Master's and Doctoral Studies – Options and Programs
American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) is a private university founded in 1991 in Blagoevgrad, offering an American-style liberal arts education. It is renowned for high academic standards, an international community (students from over 40 countries), and dual diplomas (American and Bulgarian/EU). The university has more than 1,000 students, emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and practical skills, with a mandatory semester abroad.
AUBG offers 13 undergraduate programs (Bachelor's, 4 years) and one master's program (Executive MBA, 16 months, 4 terms). All programs are taught in English, focusing on liberal arts, practical application, and international modules. There are no doctoral programs, but the master's is designed for working professionals with a flexible schedule (weekends/online components).
Faculty and Reputation
AUBG ranks #1 in Bulgaria for Business Administration, Journalism, and Mass Communication (Bulgarian University Rankings 2024), #2 for Economics and Computer Science. Globally, QS EECA #156, EduRank #13 in Bulgaria and #4303 worldwide. It boasts high employability (95% of graduates employed within 6 months, at companies like Google, Microsoft, PwC).
Interesting facts:
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Dual diploma (American + Bulgarian/EU) – opens doors for work in the EU and USA.
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Mandatory semester abroad at partner universities (over 50 in the USA, Europe).
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Small classes (average 20 students), personal mentors, and leadership focus.
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Campus in nature – near ski centers and national parks, with vibrant student life (over 50 clubs).
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Alumni network: Successful leaders in business, media, and politics worldwide.
Documentation for Enrollment and Study Costs
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High school diploma (for bachelor's) or bachelor's diploma (for master's), with transcript of grades and certified translation
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Passport (copy)
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Motivation letter / Essay (1–2 essays on personal goals)
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CV
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Recommendations (2 letters from professors or employers)
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Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 110+ or SAT/ACT)
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Optionally SAT/ACT results (optional but recommended for scholarships; minimum GPA 3.0/4.0)
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For master's: Minimum 3 years of professional experience, interview
Application online via Common App or AUBG portal.
Study costs (approximate for 2025/2026, international students):
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Undergraduate studies → €6,700 per semester (total ~€13,400 annually)
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Master's studies (EMBA) → about €15,000–20,000 total
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Additional: Student fee ~€320/semester, meal plan ~€150/semester, enrollment fee ~€500
Cost of living in Blagoevgrad:
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Accommodation: from €200–400 monthly (university dorms)
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Living costs (food, transport, insurance): approximately €300–500 monthly (total ~€3,000–4,000 annually)
Payment by bank transfer or online. Scholarships can cover up to 100% of costs.
Campus, Accommodation, and Food
High school diploma (for bachelor's degree) or bachelor's degree (for master's degree), with grade transcript and certified translation
Passport (copy)
Motivation letter / Essay (1-2 essays about personal goals)
CV
Recommendations (2 letters from professors or employers)
Proof of English proficiency ( TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 110+ or SAT/ACT )
Possibly SAT/ACT scores (optional, but recommended for scholarships; minimum GPA 3.0/4.0)
For Master's: Minimum 3 years of professional experience, interview
Application online via Common App or AUBG portal.
Study costs (estimated for 2025/2026, international students):
Undergraduate studies → €6,700 per semester (total ~€13,400 per year)
Master's studies (EMBA) → about €15,000–20,000 in total
Additional costs: Student fee ~320 €/semester, meal plan ~150 €/semester, enrollment fee ~500 €
Cost of living in Blagoevgrad:
Accommodation: from 200–400 € per month (university dormitories)
Living expenses (food, transport, insurance): roughly €300–€500 per month (total ~€3,000–€4,000 per year)
Payment by bank transfer or online. Scholarships can cover up to 100% of costs.
Enrollment Dates and Scholarships
The main AUBG campus is located in Blagoevgrad, with modern facilities in a quiet, green environment near the mountains – contemporary classrooms, laboratories, library, sports center, and artistic spaces. The campus is compact, with easy access to all amenities, ideal for student life with a focus on community.
Accommodation:
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Three residences (Skaptopara I, II, III) – luxury rooms (single/double, with bathroom, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, laundry); priority for first-year students. Prices ~€200–350 monthly (including utilities).
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Private accommodation – apartments in the city, from €150–300 monthly; the university helps with finding.
Food:
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Campus cafeteria with daily meals (fresh food, vegetarian options); The Hungry Griffin restaurant with international cuisine.
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Meal plan mandatory for residents (~€150/semester); surroundings full of cafes, restaurants, and farmer's market with affordable prices (food ~€150–250 monthly).
Student activities: Clubs, sports (soccer, basketball, hiking), events, and excursions.
Enrollment Dates and Scholarships
Enrollment deadlines:
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Undergraduate studies: Priority (January 15), Early (March 15), Regular (May 15) for fall semester; rolling for spring (February, applications until December).
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Master's (EMBA): Rolling admission throughout the year, main start in September (applications until June).
Early application recommended for scholarships and visa (for non-EU).
Scholarships and relief:
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Full scholarships (9 available) – 100% tuition for 4 years, based on merit and need.
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Merit-based – up to €3,500 annually for GPA 3.0+.
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Need-based – based on financial situation, for international students.
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Diversity/Georgi Sava Rakovski Scholarship – €3,500 for internationals with need.
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Scholarships for current students – additional based on merit.
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Application parallel with enrollment; priority for early applications. Most international students receive some discount (up to 50–80%).
UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
NAZIV | TRAJANJE |
|---|---|
Economics | 4 godine |
European Studies | 4 godine |
History and Civilizations | 4 godine |
Information Systems | 4 godine |