Foreign Language Scholarships and Grants


Find the best Foreign Language scholarships and grants with our comprehensive, regularly updated database. Our Scholarship Database and Grant Database offers easy-to-use filters, along with up-to-date deadline and eligibility details to help you on your search for Foreign Language scholarship opportunities.

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Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship

Name: Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program Award Amount: Up…

Tags: Foreign Language, Public Service, Study Abroad
Deadline: Rolling
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The Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Name: The Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award Amount: Varies (includes tuition, travel,…

Tags: Foreign Language, Study Abroad
Deadline: Rolling
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The Kor Memorial Scholarship

Name: The Kor Memorial Scholarship Award Amount: $500 Information And Eligibility: The…

Tags: Foreign Language
Deadline: June

Fast Answers: Foreign Language Scholarships and Grants.

Are There Scholarships for Foreign Language Majors?

Yes, there are many scholarships and grants available for students pursuing degrees in foreign languages, linguistics, or related fields. These awards are offered by universities, cultural organizations, government programs, and private foundations to support students interested in language studies, translation, interpretation, and international communication.

What Is the Critical Language Scholarship Program?

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded summer study abroad program for U.S. students. Eligibility requirements include:

  • Being a U.S. citizen enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
  • Studying a critical language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Hindi.
  • Demonstrating a commitment to improving language skills and cultural understanding.

The program covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and cultural immersion activities.

What Is the Boren Scholarship?

The Boren Scholarship provides funding for students studying foreign languages and cultures critical to U.S. national security. Key details include:

  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students studying less commonly taught languages.
  • Requires a commitment to work in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.
  • Awards up to $25,000 for study abroad programs.

This scholarship is ideal for students interested in international affairs, security, or public service.

Are There Scholarships for High School Students Interested in Foreign Languages?

Yes, high school seniors planning to study foreign languages can apply for scholarships such as:

  • National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y): Fully funded programs for high school students to study critical languages abroad.
  • Young Linguist Scholarship: Awards for high school students passionate about language learning and cultural exchange.

These programs encourage young learners to pursue language studies and global careers.

What Is the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship?

The FLAS Fellowship provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students studying foreign languages and area studies. Eligibility includes:

  • Enrolling in an accredited institution with an FLAS-approved program.
  • Studying a less commonly taught language.
  • Demonstrating academic excellence and career interest in international fields.

Awards include tuition coverage and a stipend for living expenses.

Are There Scholarships for Study Abroad in Foreign Languages?

Yes, scholarships for studying abroad in foreign languages include:

  • Gilman International Scholarship: Supports undergraduate students studying or interning abroad in language programs.
  • Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): Provides funding for underrepresented students studying abroad, including language immersion programs.

These scholarships help students gain international experience and improve their language skills.

What Is the Modern Language Association (MLA) Scholarship?

The MLA Scholarship supports students pursuing advanced degrees in foreign languages or literature. Key details include:

  • Open to graduate students focusing on language studies, literature, or linguistics.
  • Requires an essay on language education or research.
  • Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually.

This scholarship is ideal for students interested in academic or research careers in languages.

Are There Scholarships for Heritage Language Speakers?

Yes, scholarships for heritage language speakers include:

  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Supports students fluent in Spanish or other heritage languages pursuing higher education.
  • Native American Language Scholarship: Awards for students studying and preserving indigenous languages.

These scholarships aim to support cultural preservation and academic success for heritage language speakers.

What Are Some University-Specific Scholarships for Foreign Language Majors?

Many universities offer scholarships tailored to foreign language students, such as:

  • University of California Language Studies Scholarship: Funding for students excelling in language studies or linguistics.
  • Georgetown University School of Foreign Service Scholarships: Merit-based awards for students studying foreign languages and international relations.
  • Middlebury College Language Scholarships: Provides funding for students attending intensive language programs.

Check with your university’s language or international studies department for additional opportunities.

How to Apply for Foreign Language Scholarships?

To apply for scholarships and grants in foreign languages:

  • Write a Personal Statement: Highlight your passion for language studies, career goals, and academic achievements.
  • Submit Recommendation Letters: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, language teachers, or mentors familiar with your work.
  • Include Language Proficiency Evidence: Some scholarships may require proof of proficiency in your target language.
  • Meet Deadlines: Ensure all application materials, including essays and transcripts, are submitted on time.

Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving funding for your language education.

Myth: Scholarships Are Only for Major World Languages

Fact: While many scholarships support popular languages like Spanish, French, and Chinese, there are also awards for less commonly taught languages, such as Swahili, Pashto, and Tagalog. Scholarships often prioritize critical and underserved languages for cultural and diplomatic reasons.

College Scholarships By Category.

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state specific scholarships, major specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships, specific to your personal criteria.

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