Studying abroad is often cited as a life-changing experience, but for many students, the price tag can be a major barrier.
Between tuition, travel, and living expenses, the cost of immersion in a foreign culture adds up quickly.
But what if you could receive up to $30,000 to study a critical language overseas, with the only “catch” being a guaranteed job in the federal government when you return?
An initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO), this prestigious program is designed to recruit the next generation of national security experts.
What Are the Boren Awards?
The Boren Awards, named after principal author David L. Boren, are a set of funding opportunities for U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
The program is heavily focused on areas that are often underrepresented in standard study abroad programs, such as Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The core mission is simple: to equip U.S. students with the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to solve complex global problems.
In exchange for funding, recipients commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.
There are two distinct tracks within the program:
- Boren Scholarships: For U.S. undergraduate students.
- Boren Fellowships: For U.S. graduate students.
Boren Scholarship vs. Fellowship: Which One Is For You?
While both awards share the same goal of national security education, the eligibility and structure differ slightly depending on your academic level.
Boren Scholarships (Undergraduates)
This scholarship is designed for matriculated U.S. undergraduate students who want to study abroad in a critical region. The program emphasizes long-term linguistic immersion.
Focus
Language study is the core element.
Duration
Preference is given to applicants proposing programs of 25 weeks or longer.
STEM Exception
Undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors are eligible for special summer-only awards (8-11 weeks), acknowledging that their degree requirements often make semester-long study difficult.
Boren Fellowships (Graduates)
This fellowship offers more flexibility, allowing graduate students to design independent projects that combine language study with research or academic internships.
Focus
Language study is required, but it can be supplemented with research related to a thesis or dissertation, or an academic internship.
Domestic Options
Fellows have the unique option to apply for up to $5,000 in additional funding for intensive summer domestic language study before heading overseas.
Award Amounts: How Much Funding Can You Get?
The Boren Awards are among the most generous study abroad grants available. The amount you receive is directly tied to the duration of your time overseas.
The program encourages longer stays to ensure deep cultural and linguistic immersion.
Scholarship & Fellowship Award Maximums
- $25,000 for 25–52 weeks (This is the preferred duration)
- $12,500 for 12–24 weeks
Special Categories
- STEM Undergraduates: $8,000 for summer programs of 8–11 weeks.
- Graduate Fellows: Up to $30,000 total if combining a domestic summer program with a long-term overseas fellowship.
What Does the Funding Cover?
The budget is designed to cover the majority of overseas expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Round-trip airfare (compliant with the Fly America Act)
- Books and insurance
- Visa-related costs
It does not cover passport fees, personal travel, or dependents.
Eligibility and Critical Languages
The Boren Awards are competitive and have strict eligibility requirements. To apply, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen at the time of the national application deadline.
- A high school graduate (or GED recipient) and at least 18 years old.
- Matriculated in an accredited U.S. degree program for the duration of the award.
- Planning to study in a country of which you are not a citizen.
Where Can You Go?
The program focuses on regions critical to U.S. national security. This means traditional study abroad destinations like Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are ineligible. Instead, Boren focuses on:
- Africa
- Asia
- Central & Eastern Europe
- Eurasia
- Latin America
- The Middle East
Preferred Languages
You must study a critical language. The Boren website lists preferred languages, which include Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Portuguese, Swahili, Korean, Urdu, and many others.
Note on French and Spanish: These are generally only eligible if you are studying them at an advanced level or through specific initiatives like the African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI). For Spanish, you must be studying in Latin America (not Spain).
The Service Requirement: A Career Launchpad
The most distinct feature of the Boren Awards is the service requirement. All recipients must commit to working in the federal government for at least one year.
While some students view this as a “catch,” others view it as a guaranteed career launchpad.
The “National Security” definition used by the program is broad.
It encompasses traditional defense and diplomacy but also includes sustainable development, environmental issues, global disease, and economic competitiveness.
Priority Agencies
To fulfill your service, you are expected to seek employment with “Tier One” priority agencies, which include:
- Department of Defense
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State (including USAID)
- The Intelligence Community
Boren alumni receive non-competitive eligibility (NCE) for federal jobs, which gives them a significant advantage in the hiring process, allowing agencies to hire them without going through the standard, lengthy competitive process.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Timeline
Applying for a Boren Award is a rigorous process that requires planning. The 2026 application cycle follows this general timeline:
- Late Summer/Early Fall: Applications open. This is the time to contact your campus representative.
- January 21, 2026: National deadline for Boren Fellowships.
- January 28, 2026: National deadline for Boren Scholarships.
- April 2026: Recipients are notified of their selection.
Application Components
A successful application will include:
Essays
You must write two major essays. One focuses on the significance of your chosen region/language to U.S. national security. The second focuses on your motivation and public service career goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Two or three letters are required depending on the award type.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from your current and previous institutions.
Study Plan
A detailed description of your proposed program, including budget and language intensity.
Start Your Journey to Global Impact
If you are ready to take on the challenge of learning a difficult language and immersing yourself in a new culture, start planning your application today.
Visit BorenAwards.org to find your campus representative and begin your journey.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
