The Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

Name: The Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

Award Amount: Up to $25,000 (depending on program length)

Information and Eligibility:
The Boren Scholarships, administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) on behalf of the National Security Education Program (NSEP), fund U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions of the world critical to U.S. interests. These include areas such as Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The program is designed to promote linguistic and cultural fluency while preparing recipients for careers in federal service.

Boren Scholars study abroad in immersive programs that focus on language acquisition, cultural understanding, and national security-relevant knowledge. In exchange for funding, recipients commit to one year of federal government service after graduation, contributing their skills to agencies that advance national security, international diplomacy, and economic stability.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
• Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student in an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Must be planning to study a foreign language and culture in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
• Applicants in all fields of study are eligible, but programs must relate to national security or public service interests.
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors are eligible for special short-term programs (8–11 weeks) focused on language study.

Award Amounts:

• $25,000 for programs lasting 25–52 weeks (preferred duration).
• $12,500 for programs lasting 12–24 weeks.
• $8,000 for programs lasting 8–11 weeks (STEM majors only).

Application Process:
The Boren Scholarship application involves several detailed steps designed to guide students toward developing a strong proposal and clear career goals:

• Step 1 – Create a New Application: Visit the Boren Awards website to select your overseas location and target language. Applicants may modify selections before submission.
• Step 2 – Get Informed: Connect with your institution’s Boren campus representative (if available), attend informational webinars, and review the official selection criteria.
• Step 3 – Choose a Program: Apply through a Regional Flagship Language Initiative (AFLI or SEAFLI) – or design your own study abroad plan focused on an approved language and region.
• Step 4 – Reflect on Professional Goals: Draft your essays early, demonstrating how your study abroad plans align with the Boren mission and your intended public service career.
• Step 5 – Seek Support: Utilize feedback from campus advisors and Boren webinars throughout the process.
• Step 6 – Submit by the National Deadline: All application materials, including transcripts, essays, and recommendations, must be submitted online before the national deadline.

Professional Service Requirement:
Recipients agree to work for one year in a U.S. federal government position with national security responsibilities. This service can be fulfilled at agencies such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Intelligence Community.

Languages and Regions of Study:
Preferred fields include studies in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, Hindi, Indonesian, and other critical languages. Students may study in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East.

Deadline: January

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