Program Overview

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is an intensive language and cultural immersion program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. Students spend 8-10 weeks (abroad or virtual) learning one of 12 critical languages (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu). Prior study requirements range from no prior experience to two years of study, depending on language. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period and later apply their critical language skills in their professional careers.

Program Details

• GPA: 3.0
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
• Field of Study: Any discipline
• When to Apply: Undergraduate or graduate students
• Location: International or Domestic (CLS Spark)
• Campus Nomination Required: No

Program Timeline

• Application Opens: Early October 2025
• Deadline for application assistance from the Office of Prestigious Fellowships: Early November 2025
• National Deadline: Mid-November 2025
• Finalists Notified: March 2026

Program Description

The CLS Program is designed to provide students with an immersive language and cultural experience. The program offers students the opportunity to learn a critical language and develop their language skills in a real-world setting. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, and participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period.