Studying abroad can increase one’s understanding of others and oneself

Studying in university might not be something that everyone desires, but it is true that it opens life's horizons.

Considering the fact that Bulgarian experts and scientists are quite esteemed abroad, Bulgarian universities must offer good education. Still, currently more than 50 000 Bulgarian students are studying abroad.

Those who want to study abroad have three main options: to apply directly to the university they have chosen, to apply for some of the scholarships allocated for Bulgarian students under various programmes or to go on an exchange (study abroad).

After Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union on January 1 2007, it became easier for Bulgarians to enrol in universities in EU countries, as the students were already considered EU residents – hence, annual fees for them decreased and enrolment procedures became less complicated.

The governments of EU countries quite often announce scholarships for Bulgarians for bachelor’s degrees, but more often for master’s and post-graduate courses in various disciplines. Most recently, the Netherlands announced full one-year scholarships for a master’s course in public administration. Such scholarships may cover accommodation, university fees and sometimes travel expenses. France and Germany, too, granted scores of scholarships for university students from Bulgaria in 2008. Denmark also is an option, as education is free of charge and students can apply for various scholarships to cover their living expenses.

In some cases, application for a scholarship is made via the Bulgarian Education Ministry, as is the case with the most recent scholarships provided by Greece, Morocco and Belgium in accordance with their bilateral agreements with Bulgaria for co-operation in education. Slovenia and Russia also accept Bulgarian students via application processes through the Bulgarian Education Ministry.

The European Commission’s exchange programmes should not be underestimated as an option for studying abroad. Students in their bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes can apply for grants under the Erasmus programme, which is one of the sub-programmes of the EC’s Lifelong Learning Programme. Erasmus provides education in a university in the EU for a certain period, during which the student has the same rights as the students in the host university but pays the fees in the sending university. The grant given aims to compensate the difference in living standards of the sending and the receiving countries. Bulgaria, however, is the only country that does not provide additional state funding to Erasmus students. Erasmus grants can only be used once.

The other sub-programmes of the EC’s Lifelong Learning Programme are Comenius (for pre-university institutions), Leonardo da Vinci (for vocational education and training) and Grundtvig (for adult education).

If you have chosen to study in a university abroad and are wondering how to apply for it, you’d best check the websites of the university. These websites usually contain a rich base of information on the procedures and requirements specific to each university. Such information can differ from university to university in the same country.
For an Erasmus exchange, students should contact their own universities’ administration for the list of partner-universities.

Those who want to apply for a scholarship can contact the Education Ministry. The website of the ministry publishes various scholarship opportunities. Another option is to contact the St Cyril and St Methodius International Foundation.

Published as part of the Education in Bulgaria special feature of The Sofia Echo, May 23 2008