Critical Language Scholarship Application is Open
The application for the U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is now open.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the CLS Program, launched in 2006 as part of the National Security Language Initiative. SLU undergraduate and graduate students to apply now for this funded immersive summer study abroad opportunity.
The CLS Program provides 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. Through intensive language instruction and structured cultural activities, participants receive the equivalent of one year of language study in just eight weeks.
The following languages are offered in 2026:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Hindi
- Japanese
- Korean
- Persian
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Swahili
Since its inception, the CLS Program has supported more than10,000 participants from all 50 U.S. states, equipping them with language and intercultural skills that set them apart in today’s job market.
The deadline to apply is 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Applicants looking for additional guidance can join SLU's Competitive Scholarship and Fellowship Canvas page.