The Boren Scholarship funds your education in essential languages and areas around the globe while opening doors to transformative worldwide experiences.
With the special need of completing government service after graduation, this esteemed federal program offers up to $25,000 for undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in nations vital to U.S. national security interests.
The Boren Scholarship consist of what?
Two separate initiatives started by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) to inspire American students to study in foreign areas vital to U.S. interests comprise the Boren Awards. Named for former Senator David Boren, these initiatives seek to create a pool of Americans with foreign language and skill set necessary for national security.
With maximum grants based on length abroad:
- Boren Scholarships—Undergraduate Students — Fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in international areas vital to U.S. interests.
- Boren Fellowships—Graduate Students — Fund research and language study proposals by American graduate students in foreign areas vital to U.S. interests, including optional domestic summer language study.
Prize Levels: How Much Might You Get?
Undergraduate Boren Scholarships:
- $25,000 for 25–52 weeks (recommended duration)
- $12,500 for 12–24 weeks
- $8,000 for 8–11 weeks (STEM majors only)
Boren Fellowships (Graduate):
- $25,000 for 25–52 weeks (recommended duration)
- $12,500 for 12–24 weeks
- Additional $5,000 for summer domestic language study (optional)
Who Is Eligible for Boren Scholarship?
Worldwide Standards
All candidates have to be:
- Enrolled at authorized American universities
- U.S. citizens at time of application
- Studying in world areas vital to U.S. interests
- Ready to fulfil one-year federal service obligation
Areas of Critical Languages and Regions – Pay Attention
The Boren Awards provide study in languages and areas underrepresented in conventional study abroad top priority, including:
Priority Languages:
- African (French, Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, Zulu)
- Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese)
- Middle Eastern languages (Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu)
- European languages, Russian and other critical languages
- Portuguese and Hindi
Priority Areas: Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, Middle East
Two Choices for Specialized Programs
Local Flagship Language Projects
Through specific projects, the Boren Awards provide carefully chosen, credit-bearing language programs:
- African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI): Study French, Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, or Zulu through planned summer domestic and fall foreign programs, with optional spring continuation.
- Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SEAFLI): Focus on Indonesian, Thai, or Vietnamese with the same method of domestic preparation followed by abroad immersion.
Self-Designed Projects
You can also choose or create your own study program in permitted areas, therefore allowing you flexibility to match your experience with certain academic and career objectives.
Process of Application
First: Start Your Application
Visit the official Apply Now page and choose your desired language and foreign site. You can adjust these choices during the application process, therefore avoid stressing about choosing the best one right away.
Second Step: Become Informed and Connected
- Get in touch with Your Campus Representative.
- View the introductory webinar here.
- Go over the official selection criteria.
Third Step: Decide on Your Route of Program
Choose to develop your own curriculum or join a Regional Flagship Language Initiative.
Fourth Step: Consider Professional Goals
You have to be very explicit about:
- How the experience fits federal career prospects
- The consequences of your planned study for national security
- Your dedication to the service requirement
Pro Tip: Early on in your essay development, share your work with your references.
2030 Nationwide Deadlines:
- January 21, 2026 – Boren Fellowships
- January 28, 2026 – Boren Scholarships
Key Notes:
- Your university can have early feedback dates—respect these deadlines.
- Funding for projects beginning June 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027 falls under 2026–27; selection notifications occur in mid-to-late April.
Conclusion
The Boren scholarship present an unparalleled chance to mix job preparation in national security domains with world-class international education. Though the federal service commitment calls for serious thought, it creates opportunities for interesting professions few other programs can offer.
Start your application early, pick your program deliberately, and welcome the service obligation as a launching pad for your global career.