Critical Language Scholarship 2026 Requirements & Application

Applications for the Critical Language Scholarship must be prepared well in advance and submitted by the deadline. 

This fully-funded U.S. government scholarship offers an 8-10 week intensive summer program abroad (or virtual in some cases) for learning “critical languages.” 

It is for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who wish to improve their language skills and cultural understanding. 

If you qualify, you should act immediately to avoid missing the application window.

About the Organisation

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a U.S. Department of State initiative. It is supported by the American Councils for International Education. 

The purpose is to expand the number of Americans mastering foreign languages critical to U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and global engagement.

Fields of Study Funded

The CLS Program supports instruction in the following languages:

1. Arabic
2. Azerbaijani
3. Chinese
4. Hindi
5. Indonesian
6. Japanese
7. Korean
8. Persian
9. Portuguese
10. Russian
11. Swahili
12. Turkish
13. Urdu

Benefits for Recipients

Recipients receive a fully funded immersive program, including overseas (or virtual) language instruction in group settings. 

The cost covered includes tuition, housing, meals, international travel, visa fees, cultural activities, and program-sponsored excursions. 

Participants gain intercultural fluency and rapid language gains, often equivalent to one year of language study in a regular academic setting.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national at the time of application. Permanent residents are not eligible.
2. Be at least 18 years old by a specified date (for example, May 15, 2026 for the 2026 cycle)
3. Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, professional) at the time of application.
4. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one full year of study (two semesters or three quarters) by the start of the CLS Program.
5. Meet the level of prior language instruction required for the language you select (some languages require prior formal study; others accept beginners)
6. Be in acceptable mental and physical health for an immersion program and agree to program requirements, including orientation, attendance, and participation.

How to Apply

You must apply via the official CLS website. Use the online application, which will include essays, recommendations, transcripts, and language information. 

Review the official brochure or “Apply” page on clscholarship.org for full instructions.

Required Documents

You will need at least the following documents:

1. Transcripts from your U.S. institution (official or unofficial as required)
2. Letters of recommendation (usually two)
3. Essays / personal statement(s) describing motivation, goals, language experience and how you will use the language in the future
4. Proof of citizenship or nationality (e.g., passport)
5. Any language transcripts or proof of prior language study, if required by the language you select
6. If selected, health/medical forms and visa documents as needed

Closing Date

The application is currently closed. For the 2026 program, the deadline is yet to be announced. 

Contact Details

• Official website: https://clscholarship.org/
• Email: cls@americancouncils.org
• U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
• Telephone:
  • 1-202-833-7522
  • 1-877-257-9922 (toll-free)