Unlock Your Language Learning Dreams with Language Scholarships
Learning Language Scholarships is an incredible way to open doors to new cultures, career opportunities, and personal growth. However, the cost of language programs, especially those abroad, can be daunting. That’s where language scholarships come in! These scholarships provide financial support to students who are eager to immerse themselves in a foreign language, making it easier for them to pursue their passion without worrying about the financial burden. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of applying for language scholarships, highlight some of the top opportunities available, and show you how to maximize your chances of success.
What Are Language Scholarships?
Language scholarships are financial awards designed to support students and professionals who want to study a foreign language, often in a country where that language is spoken. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and sometimes even living costs. Some scholarships are government-funded, while others come from private organizations or universities. They are typically awarded to individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to language learning, cultural exchange, or a career that requires proficiency in a foreign language.
How Do I Apply for Language Scholarships?
Applying for language scholarships can be a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
- Research the Scholarships
Start by identifying language scholarships that match your goals. Make sure to carefully read the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application processes. Some scholarships may focus on specific languages, study abroad locations, or academic levels.
- Prepare Your Application Materials
Common application materials include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The essay is often the most important part of your application, as it allows you to explain why you’re passionate about learning the language and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
- Tailor Your Application
Customize your application for each scholarship. Highlight your academic achievements, previous language learning experiences, and your commitment to studying abroad. Be specific about how this scholarship will help you reach your personal and professional objectives.
- Follow the Instructions
Every scholarship has its own set of application instructions. Be sure to submit all the required documents by the deadline and follow any additional steps, such as interviews or language proficiency tests.
- Stay Organized
Keep track of the deadlines and requirements for each scholarship you apply for. Missing a deadline or forgetting to submit a crucial document can disqualify you from consideration.
13 Scholarships for Foreign Language Study
To help you get started, here’s a list of some of the top language scholarships available for students interested in studying languages abroad:
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
The CLS program is a fully-funded, 8-week intensive language program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It focuses on languages deemed critical to U.S. security, such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. No prior language experience is required for many of the programs. Apply
- Languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, and more
Deadline: Mid-November - Apply
Boren Awards
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships offer funding to U.S. students who want to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests. In exchange for funding, recipients commit to working in the U.S. government for at least one year after graduation.
- Languages: Multiple
Deadline: January/February - Apply
NSLI-Y (National Security Language Initiative for Youth)
This U.S. State Department-funded program offers fully-funded language immersion programs to high school students. Participants study abroad in countries where critical languages such as Arabic and Mandarin are spoken.
- Languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, and more
Deadline: November - Apply
DAAD Language Scholarship
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers language scholarships for students interested in studying German in Germany. It covers tuition fees for language courses and, in some cases, living expenses.
- Language: Germanz
Deadline: Varies - Apply
Luce Scholars Program
Although not solely a language scholarship, the Luce Scholars Program includes a significant language study component, focusing on Asian languages for U.S. students with limited exposure to Asia.
- Languages: Various Asian languages
Deadline: November - Apply
Ibn Battuta Arabic Scholarships
These scholarships are for students who want to study Arabic in Morocco. They offer full and partial funding for various program lengths.
- Language: Arabic
Deadline: Varies - Apply
TUSA Summer Scholarship
The TUSA program is an eight-week language immersion program for U.S. students interested in learning Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. It also includes cultural excursions and volunteer activities.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese
Deadline: March - Apply
Darmasiswa Scholarship
This scholarship offers international students the chance to study Indonesian language and culture for up to one year.
- Language: Indonesian
Deadline: March - Apply
ARIT Turkish Fellowships
The American Research Institute in Turkey offers fellowships for advanced Turkish language study at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul.
- Language: Turkish
Deadline: February - Apply
Blakemore Freeman Fellowships
These fellowships provide funding for advanced language learners of Asian languages for one year of intensive study.
- Languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more
Deadline: December - Apply
AIIS Language Fellowships
The American Institute of Indian Studies offers scholarships for the immersive study of Indian languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, and Urdu. Apply
Languages: Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, and more
Deadline: December
TUMS Scholarships
The Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance (TUMS) offers scholarships to U.S. students for language study and cultural immersion programs in Taiwan. Apply
Language: Mandarin Chinese
Deadline: March
Turkish Language Program (Yunus Emre Institute)
This scholarship supports international students interested in learning Turkish through intensive language programs in Turkey. Apply
Language: Turkish
Tips for Writing a Strong Application
When applying for language scholarships, your application materials—especially your essays—are your chance to stand out. Here are some tips for writing a compelling application:
- Show Passion: Convey your passion for learning the language and immersing yourself in the culture. Scholarship committees want to invest in students who are genuinely motivated.
- Be Specific: Explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, whether it’s advancing your career, completing a degree, or fulfilling a personal ambition.
Highlight Your Experience: If you’ve studied the language before or traveled abroad, make sure to mention it. Even if you’re a beginner, explain why you’ve chosen this particular language.
Applying for language scholarships can be a game-changer for anyone wanting to study a new language abroad. With so many opportunities available, there’s a scholarship out there for everyone, whether you’re a high school student, undergraduate, or graduate. The key is to do your research, prepare your materials thoroughly, and apply to as many relevant scholarships as possible. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can turn your dream of mastering a foreign language into reality without breaking the bank.