Critical Language Scholarship 2027: 8 Weeks of Funded Study for U.S. Students
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The Critical Language Scholarship 2027 program offers eight weeks of intensive language study with programme costs covered for eligible U.S. students, with overseas and virtual options across nine languages.
Applications are open for the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program 2027. The application deadline is 8pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, 17 November 2026. The programme is limited to U.S. citizens and nationals who are enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting institution, and applicants must be at least 18 by 15 May 2027, according to the official eligibility rules.
What does the Critical Language Scholarship 2027 offer?
CLS provides an intensive eight-week summer language programme for undergraduate and graduate students. The 2027 application lists Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian and Swahili. Participants study with a cohort through an overseas institute or a virtual programme, depending on the language and format offered for that year.
For selected participants, the programme covers international travel, room and board, programme travel and visa fees where applicable. Virtual participants receive a technology and connectivity stipend. The scholarship page sets out the programme benefits and covered costs for each format and location, giving applicants a practical basis for comparing options.
Participants also receive a textbook, an oral proficiency interview certification through ACTFL, and academic credit from Bryn Mawr College. The programme overview explains the intensive language schedule and cultural activities that make up the summer. Applicants should review each language’s level expectations before choosing a track.
Who qualifies for the Critical Language Scholarship?
The programme is open to U.S. citizens and nationals who are currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting institution. Applicants need to be 18 years old by 15 May 2027. Students from a wide range of academic majors can apply, and the official rules list language-specific prerequisites for some advanced levels.
Applicants should choose a language and level that match their background. CLS offers instruction for beginners in some languages and advanced study in others, while the online application asks each student to describe their academic interests, language goals and plans to use the language after the programme.
The 2027 programme includes overseas and virtual study. The official application and programme pages explain the languages and format available for this cycle. Virtual study has a narrower audience: the programme overview says the virtual institutes are available to undergraduate students. Students should check the individual language option and current application form before finalising a preference.
When does the CLS application close, and what should applicants prepare?
Applications close at 8pm Eastern Time on 17 November 2026. The deadline applies to the online application for the 2027 cycle. Applicants can use the remaining time to check the eligibility page, review the language choices and prepare thoughtful responses about their goals.
The programme is intensive, so a strong application explains why the selected language matters to the applicant’s studies or career plans. Students can connect their interests to a specific academic, community, professional or research goal, then describe how they will continue using the language after the summer. The application should also show readiness for a demanding schedule of classes and cultural activities.
Applicants should confirm that their institution meets the accreditation requirement and that their enrolment fits the programme’s rules. The CLS site provides the current list of eligibility requirements and answers questions about citizenship, age, enrolment and language prerequisites. Those official details govern the application.
How to apply for the Critical Language Scholarship 2027
- Review the programme’s eligibility requirements, including citizenship, age, enrolment and language-level rules.
- Compare the nine languages and available formats on the official programme overview. Confirm which language and study format match your background and goals.
- Prepare your application responses around your language plans, academic interests and intended use of the language. Check that your institution and enrolment details are accurate.
- Submit the completed form through the official application portal by 8pm Eastern Time on 17 November 2026. The 2027 application is open, and the portal is the direct submission route.
Critical Language Scholarship 2027: frequently asked questions
How much money does the Critical Language Scholarship pay?
The programme publishes covered costs and participant benefits; applicants can compare support by study format and location. Selected students receive programme support such as travel, room and board, programme travel and applicable visa fees; virtual participants receive a technology and connectivity stipend.
Can international students apply for CLS 2027?
Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and nationals enrolled at an accredited U.S. degree-granting institution. Applicants must also meet the programme’s age and language requirements.
When is the Critical Language Scholarship deadline?
The 2027 application closes at 8pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, 17 November 2026. Students submit through the American Councils application portal.