American University in Bulgaria
American University in Bulgaria - Need- and Merit-Based Financial Aid
Edit ScholarshipAmerican University in Bulgaria, a private institution, offers need- and merit-based financial aid to bachelor's students, including the Civic Medal worth USD 20,000 and the Presidential award starting at USD 50,000. Need-based aid requires the AFA by the annual filing date.
Overview
The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a private American liberal arts university located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. It offers need-based and merit-based financial aid to admitted undergraduate students, including several named awards that can substantially reduce or eliminate tuition costs. Because AUBG is a US-style liberal arts institution, its financial aid model is closer to what you would find at an American college than to a typical European scholarship programme.
Merit awards are considered automatically when you apply to AUBG — applying before the early deadline improves your chances of being considered. The named merit awards include the Presidential Scholarship (minimum USD 50,000) and the Civic Medal of Honor (USD 20,000 over the full course of study), which recognises young people who have worked to protect civic freedoms and democratic values. Need-based aid is determined separately through the Application for Financial Aid (AFA) and requires documentation of your family's financial situation.
The Civic Medal of Honor is notable because it can be combined with need-based aid or replaced by a full tuition scholarship depending on financial need. Receiving a Civic Medal nomination does not guarantee admission to AUBG — you must also meet admissions requirements and be accepted.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | American University in Bulgaria (private university) |
| Host Country | Bulgaria |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's |
| Value | Presidential Scholarship: minimum USD 50,000; Civic Medal of Honor: USD 20,000 over full study; merit scholarships up to 40% off tuition; need-based aid via AFA |
| Deadline | Annual; AFA by published filing deadline; early-deadline applicants automatically considered for merit awards |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open internationally |
| Official Website | AUBG Scholarships and Financial Aid |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
You must be admitted as an undergraduate (bachelor's) student at AUBG. Merit awards are based on your admissions application, including academic achievement, test scores where submitted, and the overall quality of your application. Specific GPA or test score thresholds for each award are set by AUBG's admissions office and may change from year to year.
Nationality Requirements
Financial aid at AUBG is open to international students from any country. AUBG enrolls students from across the world in its undergraduate programme.
Age & Other Requirements
For the Civic Medal of Honor specifically, you need to demonstrate work or advocacy that protects civic freedoms and democratic values. For need-based aid, you must submit the Application for Financial Aid (AFA) with financial documentation. The Civic Medal of Honor does not by itself secure admission — you must still go through the standard AUBG admissions process and be accepted.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Presidential Scholarship: minimum USD 50,000 in total funding
- Civic Medal of Honor: USD 20,000 over the full course of study; can be combined with need-based aid or replaced by a full tuition scholarship if financial need is demonstrated
- Merit scholarships: up to 40% reduction on tuition fees
- Need-based aid: determined by the AFA; covers a portion of tuition based on documented financial need
How to Apply
- Apply to AUBG before the early deadline. Applying by AUBG's early deadline automatically puts you in consideration for merit scholarships. The admissions application is the starting point for all merit awards.
- Submit the Application for Financial Aid (AFA) if you need need-based aid. The AFA requires documentation of your family's financial situation. File it by the published AFA deadline, which is separate from the admissions deadline.
- Prepare your Civic Medal of Honor submission if applicable. If you have been involved in civic activism, protection of democratic values, or advocacy for civic freedoms, include strong supporting material in your application. Check AUBG's current guidance on how to present this case within the admissions application.
- Complete the standard admissions process. Submit transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and any other materials required by AUBG admissions.
- Await your admissions and aid decision. AUBG will inform admitted students of their merit and/or need-based aid package as part of the admissions decision.
Required Documents
- Completed AUBG admissions application
- High school transcripts and diplomas
- Personal essays as required by the admissions application
- Recommendation letters (as specified by AUBG admissions)
- Application for Financial Aid (AFA) with supporting financial documentation, if applying for need-based aid
- Supporting materials demonstrating civic engagement or advocacy, if applying for the Civic Medal of Honor
Key Dates & Deadlines
AUBG sets annual early and regular deadlines for its admissions process. Applying by the early deadline maximises your merit scholarship consideration. The AFA for need-based aid has its own published filing deadline. Check the AUBG scholarships page each cycle for the current dates.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Apply early. Early-deadline applicants are automatically considered for merit awards, so meeting that deadline is worth the effort.
- If you are applying for the Civic Medal of Honor, document your civic work clearly and concretely. Vague references to democratic values are not as compelling as specific examples of actions taken.
- File the AFA even if you are unsure whether you qualify for need-based aid. AUBG determines aid amounts based on the submitted documentation, and not filing means not being considered.
- Treat the personal essays seriously. At a liberal arts institution like AUBG, the quality of your writing and thinking carries significant weight in both admissions and scholarship decisions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a Civic Medal of Honor nomination guarantees admission. You must still go through the full admissions process and be accepted.
- Missing the AFA deadline. Need-based aid requires a separate on-time filing; the admissions deadline does not cover the AFA.
- Not researching the Civic Medal of Honor criteria. The award is specific to civic engagement and the protection of democratic freedoms — generic community service does not necessarily qualify.
- Applying only after the early deadline and assuming you will still be considered for the full range of merit awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What merit scholarships does the American University in Bulgaria offer to international students?
AUBG offers the Presidential Scholarship (minimum USD 50,000), the Civic Medal of Honor (USD 20,000 over the full course of study), and merit scholarships of up to 40% off tuition. Need-based aid is also available through the Application for Financial Aid.
What is the Civic Medal of Honor at the American University in Bulgaria?
The Civic Medal of Honor is a named merit award worth USD 20,000 over the full course of study, given to young people who have worked to protect civic freedoms and democratic values. It can be combined with need-based aid or replaced by a full tuition scholarship if financial need is demonstrated.
Does receiving the Civic Medal of Honor at AUBG guarantee admission?
No. Receiving a Civic Medal of Honor nomination does not guarantee admission to AUBG. You must still apply and meet the university's admissions requirements.
Can I combine merit and need-based aid at the American University in Bulgaria?
The Civic Medal of Honor can be combined with need-based aid. Other merit scholarships are not generally described as combinable — check with AUBG's financial aid office for the current policy on combining awards.
How does AUBG determine need-based financial aid?
Need-based aid is determined through the Application for Financial Aid (AFA), which requires you to document your family's financial situation. Submit the AFA by the published filing deadline.
Is the American University in Bulgaria financial aid open to students from all countries?
Yes. AUBG enrolls students internationally, and both merit and need-based aid are available to international students regardless of nationality.
What is the Presidential Scholarship at the American University in Bulgaria?
The Presidential Scholarship is a merit award with a minimum value of USD 50,000. Details of eligibility and the application process are available on the AUBG scholarships page.
How much is tuition at AUBG, and what does a 40% merit scholarship save?
AUBG's financial aid page lists current tuition figures and what each scholarship level covers. Check aubg.edu/admissions/bachelors/cost-aid/scholarships/ for the latest tuition rates and scholarship values.
Does AUBG offer financial aid for master's or PhD students?
The need- and merit-based financial aid described here applies to undergraduate (bachelor's) students. AUBG's primary programme is its bachelor's degree. Check the AUBG website for any graduate-level funding opportunities.