Are there scholarships for academic achievement?
All universities offer such a scholarship, but its amount and the conditions under which you receive it vary strictly from university to university.
Education abroad is quite expensive – how could I finance it, and can I get financial aid?
There are a number of countries where education is free – for example Denmark or Germany. Where it is not free, as in England or the Netherlands, there is the option of a student loan that covers the tuition fee/annual fee. Such loans have favorable repayment terms and are repaid only after you graduate. In a number of countries, students from the European Union are entitled to government subsidies and financial support.
In addition, every university offers various scholarships. (See question 4). Also, as a student you are allowed to work legally 20 hours a week during the academic year and 40 during vacations.
Claims that education abroad is expensive are greatly exaggerated, and every year new laws are passed aimed at making it more and more accessible to everyone.
(for more information on student loans, government subsidies and funding, come to one of our offices or call 0876 690 210)
What documents do I need to apply abroad?
A copy of your diploma, or an academic transcript if you have not graduated yet, a personal statement, a recommendation from a teacher and a language certificate. No university entrance exam!
What are the fees abroad for a bachelor's degree?
This depends very much on the country where you want to study. In Germany, for example, education is free, with a low semester fee of around €120-€250, which includes a semester pass for public transportation. In England, tuition is £9,000 per year, but the English government offers excellent student loan options that you start repaying only once you have graduated and earn over £21,000 per year. In Scotland, higher education is cheaper – £1,850 per year – and it can even be free, because the government provides non-repayable financial aid to students from the European Union. In the Netherlands, tuition is €1,950, and living costs are not particularly high either, unlike Denmark, where education is free but the cost of living is higher. In the Netherlands you are again entitled to a student loan, provided that you work at least 56 hours a month.
When should I start looking into opportunities for education abroad?
The ideal time to start asking questions about education abroad is as early as 11th grade, so that you have enough time to prepare. The most time-consuming part is getting a language certificate, especially if you need additional preparation. The best option is to get your language certificate before you start 12th grade. That way applying becomes easier and you don't worry unnecessarily.
Will my diploma be recognized in Bulgaria?
Education abroad is highly valued by Bulgarian employers and gives you a big advantage on the job market. Your diploma will be recognized not only in Bulgaria, but all over the world.
I'm already in 12th grade and still don't have a language certificate – is it too late to apply abroad?
No. You always have a chance. You can apply without having a certificate yet; the university then sends you a so-called "conditional offer", which states the certificate score required for you to be officially admitted to the university.
What scholarships are there?
Every university offers a large number of different scholarships. Usually, when a student shows interest in a particular university, we send an inquiry to the university about which scholarships they may qualify for. For example, University College London offers a special scholarship based on family income for students from Bulgaria and Romania.
What should I do if I don't know how to write a personal statement?
We advise you to write your personal statement with the help of an English teacher, and then we will review it and tell you what you could change to make it even more impressive and distinctive.
What will my monthly expenses be if I decide to study abroad?
This depends on many factors, such as the country, the city (small or large), how much you spend, etc. Expenses can range between €700 and €1500. The biggest expense is usually rent or the dormitory.