources – Learn conversational Bulgarian to enhance your experience:

Research & Professional Networks

If you have questions about the program and need assistance in identifying the best host institution for your project, do not hesitate to contact the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission.

Award Allowances

$4,000 per month.

For Flex grants: $4,000 per month.

Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

Travel allowance of $1,700 and relocation allowance of $1,300 for grantee. 

For Flex grants: Travel allowance of $4,000 total for all segments of the grant. 

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Travel allowance of $1,500 for one dependent and $3,000 for two or more accompanying dependents who remain in country with grantee for at least 80% of grant duration. Monthly subsistence allowance of $100 for one and $200 for two or more accompanying dependents.

For Flex grants, dependent benefits will not be provided.

Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.

Estimated Cost of Living
  • Bulgaria is known for a reasonable cost of living compared to Western Europe and the U.S.
  • Average monthly costs for a single person (excluding rent): $600–$1,000
  • Average monthly rent in Sofia: Studio apartment: $500–$700; one-bedroom apartment: $600–$900
  • Utilities, groceries, and public transport are generally affordable.
  • For more detailed, up-to-date information: Numbeo – Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Stipends are intended to cover housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses. Actual expenses may vary by city and lifestyle.

Special Award Benefits
  • Orientation & Meetings: In-country orientation, mid-year meeting, end-of-year meeting.
  • Cultural & Language Programs: Cultural activities, language-learning opportunities.
  • Mini-Grants & Travel: Opportunities for small project funding and Inter-Country Travel Grant.

Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.

Bulgaria

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Summary

Bulgaria offers up to five Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards (3–5 months) open to all disciplines. Scholars can engage in teaching, research, professional projects, or a combination, with flexible grant timing and affiliations both within and outside academia.

Life in Bulgaria — What to Expect as a Fulbright Scholar

Imagine yourself in a place where history meets hospitality, and modern opportunity lives side by side with centuries-old landscapes. Bulgaria offers just that: safe neighborhoods, affordable living, and a relaxed pace of life, all set against a backdrop of lush countryside and picturesque towns. Locals take pride in their rich heritage and place a high value on education, creating an ideal environment for collaboration.

A Brief Historical Glimpse:
Founded in the 7th century CE, Bulgaria has long sat at the crossroads of Europe, shaped by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Its modern story is marked by independence in the late 1800s, complex 20th-century alliances, and a post‑communist turn toward the West. Since joining NATO (2004) and the EU (2007), Bulgaria's identity reflects a dynamic blend of Eastern and Western influences visible in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life.

Everyday Life & Culture:

  • Bulgarians are warm, joyful, and community-oriented — and they love to celebrate. Festivals, holidays, and local traditions offer you a chance to join in.
  • The cost of living is lower than in much of Western Europe, making everything from food to housing more accessible.
  • Education and scholarly work are deeply respected; universities and local institutions are often open to international partnerships.

Support for Fulbrighters:
As a Fulbright scholar, you’ll benefit from structured support: orientation on arrival, a mid-term gathering, and a wrap-up meeting. The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission helps you navigate local life, from setting up a bank account and phone services to finding opportunities to lecture or collaborate with institutions around the country. If you have a family, you’ll find help in arranging children’s education—whether at public schools or via partial integration.

Academic System:

  • Higher education in Bulgaria includes around 50 universities and specialized institutions — both public and private.
  • The academic year typically runs in two semesters (starting in October and February).
  • Degrees offered include Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D., and Fulbright scholars are especially encouraged to contribute to curriculum development, teaching, and collaborative research.

Professional Opportunities:
Beyond traditional academic roles, Fulbright Bulgaria supports professional projects. Journalists, artists, lawyers, business leaders, scientists, and policy experts can design impactful projects—consulting, capacity building, training, or community engagement—that resonate locally.

For additional information, please visit the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission's website or contact Program Officer, Rada Kaneva (359-879-918212) or rkaneva@fulbright.bg.

For a glimpse of Bulgaria, check out the following video: https://youtu.be/esT3KbwgjGg

 

Previous Fulbright Recipients

US Scholars Testimonials

Victoria Basham, US Fulbright Scholar (2024-2025), Anthropology

Petya Yanchulova Merica-Jones, US Fulbright Scholar (2024-2025), Physics and Astronomy

Andrew Knighton, US Fulbright Scholar (2024 - 2025), American Literature

Blase Billack, US Fulbright Scholar (2023-2024), Pharmaceutical Sciences

 

Throughout 2021, the U.S. State Department, Fulbright Commissions, U.S. Embassies, and other Fulbright partners and supporters celebrated the Fulbright program’s 75th Anniversary with a wide and varied range of activities taking place around the world. This film was created for this occasion to showcase the talent of Fulbright Bulgaria alumni in the arts: https://youtu.be/FuB4K6WKY0A

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.