Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS are becoming very popular among international students who want an affordable European degree without taking expensive English tests. Bulgaria offers low tuition fees, low living costs, and many government and university scholarships. The best part is that many Bulgarian universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, previous English-taught education, or internal interviews instead of IELTS.

Many students think studying in Europe always requires IELTS. This is not true. In Bulgaria, several English-taught programs allow alternative proof of English. If your previous education was in English or you can pass a university assessment, you can still qualify for admission and scholarships.

If you plan carefully, prepare your documents, and apply early, you can win Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS and complete your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree with little or no financial burden.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means in Bulgaria

IELTS is not always mandatory

Most universities simply ask for proof of English proficiency. IELTS is only one option, not the only option.

Accepted alternatives

You can submit:

• MOI letter
• English-taught degree proof
• Duolingo or TOEFL (some programs)
• Internal interview or placement test

Language flexibility

Some programs are also offered in Bulgarian. In those cases, English tests are not required at all.

Why Study in Bulgaria?

• Affordable tuition
• Annual fees often range between €2,000 to €4,000.
• Low living costs
• Monthly expenses are much cheaper compared to Germany, France, or the Netherlands.
• EU degree
• Bulgarian degrees are recognized across Europe.
• High visa approval rate
• Student visas are easier compared to many Western European countries.

List of Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS

Below are 20+ scholarships and funding opportunities that international students commonly use. Most depend on university language policies rather than IELTS specifically.

1. Bulgarian Government Scholarship for International Students

Level: Bachelor/Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition waiver + monthly stipend
Without IELTS: MOI or university language proof usually accepted

2. Ministry of Education Merit Scholarship

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition reduction
Without IELTS: Based on university admission rules

3. State Academic Excellence Grant

Level: All levels
Funding: Monthly support for top students
Without IELTS: Depends on program language

4. University of Sofia Merit Scholarship

Level: Bachelor/Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition discount
Without IELTS: MOI or internal assessment accepted

5. University of Sofia Social Support Grant

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Living allowance
Without IELTS: Language proof handled by university

6. Technical University of Sofia Scholarship

Level: Engineering/IT programs
Funding: Fee waiver
Without IELTS: English interview often enough

7. Technical University of Varna Grant

Level: Engineering/Maritime studies
Funding: Partial tuition
Without IELTS: Alternative proof allowed

8. Medical University Sofia Scholarship

Level: Medicine/Dentistry/Pharmacy
Funding: Tuition reduction
Without IELTS: Entrance test or interview accepted

9. Medical University Plovdiv International Grant

Level: Medical degrees
Funding: Merit-based award
Without IELTS: Internal English exam

10. American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) Financial Aid

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Large tuition discounts up to full funding
Without IELTS: MOI or Duolingo accepted

11. New Bulgarian University Scholarship

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Merit aid
Without IELTS: English interview or MOI

12. Varna Free University Grant

Level: Business/IT/Law
Funding: Partial tuition
Without IELTS: Program-based language waiver

13. Plovdiv University Academic Excellence Scholarship

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Monthly stipend
Without IELTS: Alternative English proof

14. St. Kliment Ohridski Research Scholarship

Level: PhD/Research
Funding: Research support + stipend
Without IELTS: Supervisor approval

15. Erasmus+ Mobility Funding

Level: All levels
Funding: Study exchange support
Without IELTS: Depends on host university

16. Bulgarian Science Fund Research Grant

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Research funding
Without IELTS: Department-based language decision

17. Private Foundation Scholarships (local NGOs)

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial financial aid
Without IELTS: University rules apply

18. Regional Municipality Scholarships

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Local government support
Without IELTS: No separate IELTS requirement

19. Sports Achievement Scholarship

Level: All levels
Funding: Tuition discount
Without IELTS: Based on admission

20. Cultural Exchange Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial or full tuition
Without IELTS: Language intervie

21. Department Assistantship Positions

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Paid assistant jobs
Without IELTS: Supervisor approval

22. Work-Study Campus Grants

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Monthly wages
Without IELTS: No separate language exam

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose your level and program

Select Bachelor, Master, or PhD and decide your field.

Step 2: Shortlist universities

Find English-taught programs that accept MOI or alternatives.

Step 3: Confirm language policy

Email admissions and ask:
“Do you accept MOI instead of IELTS?”

Step 4: Prepare your documents

You usually need:

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• CV
• Recommendation letters
• MOI letter
• Financial proof

Step 5: Apply for admission first

Get accepted into the program before applying for scholarships.

Step 6: Apply for scholarships

Submit separate forms if required. Some are automatic.

Step 7: Prepare for interview

Some universities conduct online interviews to check English.

Step 8: Apply for visa

After acceptance and scholarship approval, start your visa process.

How to Get a Strong MOI Letter for Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS

Your MOI must include

• Full name
• Degree details
• Statement that studies were fully in English
• Official letterhead
• Stamp and signature
• Date and contact info

Weak or unclear letters often cause rejection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS

• Applying without checking language rules
• Always confirm first.
• Copy-paste SOPs
• Each scholarship needs a customized statement.
• Missing deadlines
• Bulgarian universities have strict timelines.
• Poor documentation
• Upload clear, correct PDFs.

Tips to Increase Your Chances for Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS

• Apply early
• Early applications get better consideration.
• Maintain strong grades
• Merit scholarships focus on GPA.
• Show leadership or activities
• Volunteer work improves your profile.
• Apply to multiple scholarships
• More applications mean higher chances.

Final Thoughts

Scholarships in Bulgaria Without IELTS provide an excellent chance for international students to study in Europe at a low cost without the stress of English tests. With affordable universities, flexible language requirements, and many scholarship options, Bulgaria is a smart choice for 2026. If you carefully prepare your MOI letter, choose the right universities, and apply on time, you can secure admission and funding successfully. Bulgaria may not be the first country students think about, but it is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly destinations in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)