Sponsored by the Boren Awards, an initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO)
Boren Scholars and Fellows study a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Swahili. Boren Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills.
Boren Scholars and Fellows from diverse fields of study immerse themselves in the cultures in world regions underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Boren Awards alumni are committed to public service, working in positions critical to U.S. national security throughout the Federal Government, including the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, and USAID.
Eligibility
All applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline
- Matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate or graduate degree program (including community college programs) located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline
- Planning to study in an overseas location of which they are not a citizen
- For ROTC cadets and midshipmen and members of the military Reserves or National Guard: In inactive, non-drilling status for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program
All majors and language levels are encouraged to apply.
In addition to these basic eligibility criteria, the Boren Awards give preference to programs based on their duration, focus on the intensive study of a preferred language in a preferred overseas location, and the applicant’s field of study.
Boren Fellows have additional guidelines for self-designed research, internship, and study programs. They are also eligible to receive funding for in-person domestic summer language programs immediately before their overseas study.
Program Benefits
For undergrads, the maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
- $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
- $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
- $8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only)
For graduate students:
- $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
- $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
- $5,000 for domestic language study (optional)
How to Apply
The application consists of two essays. First, you will argue the relevance of your proposed country and language to U.S. national security interests. Second, you will discuss personal motivations and goals for studying abroad and a career in federal service.
Application Deadline
Boren Fellowships for graduate students: January 22, 2025
Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students: January 29, 2025
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