AUBG is committed to making it possible for every qualified student to afford an AUBG education. The University’s resources alone are not sufficient to provide full support for all students with need, but we will help every student identify the necessary resources, which will include family resources, loans, work-study, and work-travel programs. The Admissions Counselors can advise you on deadlines and application procedures for financial aid for entering students.
AUBG financial aid is based on both academic merit and financial need of the student. It covers a portion of tuition and remains the same percentage of tuition for the duration of the studies, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic performance. Only full-time degree-seeking students are eligible to receive financial aid. Financial aid awards are subject to a maximum of eight semesters of enrolment and are conditional upon good academic performance at AUBG.
Financial aid is based both upon merit and need, but the most important consideration is academic merit as reflected in the SAT scores. After the basic award has been determined based upon the SAT score, the Financial Aid Committee reviews carefully the demonstrated need indicated on the Application for AUBG Financial Assistance and may adjust the award upward or downward. Two students with the same SAT score, therefore, may have somewhat different awards because of difference in need.
The financial assistance application is available on the Apply page.
Scholarships are given by external agencies and donors who may set restrictions on eligibility, such as academic major or nationality. Scholarships may also have a higher CGPA requirement in order to keep the scholarship award. Scholarships may cover housing, student activity fee, food and textbooks in addition to tuition. Your admission letter will indicate what portion of your award consists of AUBG financial aid and what portion is in the form of scholarship support. Your letter will also include details of any other conditions of your award.
You can find current information about available scholarships for first year students here.
If you are interested in all available scholarships, visit our scholarships page.
Please, contact the Student Loan Office for up to date information.
Student Loan Office
Lyuba Tomova
Senior Student Loan Coordinator
Main Building, Room 109A
tel.: (+359 73) 888 311
fax: (+359 73) 888 152
e-mail: liubat@aubg.bg
Office Hours: 8AM – 5PM
Maria Lazarova
Student Loan Coordinator
Main Building, Room 102
tel.: (+359 73) 888 308
fax: (+359 73) 888 152
e-mail: mlazarova@aubg.bg
Full-time students are eligible for up to 360 hours per academic year. Payment is not made in cash but is credited to the student’s account. Recipients of full scholarships, part-time students, and dependents of employees are ineligible. Positions are posted with the Financial Aid Office at the beginning of each semester.
In addition to providing a way for students to fund their education, the Work Travel experience provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen language skills and gain international living and working experience.
Please, read through our Frequently Asked Questions section below for detailed information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Admissions Office.
Can I afford to attend AUBG?
AUBG is committed to making it possible for every qualified student to afford an AUBG education. The University’s resources alone are not sufficient to provide full support for all students with need, but we will help students identify the necessary resources which will include family resources, loans, work-study, and work-travel programs. The Admissions Counselors can advise you on deadlines and application procedures for financial aid for entering students. Higher education is one of the most important investments a family will make, and will provide a lifetime of dividends. Let us work with you to put an AUBG education within your reach.
How do I apply for AUBG financial aid?
At the same time you file your application for admission, you should fill out a request for financial aid through the Application for AUBG Financial Assistance. Financial aid is awarded based on both merit and need, so you will want to be as complete as possible on the financial aid form. About 60% of enrolled students receive AUBG institutional aid. There is a special first year only award for new students since after the first year most students have an opportunity to earn their tuition on the work-travel program. You will automatically be considered for named scholarships for entering students if you have submitted an Application for AUBG Financial Assistance
What is the difference between “financial aid” and a “scholarship”?
AUBG financial aid is based on both academic merit and financial need of the student. It covers a portion of tuition and remains the same percentage of tuition for the duration of the studies, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic performance. Only full-time degree-seeking students are eligible to receive financial aid. Financial aid awards are subject to a maximum of eight semesters of enrollment and are conditional upon good academic performance at AUBG.
Scholarships are given by external agencies and donors who may set restrictions on eligibility, such as academic major or nationality. Scholarships may also have a higher CGPA requirement in order to keep the scholarship award. Scholarships may cover housing, student activity fee, food and textbooks in addition to tuition. Your admission letter will indicate what portion of your award consists of AUBG financial aid and what portion is in the form of scholarship support. Your letter will also include details of any other conditions of your award.
Can I receive both financial aid and scholarships?
Yes, it is possible to receive financial aid and scholarships. Usually, scholarships are in addition to the AUBG financial aid or what is sometimes referred to as a “top off” grant.
How does the Financial Aid Committee determine the amount of AUBG financial aid a student receives?
First the Admissions Committee recommends the award of financial aid based on merit as indicated by SAT scores. Then the Financial Aid Committee reviews carefully the demonstrated need indicated on the Application for AUBG Financial Assistance and may adjust the award upward or downward. The goal of the Committee is to reward merit and also to address financial need. Two students with the same SAT and TOEFL scores may have somewhat different awards because of difference in need.
How is merit determined?
