Boren Awards for International Study
The Boren Awards support U.S. students to study critical languages abroad in regions important to national security, emphasizing immersive language learning and connections to broader security goals.
Funder: Institute of International Education
Due Dates: January 20, 2027 (Boren Fellowships) | January 27, 2027 (Boren Scholarships)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 for undergraduate scholarships; up to $30,000 for graduate fellowships (including optional domestic study); award size depends on program length.
Summary: Supports U.S. undergraduate and graduate students studying abroad in regions and languages critical to U.S. national security, with an emphasis on immersive language acquisition and public service.
Key Information: Recipients must commit to a federal service requirement after graduation.
Description
The Boren Awards for International Study provide substantial funding to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to pursue immersive study abroad programs focused on languages and regions considered vital to U.S. national security interests. The program prioritizes less commonly taught languages and underrepresented world regions, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Boren Awards are administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP). In addition to language study, the program encourages applicants to demonstrate how their experiences abroad and future careers will contribute to broad U.S. national security goals, such as sustainable development, global health, and economic competitiveness. All recipients commit to a federal service requirement upon graduation.
