Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
The CLS Program offers fully-funded, intensive summer study abroad for U.S. students to rapidly learn critical languages through immersive instruction and cultural experiences.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (CLS Program online application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Fully-funded: covers tuition, travel, room/board, visa fees, and materials for ~8-week summer program; ~315 awards annually.
Summary: Immersive summer language and cultural study abroad for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students in critical languages.
Key Information: All dates are projected; application details may change.
Description
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded, intensive summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. It is designed to increase the number of Americans proficient in languages that are critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Participants undertake eight weeks of intensive language instruction and cultural activities, with the goal of achieving the equivalent of one year of language study. The program includes a wide range of languages considered "critical," such as Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili, among others. Awardees join a vibrant alumni network and gain skills applicable to various professional fields.
