Explore AUBG

AUBG is a premier university in Central and Eastern Europe offering outstanding American-style education recognized in both the U.S. and the EU.

Plan for growth and development Campus Master Plan

AUBG Quick Facts

Students

Number of AUBG Students in Spring 23 1046
Undergraduate Students 987
Graduate Students 59
Nationalities Represented on Campus 44

Academics

Number of Faculty 104
Number of Majors Offered 14
Number of Minors Offered 21
Average Class Size 23

Graduation Rate 84%
Financial Aid Each Year $4.8M
Students Receiving Financial Aid 81%
Retention Rate After the First Year 98%

Why AUBG

AUBG puts you in the center

At AUBG you'll find an exceptional blend of world-class education accredited in both the U.S. and the EU, all within a small, tight-knit community. Our modern campus is the perfect backdrop for your academic journey. The direct contact between students, professors, and staff foster a supportive and personalized experience.

Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to begin a successful international career, launch your own business, or continue your studies in a top university.

AUBG is where academic excellence meets a close-knit community, ensuring your path to success is both rewarding and unique.

The one-of-a-kind liberal arts educational system at AUBG puts you at the center and gives you countless opportunities for growth and success. With top professors coming from five continents, small class sizes, a practice-oriented curriculum, and a variety of majors and minors, you devise your own curriculum and focus on the things you are most passionate about. Upon graduation, you receive an international diploma accredited in both the U.S. and the EU.
Life’s never boring on the AUBG campus. Within our small community of only 1200 students, you can choose from over 30 student clubs and attend an array of events and conferences with international speakers on campus. At AUBG, you live and study in state-of-the-art facilities, including one of the largest English-language libraries in South-East Europe, a gym, a running track, a Mac lab, and specialized rooms. You get to make friends and share experiences with some of the brightest students coming from over 40 countries from near and far.
And for when you want to explore your surroundings, Blagoevgrad offers a number of cafes and restaurants, hiking trails and a historical district. Meanwhile, the capital Sofia is just an hour drive away, Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia are just around the corner and most European capitals are on a short flight distance from the capital.
Upon graduation, you join a united international alumni network that strives to make a difference in the region and the world. Our graduates go on to study at some of the best universities in the world like Harvard, MIT and the London School of Economics, work for companies like Google, BBC and Unicef, or establish their own successful businesses.

Diversity

With students from 40 different countries and faculty from 5 continents, being part of AUBG feels like traveling around the world.

We take diversity seriously at AUBG: our unique position as a global university in one of Europe’s most ancient civilizations gives us a point of view you won’t find elsewhere.

Back in 1991, it all started with one international student from Norway - Kasra Mottahedeh. Nowadays, AUBG is home to some of the brightest students from over 35 countries.

Diversity

Mission

Our Mission

AUBG Mission Statement

Educating Democratic Citizens for Leadership, Service, and Personal and Professional Success

Vision

Our Vision

Our Aspirations for the Next Five Years

Located in the Balkans but with broad international reach, AUBG will provide students with a compelling mix of curricular and co-curricular experiences that teach them the flexibility, curiosity, and versatility to meet the challenges of our fast-changing world.

By emphasizing strong intercultural experiences, as well as an invigorating entrepreneurial spirit, AUBG will provide graduates with the tools to succeed personally and professionally and ethically in whatever endeavors they choose to pursue.

AUBG will expand its reach by taking advantage of new educational technologies and a strong distance-learning program, increasing enrollment, enhancing its public presence throughout the region and the world, and continuing to serve as a liberal arts beacon supporting democratic values, compelling teaching, engaged scholarship, and a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and pluralistic community.

Strategy

I am grateful to AUBG for providing the conditions to explore my interests.

Nikolay Gerdzhikov ('13)

AUBG Leadership

AUBG is led by President Dr. Margee Ensign. The Board of Trustees (BoT) is the university's governing body and sets the strategic direction for the development of the University. The University Council (UC) is designed to encourage participation and interaction of the broader AUBG community with the BoT, University administrators, faculty, students, and alumni. And the University Committees address matters of policy and ongoing concerns.

Learn more below.

President

AUBG President

Dr. Margee Ensign has been appointed as AUBG President in September 2023. Her inspiring leadership, fundraising prowess, and dedication to academic innovation are set to elevate AUBG's impact in the country and the region.

More about AUBG President

Leadership

Leadership Team

The AUBG leadership team, driven by a commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the university and the wider educational community.

