The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Romania

1 Fulbright Bulgaria-Romania Joint Research Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
Fall Start
Grant Length
10 Months
Award Type
Open Study/Research
Award Profile

The joint award with the Bulgarian and Romanian Fulbright Commissions allows students to engage in trans-regional research. Up to 1 award per academic year is open to candidates at all degree levels, but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. Applications will be considered in fields related to Bulgaria and Romania, especially: European studies, East European studies, Balkan studies, Black Sea studies, history, political science, social sciences, classical studies, environment and sustainability, archeology and the arts. The award is for 10 months – with 5 months spent in each country. Applicants may select which country to visit first, depending on the needs of their project.

Grant Length
10 Months
Grant Period
Fall Start

Grants will begin September/October and end in June/July, depending on project needs. The award is for 10 months – five months in Bulgaria and five months in Romania. Applicants may select which country to visit first, depending on the needs of their project. 

Orientation
In-Country 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, historical and social events. The Commission will organize one-day orientations for grantees arriving later in the fall or in the spring semester. 

If the grant starts in Romania, grantees will be required to attend a multi-day in-country orientation at the end of September/beginning of October.

Candidate Profile

Well-qualified candidates will be considered at all degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral), but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. Previous experience in the region is not considered a disadvantage. Ability to conduct independent, unstructured research with minimal oversight is crucial. Applications will be considered in fields related to Bulgaria and Romania, especially: European studies, East European studies, Balkan studies, Black Sea studies, political science, history, social sciences, classical studies, environment and sustainability, archeology and the arts. Previous experience in the region is not considered a disadvantage. Knowledge of regional languages is considered an advantage. 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application. Permanent residents are not eligible. Dual citizens are accepted.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

The dynamics of Romanian economy and society has been extraordinary in the last years – and trying to provide definitions and clues may prove very challenging. Reality is changing at a fast pace and these changes are sometimes difficult to keep track of. The changes are generally positive and tend to bring Romania closer and closer to Western standards.

Flexibility is certainly needed for grantees to adjust their lifestyles to the new environment. After the initial transition, you will probably surprise yourself by managing quite well. Do not let preoccupation with the minutiae of daily life hinder your work or prevent you from enjoying the charm and beauty of the country and its people. If you expect things to take a bit longer and not always be as you were used to, your adaptation will be easily carried out.

You may have to temper your professional expectations to conform to the bureaucratic realities here, resulting from the constant changes in legislation, administration, and even thinking, the country is undergoing at present.

Despite the necessary adjustments, living in Romania can be very rewarding and fulfilling. Romania is rich in things to see and do. You should try to make an effort, especially if you live in a city, to get out in the country to smaller towns and villages, where the pace of life is slower, and the people are usually more relaxed.

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.

Eligibility
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Special Application Instructions

In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name please select Bulgarian-Rom Grant from the drop down menu to be considered for this award. Select Bulgaria for Country 1 and Romania for Country 2 (regardless of which country you intend to visit first).

Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Bulgarian or Romanian proficiency is not required, but some study of Bulgarian and Romanian prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.

The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission offers an online summer course in Bulgarian language and culture, as well as an intensive language course during the September US grantee orientation. The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission also provides a one-time allowance of US$250 for Bulgarian language training during the grant period. 

Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
Yes
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
No
Affiliation
Independent Study/Research:
Letter required for independent study or research 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 Commission in Romania can assist candidates with affiliations but it is up to the candidate to secure a host institution/organization. Placements take place throughout Romania. 

 

The Fulbright Commissions in Bulgaria and Romania reserve the right to interview finalists via an online platform or by telephone.

 

Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition not covered in grant benefits

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.

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.

2,150 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

Romania

Useful information about the cost of living are provided by Cost of Living in Romania. Prices in Romania. Updated Feb 2024 (numbeo.com) 

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/

 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available

Dependent support is only available for the Romanian portion of the grant; 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
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://fulbright.ro
Grant Benefits

Travel and relocation allowance to cover Commission-approved international travel

Health benefit plan for grantees only 

Grant benefits while in Bulgaria:

•           A monthly stipend of $1,300

•           One-way airfare of $1000 (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)

•           Tuition fees for attending courses/lectures at a local university up to $750 (if applicable and for grantee only)

•           Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) Health Benefit Plan

 

*Dependent allowance not available

Grant Benefits While in Romania:

The standard grant benefits include the following (please note these may be subject to change):

  • Stipend – $2,150 per month (disbursed on a monthly basis in RON, based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)
  • One-way airfare – $ 900 
  • Relocation – $860
  • Research and book allowance – $250
  • Community integration allowance – $800 for Romanian language learning & specialized counseling 
  • Dependent Supplements:

o   Dependent allowance: $325 per month for one dependent / $425 per month for two or more dependents who accompany the grantee for at least 80 percent of the grant period (disbursed in RON based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)

 

Special Award Benefits in Romania

  • In-country work-related travel: The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission reimburses travel costs for active participation (e.g. as lecturer, speaker, consultant) in academic activities, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops organized by other universities in the Romania (depending on availability of funds).

Special Award Benefits in 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

 

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Mihai Moroiu: mihai.moroiu@fulbright.ro
Additional Online Resources
Overview of Romania: https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/romania_en
Higher education in Romania: https://studyinromania.gov.ro/hes
List of current U.S. Fulbright grantees in Romania: https://fulbright.ro/grants-for-us-citizens/current-grantees/
Testimonials by Fulbright grantees to/from Romania: https://fulbright.ro/alumni
Cost of Living in Romania: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Romania