About the programme
Supports U.S. graduate students in overseas language study, with flexibility for research, internships and coursework in the target language. Language must be a core element of the program, and research should connect to U.S. national security. Recipients commit to federal service after the award.
Duration: 12 weeks to 52 weeks of overseas study
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen at the time of the national application deadline
- High school graduate or GED holder
- At least 18 years old by the time the application is submitted
- Matriculated in or applying to a U.S. accredited graduate degree program (master's, JD or doctoral), in place by fellowship start
- Overseas destination outside Western Europe, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, and not a citizen of that destination
- ROTC/Reserve/National Guard members must be in inactive, non-drilling status for the program duration
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What they look for
- Research interests explicitly tied to U.S. national security is valued
- Longer-term interest in a federal career is valued
What you will need
- Application through IIE/Slate portal
- Matriculation proof (form or letter)
How to apply
- Apply through the Boren Awards application portal before the national deadline
- Campus representatives may provide a campus evaluation within three business days after the national deadline (optional advising)
Applications are submitted on Boren Awards (IIE, administered for the Defense Language and National Security Education Office)’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
No notes yet.
Source and verification
- Official source
- Boren Awards (IIE, administered for the Defense Language and National Security Education Office) · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
- Recently changed
- Deadline moved from 27 Jan 2027 to 20 Jan 2027. Funding updated. Eligibility updated
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