Boren Scholarships
Boren Scholarships support U.S. undergraduates in intensive study of less commonly taught languages abroad, linking linguistic and cultural immersion to U.S. national security and public service goals.
Funder: Institute of International Education
Due Dates: January 27, 2027 (National scholarship deadline) | Campus deadline (Check with your representative)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 for 25–52 weeks; $12,500 for 12–24 weeks; $8,000 for 8–11-week STEM summer programs
Summary: Supports U.S. undergraduates pursuing intensive language study abroad in regions critical to U.S. national security.
Key Information: Recipients must fulfill a one-year federal service requirement.
Description
Boren Scholarships support U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in overseas study. Administered through the Institute of International Education and funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), they are part of the Boren Awards, an initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office. The program emphasizes intensive study of less commonly taught languages and long-term linguistic and cultural immersion.
Applicants connect their overseas study and future academic and career goals to U.S. national security and public service. National security is understood broadly, encompassing American well-being, sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth, and economic competitiveness. Study regions include Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
