Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study

This award is available to U.S high school graduates and undergraduate students who are planning to pursue a study abroad program. Scholarships are awarded with preference for countries, languages, and fields of study critical to U.S. national security. Application requirements for the Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study are:EssayRecommendation letterApplication formOfficial TranscriptLanguage forms Program description

Boren Scholarship for International Study 2026: Application Outlook

The David L. Boren Scholarship awards up to $25,000 to U.S. undergraduate students for study abroad in countries critical to U.S. national security where less commonly taught languages are spoken (e.g., Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Hindi, Korean, Portuguese, Swahili, Turkish). For 2026, applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in a U.S. accredited four-year college, applying for study abroad of 8 weeks to 1 academic year. Award recipients commit to one year of federal service after graduation in a national security-related role. Application closes in late January for following academic year.

Application Strategy

Boren is competitive (acceptance rate ~25-30% of applicants) but materially less competitive than Fulbright at the undergraduate level. Strong applicants demonstrate three things: (1) clear language commitment - typically 2+ semesters of the target language already completed; (2) coherent national security career interest - State Department, Intelligence Community, Defense, USAID, or Treasury are the most natural post-graduation paths; (3) a specific study abroad program, not just "I want to go to China." Boren prefers structured programs with documented language immersion and academic rigor. The campus Boren representative at your college will know the strongest programs in your target country.

Why It Matters in 2026

In 2026, federal interest in less-commonly-taught language proficiency has increased - particularly for Mandarin, Arabic, and Russian. Boren remains the highest-value federal scholarship for undergraduate language and area studies, with the additional benefit that the federal service commitment is itself a job pathway. Combined with the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS, summer-only) and the Gilman Scholarship (need-based study abroad), Boren provides a structured route from undergraduate language study to a national security career - far more direct than the typical State Department or IC entry path.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study

How much does the Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study award?

The Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study awards $20,000 per recipient.

When is the Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study deadline?

The Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study deadline is February 3, 2027. Applicants should submit materials at least one week before the deadline to allow time for verification and any required follow-up.

Who is eligible for the Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study?

Must be a U.S citizen. Must be a high school graduate or have earned a GED. For full and current eligibility criteria, applicants should always verify directly on the official scholarship website before applying.

How do I apply for the Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study?

Apply directly through the official Boren Scholarship Awards for International Study application page at https://borenawards.org/apply-now. Prepare required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, essays where applicable) before starting the application.

Must be a U.S citizen. Must be a high school graduate or have earned a GED. The student must be matriculated in an undergraduate degree program located within the United States accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Boren Scholars must remain matriculated in their undergraduate programs for the duration of the scholarship and may not graduate until the scholarship is complete. Must pursue a program of study which focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security and/or challenges of global society, including: sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness. This award is for U.S. students.In order to qualify, students must meet the following criteria:Sign Up To View