The State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship Program offers an intensive eight-week summer experience for undergraduate and graduate students building proficiency in critical languages. The 2027 program lists nine options: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Some institutes are abroad and others virtual, depending on the language and program.
The 2027 application deadline is November 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, be at least 18 by May 15, 2027, and be enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited U.S. institution. Undergraduate applicants must complete one full year of college before the program begins.
The program combines intensive language instruction with cultural activities and allows applicants to choose only one language each year. Enrollment in continuing-education classes or a stand-alone certificate is not enough; eligibility depends on active degree-program enrollment and language-specific requirements. This is competitive program participation, not a cash award to spend at any college or on any trip.
Complete the form through the linked portal and make sure it is submitted before the cutoff rather than merely saved as a draft. Review language placement, entry requirements, and passport rules for the host country. The program says requirements and locations may change between cycles; use the 2027 page and direct CLS updates when planning courses, work, and travel.
Before submitting, confirm whether the deadline is national, state, school, or campus-based, who must send each document, and the time zone. Keep receipts and check application status. Ask the financial-aid office how the award combines with FAFSA, other scholarships, and the full cost of attendance.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; confirm how funding is coordinated.
Apply Now: 2027 Critical Language Scholarship — Critical Language Scholarship Program.
Eligibility — Critical Language Scholarship Program.
Information verified against official sources on October 13, 2026. Amounts, dates, and rules can change; confirm the cycle and terms with the administering organization before submitting documents or accepting an award.
Confirm eligibility and the deadline on the official cycle page before submitting.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Critical Language Scholarship Program
The State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship Program offers an intensive eight-week summer experience for undergraduate and graduate students building proficiency in critical languages. The 2027 program lists nine options: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. Some institutes are abroad and others virtual, depending on the language and program. The 2027 application deadline is November 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern. Applica
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Critical Language Scholarship Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Critical Language Scholarship Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Critical Language Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Critical Language Scholarship Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Critical Language Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Critical Language Scholarship Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.