US State Dept Opens Critical Language Scholarship 2026
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program transforms the dream of deep cultural immersion into a tangible reality for selected students. This isn’t a typical study abroad trip; it is an intensive, fully-funded summer experience designed to achieve profound linguistic and cultural fluency. Picture yourself not just visiting a bustling market in Amman, but confidently bargaining in Arabic. Envision navigating the dynamic streets of Seoul while holding meaningful conversations in Korean, or forming lasting friendships in Tokyo through your command of Japanese. The CLS Program places you directly in these environments, offering an unparalleled opportunity to live the language every day, accelerating your learning far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
Beyond the life-changing personal journey, the CLS Program delivers a significant academic advantage. Participants can earn the equivalent of a full academic year’s worth of college language credits, providing a substantial boost to their degree progress. As one of the U.S. Department of State’s most prestigious and competitive initiatives, the scholarship covers all costs—from travel and tuition to accommodation and cultural activities. This removes financial barriers and ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their goal: to master a critical language and become a more effective global citizen, equipped with the skills to engage with key regions of the world.
What Does Scholarship Entail
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program continues to redefine language learning. This intensive, eight-week summer immersion enables U.S. students to achieve a full year’s worth of university language credits. More than an academic program, it’s a cultural transformation—fostering global perspectives and lifelong confidence through complete linguistic and cultural immersion.
All Aspects Included in this CLS Scholarship
This is beyond a scholarship, it’s a fully supported opportunity. Chosen students will have their round-trip travel, lodging, meals, tuition, and cultural activities fully covered. A living stipend allows all participants to concentrate on learning rather than on logistical concerns. The program offers academic credit from Bryn Mawr College, enhancing the worth of your degree and providing pathways to international careers.
You will select from nine essential languages, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, or Swahili, and learn at one of four stages, from beginner to advanced. Regardless of whether your aim is diplomacy, technology, healthcare, or business, this scholarship can provide you with the international advantage that every aspiring leader requires.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or national, at least 18 years old by May 15, 2026, and presently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. institution. The CLS Program invites students with diverse academic experiences — spanning STEM to social sciences, law, arts, and more. For most languages, no previous language study is needed, so your interest and drive are what count the most.
Closing Date: The final date to submit applications for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program 2026 is Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S.
RECOMMENDED
- Firstly, Study in UK | University of Cambridge Research Fellowships 2026
- Secondly, Study in Germany | Heidelberg University Scholarships 2025-2026
- Thirdly, Study in Sweden | Dalarna University Scholarships 2026
- Then, Study in Canada | Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025
- Also, Netherlands Fully Funded NL Scholarship 2026
- Moreover, France Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for October 2026
- Furthermore, Taylor University Undergraduate Scholarship 2025
- Afterwards, Study in Canada | Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025
- Additionally, Netherlands Fully Funded NL Scholarship 2026
- More so, France Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for October 2026
- Finally, Tokyo City University Fully-funded Scholarship 2026
 Program transforms){kind=link}