Boren Scholarship

Eligibility

• Be a United States citizen at the national application deadline.
• Be at least 18 years old by the national application deadline.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. undergraduate degree program and remain enrolled for the duration of the Boren-funded experience.
• Plan to study in an eligible country outside Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Plan to study in a country of which the applicant is not a citizen.
• Include foreign-language study as a core part of the proposed overseas program.
• Agree to complete the required federal service commitment after graduation.

Requirements

• Complete the official Boren Scholarship application.
• Submit the required essays and short-answer responses.
• Provide two letters of recommendation.
• Submit transcripts and proposed study-abroad program information.
• Complete any campus review or endorsement process required by the applicant's institution.
• Explain how the proposed language study and career goals relate to U.S. national security and public service.

How to Apply

1. 1Meet with the Boren campus representative or fellowship advisor at your institution.
2. 2Select an eligible language, destination, and study-abroad program.
3. 3Complete the online Boren Scholarship application.
4. 4Request recommendation letters and upload the required academic materials.
5. 5Complete any earlier internal campus deadline or interview.
6. 6Submit the national application by January 27, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.