Bulgaria 2016/17 - grants and loans

Student grants

Grants/scholarships are available to full-time students in all study cycles. They are distributed by higher education institutions based on their specific eligibility criteria. One type of grant must contain two indicators: academic performance and monthly income per family member of the student for the previous six months. From 2016, universities must also award merit-based grants – based only on academic performance. Grant amounts range from BGN 50 to 120/month, and in most cases are issued during 10 months. Starting from the second semester of the 2016/17 academic year, grant amounts shall range from BGN 70 to 150 per month. There is no support for part-time students.

Loans

Full-time first and second cycle students who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, less than 35 years old and have not interrupted their studies can apply for state guaranteed loans. The study loan may be equal to the tuition fee. The amount of loan to cover living costs is linked to the minimum wage. The interest rate cannot exceed 7 % at banks that have signed an agreement with the government. Repayment is due one year after graduation and must be completed in 10 years. No information is available on the percentage of students taking out the loan.