Our story, mission, and commitment to empowering Balkan scholars
The Balkan Scholars Foundation is dedicated to breaking down financial barriers to higher education for students of Balkan heritage.
We believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Many brilliant students from the Balkans face significant financial challenges that prevent them from pursuing higher education. Our foundation exists to bridge this gap.
Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and community support, we empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and the broader Balkan diaspora.
A world where every talented student of Balkan heritage has the opportunity to pursue higher education and contribute to global progress, regardless of their financial background.
We believe in providing equal opportunities to all deserving students, recognizing that different circumstances require different levels of support.
We maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability in all our operations, ensuring every donation directly benefits our scholars.
We foster a supportive network of scholars, mentors, and alumni who uplift each other and give back to their communities.
We support students who demonstrate academic excellence and the drive to make a positive impact in their fields and communities.
The Balkan Scholars Foundation was born from a simple observation: countless talented students from the Balkans were being held back not by ability, but by circumstance. Our founders, themselves beneficiaries of educational opportunities, wanted to pay it forward.
Starting with a small group of dedicated volunteers and donors, we established our first scholarship program. What began as funding for a handful of students has grown into a comprehensive support system for Balkan scholars worldwide.
Today, we've supported hundreds of students across multiple countries, partnering with universities and organizations to maximize our impact. But we're just getting started—our goal is to reach every deserving student who needs our help.
We provide financial support for tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses to qualified students at accredited institutions worldwide.
Our scholars are paired with experienced professionals who provide guidance, career advice, and support throughout their academic journey.
We connect scholars with a global network of Balkan professionals, alumni, and organizations to open doors for internships and careers.
We offer professional development workshops covering topics like resume writing, interview skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
We are committed to full transparency. Here's how we allocate every dollar donated to the foundation.
Scholarships, grants, and student resources
Mentorship, workshops, and community building
Administrative costs and infrastructure
Together, we can provide life-changing educational opportunities to deserving students.