Boren Scholarship for Critical Language Study

Boren Scholarships: At a Glance

Eligiblity: 

• U.S. citizens
• First, second, third, and fourth-year students
• Intent to study in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
• Intent to study in a country in which the applicant does not hold citizenship

Selection Criteria: 

• Commitment to language study
• Commitment to a career in U.S. government, either in national security or foreign affairs

Candidates for the Boren Scholarship can affirm the following: 

• I can make a compelling case for the proposed language study overseas.
• I can explain how the proposed study can contribute to the wellbeing of the U.S. as well as my career goals.
• I can articulate what motivates me for government service.
• I can demonstrate academic, extracurricular, professional and/or volunteer experience that is relevant for national security or foreign affairs careers.

Extensive Description

What are Boren Scholarships? Boren Scholarships provide up to $25,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study a wide range of critical languages. Awards are available to students of all proficiency levels who are committed to enhancing their skills. Boren Scholars from diverse fields of study immerse themselves in the cultures in world regions underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

The program alumni commit to public service throughout the Federal Government, working in positions critical to U.S. national security or foreign affairs. The Boren Awards employ a broad definition of national security that encompasses not only national defense, diplomacy, and intelligence matters but also any topics addressing the challenges facing global society, such as environment, food, and migration.

Duration: The Boren Awards promote long-term linguistic and cultural immersion. Proposed programs must include language study as a core element for the duration of the grant, with a preference for applications proposing overseas programs of at least 25 weeks’ duration. The minimum duration of an eligible program is 12 weeks, with the exception of undergraduate STEM majors who may propose summer programs of 8 weeks or longer. Boren Awards funding in the 2026 application cycle may be applied to programs starting as early as June 4, 2026 or as late as March 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation, and within three years upon completing the Boren award. See a range of placements here.

Please note that Boren Scholars receive assistance as well as numerous advantages in their federal job search. In addition, Boren Scholars are eligible for noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government until they secure employment.

Eligibility Requirements

Joint Degree Programs: Students enrolled in four-year joint BA/MA programs apply for the Boren Scholarship, and are supported by CCRF. Students enrolled in five-year joint BA/MA programs apply for the Boren Fellowship, and should seek support from the UChicagoGRAD Fellowships Office.

Application Process

Ready to learn more about the Boren Scholarship?

CCRF has created a Boren Resources Canvas site, which is the central hub for information and recorded presentations. Applicants should complete this form to be invited to join the Boren Resources Canvas site. Once you complete the sign-up form, please allow a few businesses days for the Canvas invitation to be sent to your UChicago email.

Ready to prepare your Boren Scholarship application?

Apply with CCRF support for the Boren Scholarship: Current College students who would like to be eligible for CCRF draft review, application support, and a campus evaluation must sign up for the Boren Resources Canvas site and submit their essay drafts and study plans by the deadlines listed below.

• November 24, 2025 at 9 am CT: Submit first drafts of both essays and study plan(s) in the Boren Resources Canvas site to be eligible for a subsequent draft review appointment in early/mid December 2025. Please review the Boren Essay Presentation (linked through the Boren Resources Canvas site) before starting to draft materials.
• December 15, 2025 at 9 am CT: Submit revised second drafts of both essays and study plan(s) in the Boren Resources Canvas site to be eligible for a subsequent draft review appointment in December 2025 or early January 2026.

Students who apply for the Boren Scholarship with CCRF support are responsible for completing and submitting their final Boren application in the SLATE application portal by the national deadline. 

Apply independently for the Boren Scholarship: Current College students who wish to apply independently to Boren are welcome to do so! Candidates applying independently will work on their own timeline and are responsible for completing and submitting their final Boren application in the SLATE application portal by the national deadline. 

Students with disabilities who have been approved for the use of academic accommodations by Student Disability Services (SDS) and need reasonable accommodations to participate fully in the 2026 Boren Scholarship application process should follow the procedures established by SDS for using accommodations. Timely notifications are required in order to ensure that your accommodations can be implemented. Please contact Johanna Best (bestjl@uchicago.edu) to discuss your access needs for this Campus Process after you have completed the SDS procedures for requesting accommodations.