Boren Fellowships
Offered by National Security Education Program
About this scholarship
Boren Fellowships fund graduate students who combine intensive overseas language study with research, coursework, or internships in regions significant to U.S. interests. The National Security Education Program offers up to $25,000 for 25–52 weeks or $12,500 for 12–24 weeks. Eligible costs can include tuition and fees needed to maintain home-institution enrollment, room and board, visa expenses, compliant airfare, books, local transportation, and insurance, although the package is not necessarily full funding. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and be matriculated in an accredited U.S. master’s, professional, or doctoral degree program by the time the funded study begins; they must remain enrolled throughout the fellowship. The proposal must include a substantial language component, normally at least 15–20 formal contact hours per week, in an eligible destination where the applicant is not a citizen. Preference goes to longer immersive programs, preferred languages and destinations, and candidates with clear federal-career goals. The application requests a study plan, an 800-word first essay, a 1,000-word second essay, unofficial transcripts, three recommendations, language self-assessment, and relevant academic and professional information. Recipients complete at least one year of qualifying federal service afterward. The direct IIE application is open through January 20, 2027 at 5 p.m. Eastern; participating campuses may set earlier deadlines.
Eligibility
- Be a United States citizen at the national application deadline
- Be enrolled in or applying to an accredited United States graduate or professional degree program
- Be matriculated in that U.S. graduate program when the funded study begins and remain enrolled throughout it
- Propose an eligible overseas destination where the applicant is not a citizen
- Include serious language study, normally at least 15–20 formal contact hours per week
- Submit the study plan, two required essays, unofficial transcripts, and three recommendations
- Accept the Boren federal service requirement after completing the award
- Submit by January 20, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern and meet any earlier campus deadline