Bulgaria
1 Fulbright Bulgaria-Greece Joint Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
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. While applications from Master and Ph.D. candidates are preferred, well-researched projects by recent college/university graduates will also be accepted. 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, environment and sustainability, economics, tourism (including eco- and agro-tourism), preservation of cultural heritage, political science, social sciences, classical studies, and the arts.
Grant Length
Grant Period
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
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 2025 and a seminar in Spring 2026.
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, environment and sustainability, economics, tourism (including eco- and agro-tourism), preservation of cultural heritage, political science, social sciences, classical studies, and the arts.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Bulgaria
The benefits of life in Bulgaria include a breathtaking countryside, a relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, cheap prices, and delicious food. Bulgaria is generally a peaceful and safe country, and the local population is proud of the country’s long history and holds education in very high regard, which results in a good number of opportunities for collaboration.
As a Fulbright student in Bulgaria, you can conduct your research with the support of various hosts: institutions of higher education, research think tanks, NGOs and international organizations. During your grant period, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission will be there to help you settle into your Bulgarian life. We organize an orientation in the beginning of September, a mid-term meeting in January, and a wrap – up seminar in June. If your grant start date doesn’t coincide with those events, Fulbright Bulgaria staff will set up an individual meeting after your arrival to discuss aspects of living and working in the country and to answer any questions you may have. We also strive to provide a cultural/educational program for scholars and students every month; we share information and invitations from partner organizations that may enrich your stay in the country, and we support our students research or community engagement activities in a variety of ways.
Greece
The Fulbright Student Program is an important component of the Fulbright Foundation's mission to bring outstanding U.S. students from a wide variety of disciplines to Greek institutions of higher learning and state or private organizations in order to promote cultural and educational ties between the two countries through scholarly interaction and collaboration.
Facts about Greece and the Greek Educational System are available here
Previous Fulbright Recipients
U.S. Fulbrighters to Greece share their testimonies and impact of the Fulbright program Alumni Impact https://www.fulbright.gr/en/alumni/alumni-impact
U.S. Alumni Speak https://www.fulbright.gr/en/alumni/us-alumni-speak
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- 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
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
Yes
No
Affiliation
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
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) up to $500 (if applicable and for grantee only).
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
Fulbright Bulgaria offers the following benefits:
• One-way airfare of $1,000 (for grantee only)
• A one-time travel/relocation allowance of $500 (for grantee only)
• A book/research materials allowance of $250 (for grantee only)
• A Bulgarian language lessons allowance of $250 (for grantee only)
• Excess baggage allowance up to $200 (for grantee only)
Fulbright Greece offers the following benefits:
• Round-trip airfare up to $1,000 (for grantee only)
• A one-time settling-in allowance at $1,200 (for grantee only)
• A book/research materials allowance up to $350 (for grantee only)
• A Modern Greek language lessons allowance up to $450 (for grantee only)
• Excess baggage allowance up to $200 (for grantee only)
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
- Mid-year seminar
Bulgaria
• Bulgarian Language and Culture online summer course
• Orientation, Mid-Term, and Wrap-Up Seminars
• Monthly cultural events
• Opportunities for volunteering
• Opportunities for attending international events
Greece
Fulbright Greece provides a variety of cultural and networking opportunities to grantees throughout the year. Two highlight events are: a) The Spring Get Together where U.S. Fulbright scholars and students meet in early Spring to discuss about their research and to engage with each other and b) the Annual Fulbright Reception in mid-June honoring U.S. and Greek Fulbrighters and supporters of Fulbright Greece.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Bulgaria
Housing expenses range from 400-900 USD (studio apartment) to 500-1200 USD for 2-3 bedroom apartments per month depending on location. These rates are for furnished apartments and include basic utilities. Quality fresh produce, groceries and other types of food can be found at reasonable prices. Eating out can be fairly inexpensive. Local transportation in major cities is not expensive. For up to date information on the cost of living visit https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
Greece
Housing expenses range from 600-1000 USD (studio apartment) to 800-1500 USD for 2-3 bedroom apartments per month depending on location. These rates are for furnished apartments and include basic utilities. Quality fresh produce, groceries and other types of food can be found at reasonable prices. Eating out can be fairly inexpensive. Local transportation in major cities is not expensive (Metro, tram, buses and cabs).
Dependents
Dependents are allowed to accompany grantees. Dependent support is only available for the Greek portion of the grant (stipen increased by $150 per dependent and for up to two dependents); the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission does not offer dependent support for this grant.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Bulgaria Country Overview
A mountainous country of seven million people located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria boasts a rich archaeological heritage and vibrant artistic culture, including its unique folk music and dance traditions as well as contemporary literary and performance practices. Thanks to its striking natural landscape, rich agricultural roots, and four-season climate, Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for outdoor and culinary tourism. Bulgaria also has a strong ICT and start-up sector, based primarily in Sofia, and some Bulgarian companies have started receiving international recognition for their innovations.
Bulgaria has a relatively homogenous majority population of Slavic-speakers who traditionally identify as Orthodox Christian; however, the country is also home to Turkish and Roma communities and has a sizeable Muslim minority (more than 10%). While Bulgarians are known for their warm hospitality, some communities may hold conservative views and may not have extensive experience interacting with foreigners. Younger Bulgarians often have solid levels of English-language competence thanks to access to digital and online resources, while older generations, who had limited access to English instruction under communism, may have studied Russian, German or French instead.
Since the fall of communism in 1989, Bulgaria has been a parliamentary democracy, joining the EU in 2007. Although Bulgaria has the lowest standard of living in the EU and struggles with challenges such as emigration/brain-drain and rule-of-law issues, the country has nevertheless generally been politically and economically stable. All applicants are urged to consult the most recent State Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices, which offers the most exhaustive and up-to-date description of political, social and cultural trends in Bulgaria.
For more about Bulgaria, you can watch the following video: https://youtu.be/esT3KbwgjGg