The Admissions Committee reviews test scores, secondary school performance, letters of recommendations, and your essay. A strong record in all aspects is important; however, since the SAT or ACT score provides the most reliable and comparable data on your potential to achieve at AUBG, is serves as the basis for the merit-based financial aid award.
How is need determined?
Financial need is determined through an analysis of the Application for AUBG Financial Assistance and the supporting documents submitted as part of the application package. The Admissions Counselors can explain what documents are required. The Financial Aid Office can answer all questions concerning your Application for AUBG Financial Assistance.
How can I be sure that the documents revealing the family income that I provide in support to my Application for AUBG Financial Assistance will be kept confidential by AUBG?
The information you provide is personal and is protected by the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law. AUBG is obligated to keep and use the documents solely to determine a grant amount for the prospective AUBG student.
Can I find out exactly how the Financial Aid Committee determined the amount of the award to me?
Since the information provided to us about family circumstances is strictly confidential, the deliberations of the Financial Aid Committee are not made public.
What can I and/or my family do to improve my chances for financial aid and a scholarship?
Preparing for and perform well on the required entrance tests, particularly on the SAT, is the most important variable in the financial aid process that you can control. It is also important that you fill out the Application for Financial Assistance Form completely and provide all of the necessary backup materials.
Are there any scholarships that are based solely on merit?
The Open Society Institute funds students of exceptional ability from particular countries. In the past, these were generally limited to just one per country. However, the Open Society Institute is also committed to enabling students with modest means to attend AUBG, so OSI funding now provides for partial awards so that more students can be supported. Some of the named scholarships, listed annually on the website and in recruiting materials, are funded by donors and give priority to merit. In most cases, the Admission Committee will recommend you for consideration if you are eligible, and there is no separate application for the scholarships.
Are there any scholarships that are based solely on need?
Some of the named scholarships, listed annually on the website and in recruiting materials, are funded by donors and give priority to need. Students who meet the admissions criteria and have submitted an Application for AUBG Financial Assistance will automatically be considered for the scholarships.
Do I have to pay back the financial aid or scholarships that I receive?
All AUBG financial aid and most scholarships do not need to be paid back. The Open Society scholarship must be repaid only if you leave AUBG before graduation. The Zamphiroff scholarship is for students who remain after graduation to work in Bulgaria, and, therefore, the award is given as a forgivable loan. If the student decides not to stay and work in Bulgaria for the required period of time, a pro-rated portion of the loan must be repaid over a period of five years. In both cases, you will be asked to sign an agreement which explains all conditions of the award at the time the award is offered.
In addition to financial aid from the University, what other sources of funding are available?
Students are eligible for scholarships, loans, and work study, in addition to AIBG financial aid. Many AUBG offices hire students for Work Study positions that allow students to work up to 360 hours per academic year. Work-study is not guaranteed but depends upon the positions available. Most students take advantage of summer Work & Travel programs and paid internships after their first year. Many students find that the money that they earn on Work & Travel will pay the entire cost of their education for that year. Bank loans offer another option for families.
Am I eligible for these other sources of funding even if my family does not qualify for need-based aid?
All students are eligible for bank loans based upon their status as full-time students. In addition, there are no restrictions for participation in summer Work & Travel programs if you are a continuing student.
Do I have to pay back loans that I take out?
If you take a bank loan, the terms for repayment will be included in your agreement. The Student Loan Coordinator can give you information on what loans are available to AUBG students and how to apply for them. Please also check the www.aubg.bg/loans website for most up-to-date information on available loan programs.
Must I maintain a certain academic GPA average in order to keep my financial aid award?
Because AUBG financial aid is awarded for academic merit as well as financial need, AUBG reviews the academic performance of all students after every semester. Students who consistently maintain a grade point average above 2.5 on a 4.0 scales are guaranteed that their financial aid will be maintained. Most students meet this standard. Students with poor academic performance receive written warnings that they must improve their grades to safeguard their financial aid. Students who have been awarded scholarships that require a higher GPA, such as Open Society awards, will need to meet a higher standard.
If I lose my financial aid because of poor performance, can I get it back at a later time?
AUBG Financial Aid awards are adjusted only after four semesters and several warnings. If at that point you do not meet the academic requirements, you will not be able to get your award back. Similarly, if you do not maintain the required academic performance for scholarships or drop below full time status, you will lose the award and cannot get it back at another time.
If I did not qualify for merit financial aid as a first year student, are there any sources of merit financial aid if I do well at AUBG?
There are several competitive scholarships for upper class students that are based on merit. The latest information on scholarships along with the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply, are posted on the Admissions website. These scholarships are made available through the generosity of external donors, companies, alumni and other friends of AUBG. The number of awards varies from year to year. The applications are typically due after the fall break for the Spring semester and after the spring break for the fall semester. In addition, a small amount of AUBG additional financial aid is available to recognize students with exceptionally good academic performance after four semesters. You do not need to apply for these awards.
What happens to my financial aid if tuition or other expenses increase?
