American University in Bulgaria
Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
1991
Established
Private liberal arts university
Institution Type
US & EU education
Study Strength
Overview
About American University in Bulgaria
The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a private, English-language liberal arts university in Blagoevgrad. Founded in 1991, it offers a US-style residential education and graduates receive both an American-accredited diploma and a Bulgarian-recognised European diploma.
Why Choose
Why This University?
- Entire undergraduate curriculum taught in English
- Dual US and Bulgarian/European degree recognition
- International residential campus representing more than 40 nationalities
- Degrees follow Bulgaria’s place in the European Higher Education Area where the institution and programme hold current accreditation
- International support is available for admission, document recognition, and visa preparation
- Erasmus+ or other European mobility may be available by programme
1991
Established — US & EU education
Financial Aid
Scholarships & Awards
Merit Scholarships
AUBG offers competitive merit awards based on academic achievement and the strength of the admission application.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Eligible degree applicants may submit financial information for institutional need-based support.
Named Awards
Donor and regional scholarships support selected students; AUBG reports that a large majority of bachelor’s students receive some scholarship support.
What You Need
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
- Recognised secondary school diploma that permits university entry in the country of award
- Diploma and transcript must normally be legalised and officially translated into Bulgarian
- Programme prerequisites may include mathematics, science, a portfolio, or an entrance examination
Postgraduate
- Recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Legalised degree certificate, transcript, and academic-recognition documentation
- Some programmes request a CV, motivation letter, references, or professional experience
Non-EU Application & Visa
- Valid passport, medical certificate, photographs, and completed application
- University and Bulgarian Ministry of Education approval precede the Type D visa process
- After arrival, students complete address registration and residence-permit formalities
Language
English Proficiency Requirements
Language of Instruction
- Applicants demonstrate strong English proficiency through accepted tests or qualifying prior education; competitive admission also considers academic performance and application essays.
- An internal university language examination may be available when an external certificate is not supplied
- The exact language and minimum score must be verified for each programme
Preparatory Study
- A one-year Bulgarian language and specialised-subject course is common for Bulgarian-taught degrees
- Preparatory English may be available at selected institutions
- Language completion requirements form part of enrolment and visa compliance
Costs
Tuition Fees
International Tuition
- AUBG publishes its own tuition and residential charges; the net cost varies substantially after scholarships and financial aid.
- Fees can differ for EU and non-EU citizens, language, subject, and study mode
- Use the university’s formal invoice and current annual fee schedule for budgeting
Living & Additional Costs
- Typical living costs are approximately €400–€700 per month depending on city and accommodation
- Budget separately for application, recognition, translation, visa, insurance, and residence fees
- Student accommodation may reduce costs where university housing is available
Programmes
Available Courses
Explore a selection of programmes available at this university for international students.
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