11 Essential Scholarships for Foreign Language Study
Even if you aren’t a foreign language major, you can still apply for these scholarships to learn a language abroad.
How do I apply for language scholarships?
Applying for scholarships for language study is easy! All directions and requirements are listed on the website, so make sure you research before applying. Most scholarships will have specific eligibility requirements, such as a GPA, major, study abroad location, class standing, etc., and you’ll have to narrow down which ones you’re qualified for.
Typical application materials are essays, transcripts, and at least one recommendation, but the same materials vary depending on the grant and program.
11 scholarships for foreign language study
1. Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship is a fully-funded 8-week intensive language program equivalent to one year of university courses—the U.S. Department of State funds immersive language study in 15 lesser-taught languages critical to U.S. security. In addition to language immersion classes, the program offers homestays, cultural classes, excursions, and language partners to help you become fluent. CLS is open to American undergrad and graduate students, and most programs do not require you to have previous experience or background in the language. All majors and disciplines are welcome to apply.
Language: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu
2. Boren Awards
Boren offers American undergrad and graduate students grants for language immersion programs of up to one year abroad. You can choose to participate in one of the Flagship language programs or design your program, but there are specific requirements for the language, location, and following the award. You must be a U.S. citizen and tie your preferred country, language, field of study, and overseas study to U.S. national security. Start searching for and creating your language program here.
Language: Multiple
3. NSLI-Y
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth is another U.S. State Department-sponsored language program. NSLI-Y provides high school students with fully-funded immersive summer or academic year programs in languages critical to U.S. interests abroad. In addition to intensive language courses, participants typically stay with host families and go on cultural excursions. The program is only open to high school students between 15-19 years old, and you must be a U.S. citizen.
Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, Turkish
4. Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) sponsors students worldwide to study German language and culture at a language school in Germany during the summer or winter. The requirements are different for the two study periods. Still, you must be a current student (undergrad or graduate) and have completed at least two years of a Bachelor’s Degree. Start searching for German language programs here.
Language: German
5. The Luce Scholars Program
Open to U.S. citizens and residents, the year-long Luce Scholars Program is not specifically a language immersion grant but includes a significant language study component. After a period of orientation and intensive language study, participants undertake a professional placement. Participating universities nominate candidates who have limited exposure to Asia for the program.
Language: Asian Languages
6. Ibn Battuta Arabic Scholarships
The Ibn Battuta Scholarship is offered to people who study Arabic at the Qalam wa Lawh Center in Rabat, Morocco. Many program options and dates are available, so you can be sure to fit the program into your schedule! They offer full and partial foreign language study scholarships in their semester, summer, and winter programs. Although you don’t have to be a student to apply, you must have completed at least four semesters in Modern Standard Arabic or equivalent.
Language: Arabic
7. Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance (TUSA) Summer Scholarship Program
The TUSA Summer Scholarship program is an eight-week language scholarship program for Americans. Like many other programs, this isn’t just a scholarship for foreign language majors because you don’t have to have a background in Chinese to participate. While representing the U.S. in Taiwan, you’ll have the chance to learn Mandarin Chinese, go on cultural excursions, and participate in volunteer activities. The program is open to university undergrad and graduate students.
Language: Mandarin Chinese
8. Darmasiswa Scholarship
The Darmasiswa Scholarship is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Indonesian language, arts, and culture for up to one year. You can choose from some institutions around the country. The program is open to any international applicant between 18 and 27. You must apply through your nearest Indonesian Embassy.
Language: Indonesian
9. ARIT Summer Fellowships for Advanced Turkish Language Study
The American Research Institute in Turkey provides about 18 fully-funded fellowships to American undergrad and graduate students. The language grant includes round-trip airfare, application, tuition fees, and a maintenance stipend for language study at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. Applicants must already be at an advanced level in the Turkish language.
Language: Turkish
10. Blakemore Freeman Fellowships
The Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are for advanced learners of an Asian language. The language scholarship is awarded for one year of intensive foreign language study and includes tuition or tutoring fees plus a stipend for travel, living, and study expenses. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have an undergraduate degree, and pursue a career that requires regular use of the proposed language. Start searching for language programs here.
Languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Burmese, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese
11. American Institute of Indian Studies
Through the American Institute of Indian Studies, you can learn many Indian languages in their immersive summer, semester, or year-long programs. Although you can attend their programs independently, AIIS also offers full foreign language fellowships to semester and academic year applicants with an equivalent to two years of language training. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the term and language.
Languages: Bangla (Bengali), Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Mughal Persian, Pali/Prakrit, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
Latest update:
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