Scholarships in Bulgaria for Indian Students: Eligibility, Types & Application
Your search to find a good scholarship ends here! We believe your education should never remain a dream just because of the budget. Every student and every parent wants to know if there is a way to study abroad without a heavy financial burden. If you are also looking for scholarships in Bulgaria for Indian students, then this guide is for you.
We will take you through the types, eligibility and application process, along with simple tips that can improve your chances of getting one.
Continue reading to explore everything you need to know.
Types of Scholarships Available in Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers different types of scholarships for students at various levels. Each type has its own purpose and benefit, so here are the categories:
- Government scholarships: The Government of Bulgaria offers a specific number of seats to international students every year. These Government scholarships in Bulgaria can reduce your tuition fee or give you a monthly amount for daily expenses.
- University scholarships: Many universities offer their own financial awards to attract talented students. University scholarships in Bulgaria usually give you a fee waiver or a fixed discount on your yearly tuition.
- Merit scholarships: These are awarded to students who score high marks or hold strong achievements. These merit scholarships in Bulgaria can reward your hard work with a lower tuition fee.
- Need based scholarships: These are meant for students who require financial assistance to continue their studies. They reduce the cost of your degree and make your education more affordable.
- Erasmus+ exchange grants: Once you enrol in a Bulgarian university, you can choose to study a semester at a partner university in another European country. Erasmus scholarships in Bulgaria will give you a monthly grant to cover your travel and stay.
- PhD and research funding: Some universities fund doctoral students through research projects. It can cover a part of your study and living costs while you work on your research.
Most of these scholarships only cover one part of your expenses while others are fully funded scholarships. The seats are limited, so you can apply to more than one option to improve your chances.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Bulgaria
As the name suggests, a fully funded scholarship is a type of complete grant that covers all your major expenses together, such as tuition fees, accommodation, travel or living allowance. These scholarships are very rare and highly competitive, as a large number of students apply but only a few of them receive the full benefit.
If you are also looking for fully funded scholarships in Bulgaria, then it is mandatory to have a strong academic record and a complete set of documents. It is definitely possible to get one, as the Bulgarian government, the American University in Bulgaria and Erasmus Mundus programmes offer such opportunities to deserving students. However, the competition is extremely high, so you can also apply for partial scholarships along with this.
What Do Scholarships in Bulgaria Cover?
Every scholarship has its own purpose to provide financial relief, such as tuition fees, travel cost, books and others. The exact coverage will depend depend on the type of scholarships in Bulgaria you choose, so here are certain ways in which you can use one:
- Tuition fees: This is one of the main and primary benefits of a scholarship. It provides fee waivers which can partially reduce the tuition fee. It can also cover the full tuition fee or a one time grant.
- Travel expenses: It is a special grant given to students to cover their cost of travel through airfare, train tickets or local transit.
- Living expenses: Some scholarships also help you with day to day living costs, including housing, food or accommodation. This can help you stay comfortably within a modest budget.
- Books and study material: It is included to manage the high cost of textbooks and other supplies. It is open to students with financial need or academic talent.
- Health insurance: Some scholarship schemes also include health insurance. It gives you medical support during your stay in Bulgaria.
- Other financial support: A few scholarships offer extra allowances depending on the programme or the funding scheme. It can support needs like research work or study related activities.
If you are looking at scholarships in Bulgaria for Indian students, it is best to read the benefits of each one carefully before you apply.
Can Indian students Apply for Scholarships in Bulgaria?
Yes, Indian students can apply for scholarships in Bulgaria. International students from different countries can also apply, as long as they meet the conditions set by the scholarship provider. Here are the students who can usually apply:
- If you plan to start your bachelor’s degree right after 12th, you can apply for bachelor scholarships in Bulgaria offered by universities.
- If you want to continue with a master’s degree, you can apply for master’s scholarships in Bulgaria. Show your bachelor’s marks and motivation letter to evaluate your profile.
- If you plan to do a doctoral degree, you can look for PhD scholarships in Bulgaria. These are usually linked to a research project or a department at the university.
- If you score well in their previous studies or hold awards and certificates, you can apply for merit based scholarships.
- Those students who require financial assistance to continue their studies can apply for Need based scholarships. You may need to submit your family income details.
- Once you join a Bulgarian university, you can also apply for the Erasmus+ exchange grant to study for a semester in another European country.
Documents Required for a Bulgaria Scholarship
Every scholarship asks for a set of documents and basic details to evaluate your eligibility. The exact documents required for a Bulgaria scholarship depend on the scholarship provider, but here are the most common things you must keep ready:
- Passport copy: It is the primary and mandatory document that verifies your identity and matches it with your legal citizenship.
- Academic records: Your school certificate or mark sheet is required to check if you meet the minimum cut off for scholarship eligibility in Bulgaria. It also confirms its authenticity.
- Admission or offer letter: The provider asks for it to confirm that the university has selected you for a suitable course before giving you an award.
- Motivation letter: It is a short letter where you can explain your goals and the reason you want to study in Bulgaria. It allows the committee to evaluate your personality and vision.