AUBG adjusts financial aid awards proportionately with tuition increases. However, you should plan on increases in housing, books, food and other expenses. The document you receive with your letter of acceptance outlines the anticipated costs of your education for the four years so that you can plan accordingly.
What happens to my financial aid if I do not finish in four years?
Financial aid covers 8 semesters of full-time study. If you decide to take a semester off for an internship or to work, you will still be eligible for 8 semesters of financial aid. If you go on an exchange program such as Erasmus, that semester or year is supported and counts in your 8 semesters of study. It is very important to take a full load and receive prior approval to transfer the courses back to AUBG so that you can continue your progress toward the degree. Students who drop courses or fail courses and take an extra semester to complete the degree cannot expect to have financial aid for that additional semester.
What options are there if my family’s financial situation changes during my time at AUBG?
AUBG does not increase a student’s financial aid after initial enrollment. Student appeals will be reviewed only after two completed semesters at AUBG. To request a review of your situation you can fill out another Application for AUBG Financial Assistance and submit it along with the required documents. The University does maintain a “hardship fund” to provide a small amount of aid to a student in an emergency, usually a one-time grant for one or two semesters and dependent upon available funds. Cases of severe hardship include, but are not limited to, grave events such as severe illness of one or both of the parents. In addition, there are a few scholarships available for continuing students, and bank loans are always an option. Usually upper class students are able to work during the summer and support their own education.
If I do not apply for financial aid at the time of application to AUBG, can I receive financial aid after the first year if I have an excellent GPA?
No, but you are eligible for loans and work study opportunities. Financial Aid is determined on a rolling basis at the time of application. Some scholarships may be available once a student matriculates.
How do I apply for an on-campus job?
At the beginning of each semester, work study positions are posted outside the Financial Aid Office listing the positions available, type of work, required skills, and hourly rate. Students are limited to working 360 hours per academic year. Students find positions as varied as working in the library, developing web sites, tutoring in accounting, and helping faculty with research projects. Students are often invited to apply for a specific position because of their advanced skills in writing, photography, computing, and mathematics. Many students are able to find a work-study position that complements their academic and career interests.
Can the University help me apply for a summer job?
The Career Center has a variety of services to help students identify what kind of work they would like to do and how to go about applying. For example, the staff can help you prepare a resume and learn interview skills. The Career Center also regularly posts internships and other job opportunities. Several of the Work & Travel companies come to campus each year during the fall semester and provide full information about how to secure summer Work-Travel employment.
What types of loans are available?
Please check our web site at www.aubg.bg/loans for updated information regarding available student loans and procedures for application.
Can I apply for the Bulgarian Government-guaranteed student loans for EU students to finance my education at AUBG?
Raiffeisenbank, DSK Bank and Allianz Bank provide government-guaranteed loans with fixed interest of 7% per year for Bulgarian and EU students in all accredited universities in Bulgaria up to the full amount of tuition. Please check the AUBG website at www.aubg.bg/loans for the most recent information and details on these loans.
Can I change banks once I sign up with one bank?
Yes, you could change the bank that you have initially selected. You should always review the available offers.
As a U.S. citizen, am I eligible for U.S. Student Loan programs?
Currently, American undergraduates studying at foreign institutions are not eligible for Pell grants or Stafford loans. You may find that a home equity loan or other type of loan from a bank in your home town will provide some of the support you need. You are also eligible for AUBG financial aid on the same terms as other first year students. U.S. students who come for one semester or a year of study abroad will want to work with their home institutions to be sure their financial aid can be used.
If I have served in the U.S. military am I eligible for the G.I. loan program?
Yes, AUBG is currently listed among the institutions at which you can use your benefits.
How do I apply for a Work & Travel program?
There are many companies that sponsor Work & Travel programs to the U.S. and the U.K. Although the programs are not sponsored by AUBG, the companies will come to campus to present information on their program. The sponsoring company will help with visa requirements and locating a job. Most students also ask upper classmen about their experience to get ideas about which Work & Travel company can meet their needs. In some cases, students arrange their own positions directly based on contacts made the previous summer. Almost all AUBG students in good academic standing are able to get the appropriate visa. Financing may be available for Work & Travel program for Bulgarian students only. Check www.aubg.bg/loans for details.
Can I use my financial aid if I decide to go abroad for a year of study?
No, financial aid stays with AUBG. However, you are eligible for some support under the Erasmus program. And you may find that the institution where you are going has financial aid for visiting international students.
Does it make any difference when I apply for financial aid?
AUBG has rolling admissions and a limited amount of AUBG financial Aid. As a result, applicants before March 1 and for fall admission are likely to receive a more favorable financial aid package.
When should I start preparing the documents revealing the family income that I provide in support to my Application for AUBG Financial Assistance?
All certificates and other documents should be for the most recently completed 12- month period as of the time of application for admission. For fall semester applicants it is necessary to start preparing all documents supporting the Application for Financial Assistance in time to meet the early deadline March 1, or the regular deadline, June 1. For spring semester you should be able to present all financial documents by October 1 (for non-EU students) or November 1 (for EU students).
