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International Scholarships for Bulgarian Students
ASSIST connects exceptional students from Bulgaria with top private high schools in North America through competitive, international, one-year scholarships. Our Bulgarian-based Program Coordinator guides Bulgarian families through the application and interview process, and later serves as a valuable guide as they are expertly placed at a member school. ASSIST's global team also offers comprehensive cultural preparation and support throughout the student's exchange year.
ASSIST Scholars from Bulgaria turn their scholarship year into a launchpad for university success, career advancement, and lifelong global leadership.
Upcoming Events
Please join Bulgarian Program Coordinator Dr. Lydia Dachkova for an information session where you can learn much more about our program and have your questions answered.
Virtual Information Sessions
6:30 pm, 6 October 2025 – Register
6:30 pm, 20 October 2025 – Register
6:30 pm, 3 November 2025 – Register
6:30 pm, 20 November 2025 - Register
Application Process for 2026/27 Scholarships
We are primarily seeking students for placement in U.S. Grade 11. We also have a limited number of opportunities for exceptionally strong applicants interested in Grade 12 or postgraduate positions.
The application for the 2026-27 school year is open. Follow the steps below to apply:
- Complete the online application and submit a copy of your academic transcript via the ASSIST application portal by December 1. A $35 U.S. application fee is required to submit your application. Shortly after, we will review all submissions and inform candidates who will advance to the next step.
- Those asked to advance will be required to submit three teacher recommendations, informal photos, and a short statement from a parent or guardian in the same application portal. Additionally, if your first language is not English, you will be invited to take the Duolingo English Test. These materials are needed as soon as possible, but no later than December 21. We will use these materials to determine our Scholarship Finalists
- Scholarship Finalists will be invited to an interview with members of the ASSIST U.S. team in January
- Finalists will be notified of the outcome in February.
English Language Testing
Scholarship Finalists will be invited to complete a Duolingo English Test.
Dr. Lydia Dachkova will send you a prepaid test coupon code.
Once you have your code, please visit https://englishtest.duolingo.com/home and select:
- Try taking a practice test prior to taking the actual test by selecting "Practice Free"
- Return to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/home and select Purchase a Test
- Select Test Option 1 for a single test
- Enter your email address, country and postal code
- Select Apply Coupon Code in the box to the right of the credit card information. Do NOT enter your credit card information if you are using a prepaid coupon code from ASSIST.
- Enter Coupon Code
Interviews and Decisions
Scholarship Finalists will be invited to an interview. Interviews for Bulgaria candidates will be held in January. A team from the U.S. will interview students in small groups. The interview is fairly informal and is a chance for us to get to know applicants better and help find the right school for each.
The Admission Committee makes scholarship decisions in January and February and will inform every applicant of the outcome.
We wish you luck and hope to meet you. If you have any questions, contact Bulgarian Program Coordinator, Dr. Lydia Dachkova at lydia.dachkova@gmail.com.
ASSIST Scholarships
Every ASSIST Scholar receives a scholarship for their year abroad. This scholarship grants each student access to a leading private American high school. In addition, students become lifelong members of ASSIST, forming worldwide connections and joining an extraordinary network of over 6,300 accomplished alumni.
Scholarships from Our Partners, Available Through ASSIST
HMC Projects Scholarships in the U.K.
Our Bulgarian partner, The Bulgarian Reading Association, works with both ASSIST and HMC Projects, a UK organization that offers scholarships to private boarding schools. This unique alignment means students can apply for both our program and the HMC scholarship.
Estimated Expenses for Bulgarian Students and Families
Expected Family Contribution for School Tuition:
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- Sanderson Scholarship: 0%
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- Lindfors Scholarship: 50% or less of full tuition
ASSIST Program Fee
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- Sanderson Scholarship: $15000 (need-based financial help available)
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- Lindfors Scholarship: $37000 U.S. (includes school tuition)
Additional Expenses:
For both scholarships, families are responsible for:
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- Travel and insurance
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- Visa application
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- Member school fees
Need-based Program Fee Reductions for Sanderson Scholarships
ASSIST strives to meet demonstrated financial need and to make this transformative experience accessible to every deserving ASSIST Scholar, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Empowering Bulgarian Students Since 1993
Our work in Bulgaria began in 1993. Since then, many talented students have distinguished themselves at American private high schools, benefiting from the opportunities provided through our program.
To date, over 6,300 scholars from over 80 countries have completed this transformative exchange year in North America and joined our global alumni network.
Our Trusted Partner
It is through the generosity of the The Ranch Spur Charitable Trust and many other American donors that ASSIST Bulgaria is made possible. Their support enables outstanding international students to access this life-changing opportunity, foster cultural exchange and help build a diverse community of future global leaders. We recognize and deeply appreciate their generosity in empowering the next generation through the transformative work of ASSIST.
Please go to the BulRA website for more about this generous opportunity.