- Letter of recommendation: Apart from mark sheets, it acts as a secondary evaluation from a teacher or a professor. It lets the committee know an honest opinion about you.
- Resume or CV: A one page resume can be helpful to review all your qualifications. It also highlights your strengths and key activities.
- Certificates of achievement: You can also present your prestigious awards or certificates, as they act as a concrete proof and validate your academic performance. It adds an additional advantage when you apply for merit scholarships in Bulgaria.
- Proof of financial need: If you apply for a need based scholarship, you need to submit your family income details or an income certificate. It shows that you require financial assistance to continue your studies.
Every scholarship also has its own Bulgaria scholarship requirements, so it is good to read the checklist of each one carefully.
Want help in arranging your papers? Reach out to us today.
How to Apply for a Scholarship in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian scholarship application process can be crucial and competitive that requires careful attention, so it is best to go through it step by step. If you want to study in Bulgaria with a scholarship, here is the process you can follow:
- Start with the scholarships offered by the Bulgarian government, the universities and Erasmus+. Compare their benefits and shortlist the ones that match your course and your level of study.
- Every provider sets its own conditions, such as minimum marks or a specific degree level. It is good to confirm your eligibility before you begin to fill the application.
- Some university scholarships may also ask for an admission or offer letter, so try to first secure your seat in the course you want.
- Arrange all your documents such as passport copy, academic records, motivation letter, recommendation letter and resume according to the checklist of the provider.
- Explain your goals honestly and write why you want to study in Bulgaria. It is your chance to introduce yourself in your own words.
- Enter your details correctly and attach every document the provider asks for. Re-check before you submit to avoid any unnecessary mistakes that can delay the application.
- The Bulgaria scholarship deadlines 2026–27 are usually earlier than the main admission dates, so you can start your preparation well in advance.
- The provider reviews all applications and informs the selected students by email. Some providers may also call you for a short interview, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Note: Scholarship in Bulgaria has limited seats
so you can apply to more than one scholarship to improve your chances.
Not sure where to begin your scholarship application? Talk to our team today and we will guide you.
Scholarship Deadlines in Bulgaria 2026–27
The Bulgaria scholarship deadlines 2026–27 for government scholarships in Bulgaria are usually around March to June, which comes before the main admission dates. University scholarships in Bulgaria usually follow the same months or open along with the admission form for the autumn intake. However, Erasmus+ grants are usually once or twice in a year.
How to Get a Scholarship in Bulgaria?
The chance of getting a scholarship in Bulgaria is competitive as it includes a limited number of seats but here are a few smart steps that can improve your chances. Here are some ways you can follow:
- Maintain good marks: Universities in Bulgaria mainly look at your academic record first, so a good percentage in Class 12 or your bachelor’s degree can give you a solid advantage.
- Choose the right scholarship: Read the benefits and eligibility of each option and choose a suitable one that matches your course, your level of study and your profile.
- Apply early: Always apply on time as some scholarships may consider early bird application. This can also give you enough time to prepare every document without any rush.
- Build your profile: If you have awards, certificates or any internships experience then add it to your application, especially for merit scholarships in Bulgaria
- Ask for a strong recommendation letter: Choose a teacher or professor who knows your work well, as their honest opinion adds trust to your profile.
- Apply to more than one scholarship: Seats are limited, so applying to several options can give you better chances. You can also look at Erasmus scholarships in Bulgaria once you enrol in a university.
Every scholarship has its own selection process and no one can promise a result but if you are well prepared and honest, it can give you the best response. If you are exploring scholarships in Bulgaria for Indian students, start your preparation early and build your profile step by step.
Want a second opinion on your application? Reach out to us today
If you are an Indian student who dreams of a European degree, then scholarships in Bulgaria can make that dream much more affordable. Every scholarship has its own benefits from a fee waiver to a monthly allowance but a strong academic record can improve your chances. If you want to study in Bulgaria with a scholarship, you can start early and apply to more than one option.
Your scholarship journey begins with one step. Talk to our team today and let us help you take it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Indian students can apply for scholarships in Bulgaria. They need to meet the eligibility criteria of the scholarship provider.
Yes, but they are rare and highly competitive. The Bulgarian government, the American University in Bulgaria and Erasmus Mundus programmes offer such opportunities.
International students usually pay tuition fees. A fully funded scholarship can cover most of your costs, but only a few students receive it.
You usually need a passport copy, academic records, an admission or offer letter, a motivation letter, a recommendation letter and a resume. Some scholarships also ask for proof of financial need.
Yes, you can apply for bachelor scholarships offered by universities. Your Class 12 marks play an important role here.
Yes, some universities and research projects offer funding for master’s and PhD students. The seats are limited, so you can check the details with your university.
Some universities accept their own English test or a preparatory course instead of IELTS. You can check the language rule of each scholarship before you apply.
The deadlines are usually earlier than the main admission dates, so you can start your preparation in advance. Each provider announces its own last date.
No, you usually need to apply for a scholarship separately. Admission alone does not give you the benefit.
Last Updated: October 16, 2026
