Critical Language Scholarship Program

Eligibility

• Be a United States citizen or national when applying.
• Be at least 18 years old by the program's published age-eligibility date.
• Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program when applying.
• Undergraduate applicants must complete at least one full year of college study before the summer program begins.
• Meet the prior-language-study requirements for the selected language and proficiency level.
• Remain in good academic standing and satisfy all current enrollment requirements.
• Apply for only one language during the application cycle.

Requirements

• Complete the official online CLS application.
• Submit the required essays and short-answer responses.
• Upload an unofficial transcript or provide the permitted academic record information.
• Select one eligible critical language and the appropriate proficiency level.
• Explain how intensive language study supports academic, professional, and community goals.
• Complete all finalist documentation, medical review, passport, visa, and travel requirements if selected.

How to Apply

1. 1Review the available languages and their prior-study requirements.
2. 2Create an application account when the 2027 cycle opens in fall 2026.
3. 3Select one language and the proficiency level you expect to reach by the program start.
4. 4Complete the application, essays, and academic-history sections.
5. 5Upload the required transcript information and submit before the announced deadline.
6. 6Semifinalists receive an initial decision in winter, with final selections generally announced afterward.