Meet Leadership Team members

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of AUBG and sets the strategic direction for the development of the University. Board members support the public image of the university and are philanthropic leaders, setting an example through their support to inspire other donors and friends.

See Board of Trustees members

University Council

The mission of the UC is to help raise the profile of AUBG, locally, regionally and internationally, by engaging the interests and resources of individuals and organizations that can contribute to the continuing success of the University.

See university council members

University Committees

The American University in Bulgaria relies on university committees for advice to key administrators on matters of policy. They address ongoing concerns of the University and are constituted as needed.

See University Committees

CIDC

We are working towards turning the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship into a centerpiece of the university’s identity and continuing to educate the most prepared leaders to build a better, safer, more just future for all.

Learn more about CIDC

Public Information

Institutional Research

Financial Statements

Whistleblower Policy

AUBG History

1991

June 24

First Opening Ceremony: AUBG opens doors with 16 full-time faculty members welcoming 208 brave students.

September 08

Institution Status

September 30

First day of classes.

November 01

First meeting of the AUBG Board of Directors.

September 01

Volga dormitory opens for student use

November 16

The first AUBG newspaper, Aspecter, was published.

December 01

First theater production staged at AUBG – Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town”, directed by Al Cyrus.

January 27

AUBG finds its voice: first choir established.

September 01

Bistritza Residence Hall first houses students. Curious fact: it was previously a presidential apartment of Bulgaria’s communist head of state, Todor Zhivkov.

April 05

Galina Chuleva ’95 becomes the first presidential medalist at AUBG.

May 07

First AUBG class graduates.

September 01

50 rooms are rented in the Riltzi Motel to accommodate the increasing number of students.

April 23

First More-Honors Academy show was organized.

September 11

Skaptopara I Residence Hall officially opens.

November 27

First ground broken on the Skaptopara campus.

September 01

FlashNews – the first online student publication – is launched.

November 22

First visit by U.S. President: Bill Clinton receives an honorary doctorate from AUBG.

March 28

AUBG receives accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

June 14

AUBG is accredited by the Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency.

October 05

Skaptopara II Residence Hall opens its doors to students.

October 04

Students bid farewell to Volga and Hilltop – the last dormitories outside the new campus.

March 19

Elieff Center for Education and Culture in Sofia officially opens.

May 11

First Executive MBA class graduates.

May 27

First Alumni Mega Reunion brings together all 11 classes of AUBG students.

April 01

First student-organized AUBG Olympics bring together more than 500 community members.

July 20

The Bulgarian National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency bestows the highest accreditation evaluation to AUBG.

October 20

The American University in Bulgaria celebrates its 15th anniversary.

May 12

New academic and administrative building opens officially.

April 10

First musical production by the Broadway Performance Club, Chicago, premieres.

September 03

New library building opens doors.

September 27

Elvin Guri ’96 receives the first Distinguished Alum Award.

October 04

Ground turned on the Skaptopara III Residence Hall.

April 03

AUBG grants the first Tchaprachikoff scholarships for graduate study at top 20 U.S. universities.

April 04

The Griffins American football club host the first national tournament in American flag football.

May 16

AUBG library named after Dimi and Yvonne Panitza at official ceremony.

January 20

AUBG and Blagoevgrad officials cut the ribbon on the Skaptopara III Residence Hall.

April 05

“Hairspray” becomes the first AUBG musical that goes on a national tour.

May 15

The New Academic Building becomes Balkanski Academic Center in honor of Professor Minko Balkanski.

March 01

AUBG graduate Georgi Iliev wins the 2010 Book of the Year award in Bulgaria for his novel Holy Fool: Dogtown.

May 14

Groundbreaking for America for Bulgaria Student Center.

October 03

AUBG marks its twentieth anniversary with a birthday gala in Sofia’s Ivan Vazov Theater.

October 19

New Student Center opens doors, named after America for Bulgaria Foundation.

March 15

Radio AURA, the oldest student club on campus, celebrates its 20th birthday.

May 10

The EMBA Program and the Elieff Center celebrate 10 years of excellence and achievements.

December 11

America for Bulgaria Student Center named Building of the Year.

November 06

AUBG’s website named “Institutional Website of the Year” in the 15th annual competition BG Website 2014.

April 25

The second alumni mega reunion gathered more than 300 alumni and at least as many students to celebrate 20 years since the commencement of the first AUBG class.

October 17

The ABF theater becomes the Dr. Carl Djerassi Theater Hall.

September 30

AUBG celebrates 25 years of academic excellence and educating bright minds from all over the world.

