Sponsored by National Security Education Program (NSEP)
Boren Scholarships offer undergraduates up to $25,000 to fund immersive language study programs overseas. Applicants may request Boren Scholarships funding for programs administered by their universities or overseas host institutions, or participate in one of the Boren Awards Flagship Language Initiatives:
- The African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI) for the study of French, Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, or Zulu
- The Indonesian Flagship Language Initiative (IFLI) for the study of Indonesian
- The South Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SAFLI) for the study of Hindi or Urdu
- The Turkish Flagship Language Initiative (TURFLI) for the study of Turkish
As a Boren Scholar, you have the opportunity to:
BUILD PROFICIENCY IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Boren Scholars study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ANOTHER CULTURE
Boren Scholars from diverse fields of study immerse themselves in the cultures in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
LAUNCH A CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE 
Boren Scholars are committed to public service, applying their language skills, cultural knowledge, and academic credentials in careers critical to U.S. national security throughout the federal government, including the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, and USAID. Program alumni are given preference when applying to many of the positions at these agencies.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and plan to be matriculated in an undergraduate degree program at the time they will be receiving the award.
2021 Boren Scholarships applications will be due on February 3, 2021. Start your application today at https://borenawards.org
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for Boren Fellowships, which provide up to $30,000 for language study and research projects.
Not ready to apply this year? Bookmark the Boren Scholarships to your ProFellow account.