Provides eight to ten weeks of fully-funded overseas language and cultural immersion for the study of a language that is critical to U.S. national security. The program seeks participants from a wide range of fields of study and selects participants based on their commitment to language learning and plans to apply their language skills to their future academic or professional pursuits. Eligibility is limited to current undergraduates who are U.S. citizens.

Eligibility

• All class levels are eligible. You must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the time of the application. 
  • Seniors can apply, as long as they are enrolled at the time of their application. 
  • If you are taking a leave of absence to participate in an organized semester- or year-long study abroad program, or to participate in a substantive internship program, you may still be considered eligible. You will be required to submit documentation of your study abroad or internship program and a signed letter from the University. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Non-citizens, including Permanent Residents, are not eligible, even if they anticipate naturalization by the beginning of the program.

Link to Official Website

When to apply

Students should begin the application process in early Fall of the year in which they plan to apply.

Next Steps

If you are interested in applying for the Critical Language Scholarship, please follow the steps listed below.

1. Review the information on this webpage to learn more about the fellowship, determine your eligibility to apply, and review upcoming deadlines and events.
2. Fill out this interest form to begin working with CUSE on the application.
3. After filling out this form, please make an appointment with a CUSE fellowships advisor or contact us at fellows@nd.edu.
4. If you decide to move forward with the application process, you may apply directly at the CLS website. 

Calendar of Deadlines and Events

October 3, 2018	Application Open
November 5, 2018	First Drafts Due On Sakai
November 10, 2018	Deadline to submit an interest form
November 19, 2018	Second Drafts Due on Sakai
November 27, 2018	National Application Deadline
Late January 2019	Semi-Finalists Notified of Status
Early March 2019	Winners Notified of Status