May 10

Elieff Center and EMBA Program Celebrate 15 Years in Sofia

May 19

Elvin Guri ’96 receives first-ever Distinguished AUBG Alumni Award for Social Innovation and Change established by Board member Princess Maria Louisa

November 04

Elevate, the first in the region accelerator program, launches to help student entrepreneurs and alumni start their businesses

September 08

Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, receives the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from AUBG.

September 09

AUBG MultiTalent Quest

September 16

AUBG Mega Reunion

November 12

AUBG Open House

March 01

The AUBG alumni-founded fin-tech company Payhawk becomes first-ever Bulgarian startup company valued at over $1 billion after raising $100m in a Lightspeed-led Series B extension.

September 24

AUBG Golf Tournament

September 06

Add/Drop Week

September 29

Russia, NATO and The West: Disinformation and Political Contestation in Central and Eastern Europe

September 15

Anne de Colbert-Christophorov Exhibition Opening

September 19

SEAccelerator Info Day

September 29

A Celebration of the New Minor in Creative Writing

September 29

Investigating Disinformation and Foreign-Sponsored Propaganda: A Case study of Montenegro

September 26

Защо да гласувам?

October 05

Modern Languages and Culture Welcome Party

October 05

Fulbright Bulgarian Leaders Grant – Funding Opportunities for MA or PhD programs

October 15

Parent’s Day

October 12

Elevated Ideas: Unboxd

October 13

AUBG Evening in Pristina

October 12

Visiting Poets and Writers Series: Poetry Reading by Slavica Gadzova

October 13

A Day of Deloitte @ AUBG

October 14

Clean Up Blagoevgrad

October 10

World Mental Health Day at AUBG

October 17

Elevated Ideas: Hangout

October 18

M&A Dynamics

October 21

Democracy: An Ongoing Search for Improved Government

October 19

AUBG Debate Club Open Meeting

October 20

DAAD Scholarships Information Evening

October 27

AUBG EMBA Leadership Talk with Georgi Malchev

November 12

EMBA Open House

October 24

Main Priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union

November 05

AUBG Evening in Tirana 2022

October 28

German Linguistics Conference

October 25

Study Night

October 26

PsyClub Escape Room

October 27

PsyClub Escape Room Day 2

October 27

A Night You Can Be Anyone

October 24

Me as a Student

October 26

FXCM@AUBG

November 04

DisDisinformation International Workshop

November 23

Black Wednesday: Thrift Bazaar II

November 09

Commerzbank@AUBG

November 14

From AUBG to Your Dream Job: Connect with People Who Make You Grow

November 10

Wall-E Movie Night

November 12

HubConf 2022

November 16

AUBG Civic Society Forum 2022

November 25

Field Trip to Postbank: The Challenge to be a Manager

November 18

Marketing Communications Challenge ’22 2.0: The Mix for Success

November 14

Exhibition: Pieces of Home by Anna Stoeva (’09)

November 15

Book Reading with Professor Michael Harris Cohen

December 08

AUBG Alumni Special Holiday Evening

November 15

Master’s Programs and Scholarships in France

November 16

Challenging Wednesday: Table Tennis

November 16

Summer Research Grant Presentation

November 18

EU Weekend

November 18

Social media, Politics and Gender: Networked Power and Image-Making in the case of Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin

November 22

Book Presentation: Digital Transformation and the Future of Work: Global Trends, Local Consequences

November 23

History Evening: 110 Years Ago: Commemorating the Balkan Wars

November 21

Exhibition: US Bulgarian Relations

November 21

THE DIGITAL STATE: Benefits, Risks and the Way Forward

November 28

Lecture: Environmental Protection and Sustainability Development in CCHBC

November 29

AUBG Evening in Skopje

November 21

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: The Foreigner (BG)

November 21

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: Run Lola run (DE)

November 22

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: Hable con ella (ES)

November 22

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (FR)

November 23

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: The Foreigner (BG)

November 23

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: Run Lola Run (DE)

November 24

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: Hable con ella (ES)

November 24

Modern Languages and Cultures Movie Nights: Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (FR)

November 22

Elevate Founder Talk: Radoslav Georgiev

November 28

A Newsroom Simulation with Prof. Sarelska

November 29

Rising Interest Rates: What’s Next?

November 28

Theater Play: True West

November 29

Theater Play: True West

November 30

StartUP Conference 2022!

