Progress Women in STEM Scholarship Program (Bulgaria)

Deadline: 13-Apr-2026

The Progress Women in STEM Scholarship Program supports women pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields at public universities in Bulgaria. Selected recipients receive a one-time scholarship of EUR 1,600 to ease financial burdens and encourage academic and professional growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

Programme Overview

The scholarship aims to:

• Promote women in STEM fields at the undergraduate level

• Foster the next generation of leaders in technical disciplines

• Increase global representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

• Provide financial support to reduce barriers to academic and professional development

This program is non-renewable and awards a one-time scholarship of EUR 1,600 to selected recipients.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as women

• Enrolled in second, third, or fourth year of an undergraduate program at an accredited public university in Bulgaria

• Pursuing degrees in fields such as:

  • Computer Science

  • Software Engineering

  • Informatics

  • Applied Mathematics

  • Other related STEM fields

• Maintain a GPA of 4.50–6.00 over the previous two semesters or an equivalent academic performance

• Demonstrate financial need

• Participation in hackathons, Olympiads, or STEM-related extracurricular activities is considered an advantage

Scholarship Benefits

• One-time financial award: EUR 1,600

• Support for tuition and educational expenses

• Encouragement for academic and professional development in STEM

• Recognition of achievements in volunteering, mentorship, and community engagement, particularly in STEM initiatives

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application including:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements

2. Academic records from the previous two semesters

3. Copy of most recent tuition bill to demonstrate financial need

4. Essay (500–1000 words) addressing:

   • Passion for STEM and its origin

   • Future academic and professional goals

   • Contributions to others through volunteering, mentorship, or community engagement, especially in STEM-related initiatives

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate genuine passion for STEM through your essay and activities

• Highlight leadership or mentoring roles in STEM programs or communities

• Provide clear evidence of financial need with documentation

• Include participation in hackathons, competitions, or Olympiads to strengthen your profile

• Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and clearly presented

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing required documents

• Failing to demonstrate financial need

• Writing essays that do not clearly convey STEM passion or community impact

• Submitting unverified academic records

• Ignoring the GPA requirement or year of study eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible for the scholarship?

• Women in 2nd–4th year of undergraduate STEM studies at an accredited public university in Bulgaria with a GPA of 4.50–6.00.

2. What is the scholarship amount?

• A one-time, non-renewable award of EUR 1,600.

3. Can the scholarship be used for expenses other than tuition?

• Primarily for educational and tuition-related costs, though it can help alleviate general academic expenses.

4. Is participation in competitions or extracurriculars required?

• No, but hackathons, Olympiads, and STEM-related activities are considered advantageous.

5. How long should the essay be?

• Between 500–1000 words, focusing on STEM passion, goals, and community impact.

6. Can students from private universities apply?

• No, only students at public accredited universities in Bulgaria are eligible.

7. Is the scholarship renewable?

• No, this is a one-time scholarship.

Conclusion

The Progress Women in STEM Scholarship Program empowers women in Bulgaria to excel in STEM fields, alleviating financial barriers and fostering academic, professional, and community development. By rewarding merit, financial need, and engagement in STEM, the program contributes to greater gender diversity and leadership in technical disciplines.

For more information, visit Progress.