Next deadline: November 17, 2026 – 5:00 pm (Pacific) – application now open! (opens external website)
October 2025 Recorded CLS Info Session (opens website)
U.S. leadership abroad—in commerce, global affairs, and security—rests on Americans who can navigate other languages and cultures with expertise and fluency. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program delivers intensive summer language instruction to high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students, selected through a competitive, merit-based process. Offered in nine languages overseas or virtually, the program condenses a full academic year of language study into eight weeks of rigorous instruction and cultural immersion.* Since 2006, the CLS Program has equipped more than 10,000 U.S. participants with the linguistic skills, regional knowledge, and global networks to advance U.S. interests worldwide.
*In 2027, the following languages are being offered: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. The exact locations and dates of the summer 2027 programs will be announced in early spring 2027.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to make an individual advising appointment with Keila Diehl in the OURS National Scholarships and Experiential Fellowships Office.
Eligibility Requirements (for 2027-28 cohort)
Applicants must:
- be a U.S. citizen or national
- be enrolled in a U.S. degree-granting program (AA, BA, BS, MA, MS, PhD, or professional) physically located in the United States; currently enrolled students who are currently on study abroad programs, graduating seniors, and students enrolled in one-year master’s programs are eligible.
- be 18 years of age by May 15, 2027
- have completed one year of undergraduate study by the start of the program
- meet the language requirements of the program to which they apply
- be in acceptable mental and physical health
- be able to get a visa to the host country and enter on U.S. passport
- CLS awards preference to U.S. Armed Forces in recognition of their service
Note: Applicants are eligible to apply for one language only. If you submit more than one application, you will not be considered for a scholarship in any language. Recipients may reapply another year for a second award.
Selection Criteria
CLS applications are reviewed by language faculty, area specialists, study abroad professionals, and fellowship advisors. Recipients will be selected on the basis of merit with consideration for:
- commitment to language learning
- preparation for and alignment with program expectations
- connection between language and academic and professional goals
- contribution to citizen diplomacy
- contribution to national impact
Application Requirements
- Online application (opens external website)
- Unofficial transcript
For more information about this opportunity, visit the Critical Language Scholarship website (opens external site).