December 03

The March of the Inspirers

November 29

Elevate Founder Talk: Kosta Jordanov

November 30

Challenging Wednesday: Mini Olympics

November 29

A Day of ITCE at AUBG

December 05

Topics in Psychology

December 07

Christmas Bazaar

December 07

Elevate Founder Talk: Stoil Vasilev

December 05

Summer Opportunities in Greece with JobTrust

December 06

Train Your Way To Success Vol.2

December 05

Christmas Piano and Harp Concert

December 06

Theater Play: The Lark

December 07

Theater Play: The Lark

December 11

Concert: Prof. Krotev’s Applied Music Voice and AUBG Choir

January 05

Student Billing & Students Loans Info Session

January 10

CANVAS Training

January 12

Computer Training

January 16

Move-in

January 16

Turn in your Health Record

January 16

Turn in Your Diploma

January 18

Welcome Breakfast

January 18

AUBG and YOU

January 18

Lunch Break

January 18

Get MentiFYed!

January 18

Health & Well-being Info Session for International Students

January 18

Advising and Writing Services Intro, Course Selection Workshop

January 18

Music and Pizza Night

January 19

English Placement Assessment

January 19

Math Placement Assessment

January 19

Diversity Training

January 19

Health & Well-being Info Session for Bulgarian Students

January 19

International Student Services Intro

January 19

MentiNight Out

January 20

Career Services Intro

January 20

Library Training Group A, B, C

January 20

Library Training Group D, E, F

January 20

Advising and Course Registration

January 20

Study Abroad Opportunities

January 18

Get ExCHANGED!

January 18

Advising and Course Registration

January 19

Interactive Workshop: How to Succeed as a Campus Citizen

January 19

Culinary Workshop: Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine

January 19

ExCHANGE Night Out

January 20

Advising and Course Registration

January 20

How to Thrive in the Residence Halls

January 21

Bulgarian Traditional Culture and Dance Workshop

January 21

Campus and Internet Safety Tips

January 21

Sports Night

January 22

Cultural Trip

January 23

Survival Bulgarian for Int’l Students

January 25

Alumni Evening in London

January 27

Alumni Evening in New York

January 31

AUBG Evening in Washington, D.C.

January 16

AUBG Info Session in Chicago

February 04

Coffee Break with AUBG, Cleveland

February 02

Coffee Break with AUBG, Washington, DC

January 29

School Visit at the Botev Academy Bulgarian School, Takoma Park, MD

February 11

Open House

February 08

NACAC National College Fair in Pittsburg, PA

February 05

NACAC National College Fair in Cleveland, OH

February 01

Documentary Screening: Morality is Goodness

February 06

Mini Maker Fair

February 21

Elevate Founder Talk: Hristo Borisov

February 20

International Week: Country Presentations

February 21

International Week: AUBG Board Game

February 22

International Week: AUBG’s Got Talent

February 26

International Week: Dance & Taste Fest

March 29

AUBG Job Fair

February 07

TEDxAUBG Workshops: Talk Like TED

February 08

TEDxAUBG Workshops: Talk Like TED

February 09

TEDxAUBG Workshops: Talk Like TED

February 14

Summer Work&Travel 2023

February 17

Innovation Station Vol.3: Leap into the Unknown

February 15

„Things do not happen. Things are made to happen“. JFK by Mr. Nikolay Lazarov Ph.D. EMBA

February 15

Interpersonal Perception-Guest talk by Dr. Benjamin E. Custer

February 14

Celebrate Love With The Peer Counseling Team This Valentine’s Day

February 13

Business Administration: State Exam or Senior Project?

February 28

Professional and Personal Growth: Life after AUBG

February 22

Challenging Wednesdays: Powerlifting 2k23

February 20

Computational Mathematics Competition Info Session

February 21

Economics State Exam or Economics Senior Thesis?

February 24

Unissued Diplomas Exhibition

February 22

Main Priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

February 28

From AUBG to CTO with Veli: How to Reach the Stars?

