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
● Completed high school (certificates and diploma)
● Passport
● Evidence of language skills (for programs in English: IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo; for
Turkish: TÖMER)
● Letter of motivation ( preferred )
● Completed application form
Tuition:
● Basic studies in English: from 3,000 to 6,000 EUR per year
● Master studies: from 3,000 to 5,000 EUR in total
Accommodation:
In student dormitories - from 150 to 300 EUR per month
Cost of living:
average 300–500 EUR per month (food, transport, insurance)
Campus, Accommodation, and Food
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
NAZIV | TRAJANJE |
|---|---|
Foundation Program in Business with Academic English | 4 godine |
Hospitality & Tourism Management | 4 godine |
International Business | 4 godine |
Digital Business | 4 godine |
MASTER
NAZIV | TRAJANJE |
|---|---|
Artificial Intelligence for Business | 1 godina |
Business Analytics & Data Science | 1 godina |
Digital Marketing, Transformation & Design Thinking | 1 godina |
Fashion & Luxury Business | 1 godina |
Istanbul Aydin University -
– Summer / Winter School
Short intensive program that combines academic instruction with an unforgettable experience in Istanbul – the bridge between East and West. Held in summer (2 weeks late July/early August) and winter (2 weeks in January) on the modern campus of Istanbul Aydin University in Florya district, near the airport and city center.
Daily lectures and workshops in English (business, marketing, IT, medicine, culinary arts), weekend tours on the Bosphorus, visits to museums and bazaars, tasting Turkish cuisine, and socializing with students from around the world – all with Istanbul's energy, sun, sea, and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation option in student dormitories or hotels for complete immersion in Turkish culture.
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ABOUT THE COURSE AND TEACHING
Delightful Istanbul Summer School (2 weeks, usually late July – early August, e.g., July 26 – August 9, 2025) and Winter School (2 weeks, January) offer a choice of 10–12 courses (e.g., Brand Management, International Relations, Digital Marketing, Genetics, AI in Business). Instruction in English: 2–3 hours daily lectures + workshops, team work, readings. Credits (3–6 ECTS), transferable to home university. Small number of participants (min. 10 per course), experienced lecturers from IAU.
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CERTIFICATE
All participants receive an official certificate of attendance from Istanbul Aydin University (with ECTS credits). Additionally, for bonus cultural part – certificate after a short essay on the experience. Certificate recognized for credit transfer (depending on home university).
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BENEFITS AND PARTICIPATION
Quick credit acquisition, CV enhancement, international networking with students from around the world, practical knowledge + unforgettable experience in Istanbul. Ideal for summer/winter break with benefits – "study and fun". Easy departure (e-visa for most), airport close to campus.
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VISITS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The program includes weekend tours: Bosphorus cruise, historical peninsula, museum visits, bazaars, Turkish cuisine. Socializing with A-Team volunteers, intercultural exchange, excursions – all for better understanding of Turkish culture and fun.
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ABOUT THE CITY AND SCHOOL
Istanbul is a unique city on two continents — bridge between Europe and Asia, with rich history, Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, and vibrant life full of culture, food, and nightlife. Perfect for students: affordable, multicultural, with cheap transport and endless exploration opportunities.
Istanbul Aydin University (IAU) is a modern foundation university founded in 2007, with campus in Florya district (near airport and center). Known for Delightful Istanbul Summer School and Winter School programs for international students – combination of teaching, fun, and culture, with students from over 100 countries.
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ACCOMMODATION
The school assists with accommodation (not always included): student dormitories, hotels, or apartments near campus (from 500–800 € for the program). Options with breakfast, close to transport. Private accommodation in Istanbul affordable (300–600 €/month).
PRICE AND PAYMENT METHOD
Price varies by year and options (2025/2026 indicative 800–1,500 €, including teaching, materials, some tours; accommodation extra). Discounts for partners. Payment by bank transfer or online (details during application).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
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Passport Online application (contact Invest)
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Proof of student status (confirmation from home university)
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Proof of English (if needed, but most courses without strict requirement)
BASIC INFORMATION
Delightful Istanbul Summer School je popularan 2-sedmični program (obično kraj jula – početak avgusta, npr. 26. jul – 9. avgust 2026. ili slično za 2027.) koji kombinuje akademsku nastavu sa kulturnim iskustvom u Istanbulu. Namijenjen internacionalnim studentima, sa fokusom na "study & fun" – do 6 ECTS kredita, nastava na engleskom, mali broj polaznika i druženje sa studentima iz 30+ zemalja.
Winter School (npr. Delightful Antalya & Istanbul Winter School) traje 2 sedmice (obično kraj januara – početak februara, npr. januar 2026.), sa sličnim konceptom: nastava + ture po Antalya i Istanbulu, idealno za zimski odmor sa koristi.
Program postoji od 2014/2015, svake godine privuče 150–200 studenata iz cijelog svijeta. Kampus u Florya distriktu – moderan, blizu aerodroma i centra, sa lakim pristupom Bosforu i istorijskim lokacijama.
TRANSPORT AND ORGANIZATION
Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) – transfer possible for extra fee. Campus in Florya, easy access by metro/metrobus. Organization by IAU team: orientation, A-Team assistance, 24/7 support.