Goes By: CLS
Be sure to consult the Fellowship Website for complete eligibility and competition requirements.
Critical Language Scholarship National Deadline
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
8:00pm EST
The CLS Program provides intensive language study for US undergraduate and graduate students, funded by the US Department of State. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 9 critical languages.
The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American students and part of a US government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. Students of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Participants are selected based on their commitment to language learning and plans to apply their language skills to their future academic or professional pursuits.
Please note: Students applying for the CLS must also complete the study abroad application process with the Education Abroad Office. See more information about the study abroad application process and their deadlines at the Education Abroad website.
Current graduate students applying for the CLS must also submit information to the Education Abroad Office at least 30 days prior to departure. See their website for more information.
Hear more about this fellowship by checking out our podcast, Engage in the Process! You can also read more about alum Jahleel Johnson's experience studying Turkish on the CLS website.
Disability Resources
Many students with a variety of disabilities have successfully completed the CLS Program. Finalists seeking accommodations are encouraged to communicate with CLS Program staff about accommodation needs as soon as possible. For what to expect during CLS, refer to the CLS Program Participation Requirements. You can view a recorded conversation inclusive support for CLS participants CLS Program Participation Requirements.
For general information about studying abroad with a disability, visit the Mobility International USA (MIUSA) website.
The program funds eight to ten weeks of language immersion and cultural enrichment, including travel, room, and board.
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Year(s) of Application | Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Masters, Doctoral |
Citizenship |
US Citizen |
| Campus Nomination Required | No |
Last updated: October 22, 2025
Fellowships for individuals who want to spend a year abroad in an intensive language program to improve their Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, or Vietnamese language skills. Provides for all basic expenses at a graduate student level necessary to pursue an academic year of full-time intensive language study in East or SE Asia, including tuition and/or tutoring fees, plus a stipend for travel, living and study expenses
Supports undergraduate students seeking to study a less commonly taught language abroad in a non-English speaking country (outside of Western Europe). $12,500 for a semester and $25,000 for a full academic year. Special summer program for STEM students: up to $8,000 for a minimum 8-week program.
Offers an intensive language program for students to gain a deeper knowledge of Arabic, while becoming familiar with Omani history and culture. Fully funded 5-week intensive language training in Oman; includes international travel, room, board, and excursions. Students must purchase their own health insurance.
Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships support the study of modern foreign languages. Summer FLAS fellowships support students enrolling in summer language programs at participating institutions. Summer FLAS awards provide a stipend of $3500 and $5000 for tuition and fees.