March 01

Talks of Fame: Inside the Mind of an Executive

March 01

Challenging Wednesdays: Running Track 2k23

March 06

Rule of Law and the Struggle Against Corruption in the Western Balkans

March 08

Poetry Reading: Till the End of Death

March 06

Green Startup Fair

March 06

Health and Well-Being Week:

March 23

AUBG Evening in Plovdiv

April 22

AUBG’s Fellowship of the Mind Conference 2023

March 20

Disability, Inclusion, and Teaching in Higher Education Symposium

March 31

HackAUBG 5.0

March 24

StartUP

April 08

TEDxAUBG 2023: Unravel The Abstract

March 27

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Blagoevgrad

March 28

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Blagoevgrad

March 29

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Blagoevgrad

March 30

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Blagoevgrad

April 01

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Sofia

April 01

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Sofia

April 03

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL in Vratsa

March 17

The Disability Rights Movement in Eroding Democracies of Central and Eastern Europe Seminar

March 20

15th AUBG Language and Culture Week: Games and Prizes

March 20

15th AUBG Language and Culture Week: Exhibition

March 22

15th AUBG Language and Culture Week: Presentations of Student Projects

March 23

15th AUBG Language and Culture Week: Artistic Performances

March 31

Vulnerable Families and Children and Alternative Care in Bulgaria

March 29

Life After AUBG: A Panel Discussion with Alumni

March 28

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Solutions

March 25

Earth Week 2023: Earth Hour

March 26

Earth Week: Hike with Professor

March 27

Earth Week: Wear Green Day

March 28

Earth Week: Thrift Bazaar

March 30

Earth Week: Tire Painting

January 17

SEA Bootcamp in Blagoevgrad

March 28

“Culture Building 101” with Chris Zahariev

April 28

The Griffin Journey

April 06

Bulgaria’s Transition to Euro

April 26

AUBG Honors Convocation 2023

April 05

Spring 2023 Blood Donation Campaign

April 06

Work and Travel in the USA. Discussion and Tips

April 21

360° Challenge

April 04

Public Debate

April 21

MEU Blagoevgrad 2023

April 12

А Day of Postbank at AUBG: Bank Gamification & Virtual Reality

April 20

Book Presentation: The People Changing Bulgaria 2

April 12

Free Market Roadshow Blagoevgrad 2023

April 19

Integration of Migrants and Refugees in Bulgaria

April 27

AUBG Olympics Opening Ceremony

April 29

AUBG Olympics 2023 – A Bounce to The Past

April 21

AUBG Choir 30th Anniversary Concert

April 18

Topics in Psychology II

April 20

Topics in Psychology II

April 25

Elevate Demo Day

April 20

Enyovden Play by BFDC Samodiva

April 29

AUBG Alumni Challenge 2023

April 28

More Honors 26th Award Ceremony

April 20

Mastering the Art of Cross-Channel Digital Advertising

April 24

Spring Piano and Harp Concert 2023

April 24

Forbes Bulgaria – the Story of Success

April 25

Spring Concert of Applied Music Voice Class

May 16

Faces of Entrepreneurship

May 04

New Student Webinars: Meet Your Classmates from Bulgaria

May 04

New Student Webinar: Meet Your Classmates from the Balkans

May 09

New Student Webinars: Student Visa Info Seccion

May 18

National Cybersecurity: Establishing Resiliency in an Uncertain Age

May 09

Bridges Student Film Festival

May 09

Bridges Student Film Festival

October 20

20th Executive MBA

Anniversary Gala

May 21

29th AUBG Commencement Ceremony

May 17

Red Room Coworking Official Opening

June 03

EMBA Open House

June 08

Welcoming Summer

June 11

Summer School: Politics in a Democracy Under Stress

September 30

AUBG&Friends Fundraising Golf Tournament

June 29

Global Meet-up of the Instructor Team of OSUN’s Global Certificate in Social Enterprise and Leading Change

June 20

Welcome to AUBG!

June 28

How to Choose your Courses or Liberal Arts in Action!

July 05

Residence Life Info Session

July 19

Course Election Info Session

July 26

Student Billing and Student Loans Info Session

August 16

Canvas & Assessment Training

August 18

Parent Info Session

July 27

Student Visa Information Session Q&A

July 12

Computer Training

July 02

Educational Summer Camp

July 16

Sci Tech Summer Academy

July 09

Summer Educators Program

July 01

Fulbright Media Literacy Bootcamp

September 04

What is NATO? Historical and contextual overview.

September 04

Overview of NATO priorities in the Balkans region.

August 28

New Students Move-in

August 30

Welcome to AUBG!

August 30

Welcome Breakfast

August 30

International Students: Health and Well-being Info Session

August 30

Bulgarian Students: All About Orientation

August 30

Bulgarian Students: Health and Well-being Info Session

August 30

International Students: All About Orientation

August 30

Advising and Writing Services Intro

August 30

International Students: All About Orientation

August 30

Study Abroad Opportunities

August 30

AUBG Reception for New Students and Their Families

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The Founding of AUBG

"The American University...Where? " (2011) by Dr. Robert Phillips Jr., Associate Professor of Politics at AUBG.

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