Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
Forecasted
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program supports U.S. undergraduate and graduate students in intensive summer language study to build proficiency, intercultural competence, and career skills.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Summer 2027 application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Eight-week program with language instruction, materials, travel, visa fees, room, and board provided
Summary: CLS supports U.S. undergraduate and graduate students in intensive summer study of languages important to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.
Key Information: Prior language study is required for Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
Description
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a U.S. Department of State program funded by the U.S. Government and implemented with support from American Councils for International Education. It provides U.S. undergraduate and graduate students with the equivalent of one academic year of language study in eight weeks, combining intensive instruction with cultural activities that develop language skills and intercultural competence. Programs are offered overseas or virtually.
Administered through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, CLS aims to increase the number of Americans mastering critical foreign languages and applying those skills in their careers. Its nine languages are Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Participants develop regional knowledge and professional connections alongside language proficiency.
