Non-degree research programs for doctoral students - Bulgarian citizens

NON-DEGREE RESEARCH PROGRAMS FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

The Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange administers non-degree research programs for doctoral students. Grants last up to one academic year and are awarded in open competition to Bulgarian citizens in all fields except clinical medicine and dentistry.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must have Bulgarian citizenship (green card holders and persons with double citizenship are ineligible).
• Applicants must be Ph.D. students.
• English language proficiency is required.
• Applicants should be under 40 years of age and in sound health.
• Candidates already studying in the U.S. are ineligible to apply for grants.

GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA

• Academic credentials, a minimum iBT TOEFL score of 81 p.
• Significance and feasibility of the proposed research.
• Necessity to undertake the project in the US.
• Plans for popularizing the research findings.
• Adaptability and personal suitability.
• Applicants should be representative and responsible citizens who contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture and civilization of Bulgaria.
• Preference is given to applicants who have not had a prior opportunity for studying in the U.S.

All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, and sex.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

• Applications are subject to pre-screening.
• Evaluation of projects is carried out by Fulbright alumni and leading Bulgarian and U.S. scholars in the respective fields. Emphasis is placed on feasibility, usefulness and potential contribution to the objectives of the program.
• Interviews of selected candidates are conducted by a binational nomination committee.
• Nominees are finally approved by FSB (Foreign Scholarship Board).

CHECKLIST

• Application form (Click here to download)
• Certified translation into English of verified copies of original academic transcript and first degree certificate.
• Official English translation of certificate for current academic status.
• Three references (Click here to download)
• Curriculum vitae
• A valid result from iBT TOEFL

The Fulbright Commission will advise applicants to submit a medical history and examination report if and when necessary.
A complete application set must be submitted in 3 identical copies.
All items should be translated into English.
Please send application sets only by mail to: Fulbright Commission, P.O. Box 288, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

PLEASE NOTE: 
As applications are not subject to return please use copies of official certified documents only. Finalists will present originals at request.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR AY 2010-2011: September 7, 2009.
Interviews of eligible candidates take place during the second half of September. Date and time are fixed.