The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program offers immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity. So far, the CLS Program has benefited more than 10,000 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a program supported by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the American Councils for International Education. It aims to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions.
Critical Language Scholarship 2025 – Overview
| Application Open Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | November 14, 2025 |
| Eligible Grades | Undergraduate |
| Amount | $8,000 |
| Award Winners | 500 |
| Areas of Study | Arts Languages |
| Country | United States |
| Apply Now | Click Here |
Eligibility:
Scholarship applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old,
- Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Must have enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in the U.S.
Application Requirements:
Here’s what you must submit besides your application.
- Short Answers
- School Verification
- Present Work Experiences
- Recommendation letters
Selection Criteria:
The selection committee will consider the applications based on the quality of applications, determination of the chosen language, their motivation, and the impact of the chosen language on their studies.
