Boren Scholarships
Offered by National Security Education Program
About this scholarship
Boren Scholarships are federal awards for United States undergraduates who design intensive overseas language-study programs in world regions important to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. The 2027–28 cycle offers up to $25,000 for 25–52 weeks, $12,500 for 12–24 weeks, or $8,000 for an 8–11-week summer program available only to eligible STEM majors. Funds may support tuition and fees, room and board, visas, eligible airfare, books, local transportation, and insurance, but the award is not automatically all-inclusive. Applicants must remain matriculated in an accredited U.S. associate’s or bachelor’s program throughout the funded experience and propose study outside Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The overseas program generally needs at least 15–20 hours of formal language instruction per week; longer, immersive study in a preferred language and destination receives priority. The application includes a study plan, two essays of up to 800 words each, unofficial transcripts, language self-assessment, two required recommendations with an optional third, and detailed academic and program information. Recipients accept a federal service requirement of at least one year after study. Campus review is encouraged and may impose an earlier internal deadline. The linked IIE portal starts the live application, due January 27, 2027 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Eligibility
- Be a United States citizen at the national application deadline
- Be at least 18 years old when submitting the application
- Be matriculated in an accredited United States associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at the deadline
- Remain matriculated in an undergraduate degree program throughout the funded overseas study
- Propose an eligible overseas destination where the applicant is not a citizen
- Include intensive language study, normally at least 15–20 formal contact hours per week
- Submit the study plan, two essays, required transcripts, and at least two recommendations
- Accept the Boren federal service requirement after completing the award
- Submit by January 27, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern and meet any earlier campus deadline