STEP 1 - CREATE A NEW APPLICATION
Visit the Apply Now page to get started by selecting the overseas location and language you want to study. You may change your selections at any time.
Programs
BOREN SCHOLARSHIPS
Fund study abroad by U.S. undergraduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
$25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
$12,500 for 12-24 weeks
$8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only)
BOREN FELLOWSHIPS
Fund research and language study proposals by U.S. graduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests.
Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
$25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
$12,500 for 12-24 weeks
START YOUR APPLICATION
STEP 2 - GET INFORMED
Reach out to the Boren Awards campus representative at your institution. (You may still apply if your institution does not have one.) They will have lots of constructive advice for you.
-AND-
Watch our introductory webinar to learn the basics of the Boren Awards application.
-AND-
Review the official selection criteria.
STEP 3 - CHOOSE A PROGRAM
Apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative
Regional Flagship Language Initiative offers Boren Scholars and Boren Fellows carefully-selected, credit-bearing language courses during the summer (domestic) and fall (overseas), with the option to continue overseas study into the spring:
- The African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI) for the study of French, Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, or Zulu
-OR-
STEP 4 - REFLECT ON PROFESSIONAL GOALS
The Boren Awards invest in linguistic and cultural knowledge for aspiring federal government employees. Understanding the national security implications of your study and the many career opportunities available to you is critical to a successful application.
Draft your essays as early as you can and share them with your recommenders.
For more information on the one-year federal service requirement, check out the federal careers section here.
STEP 5 - GET MORE SUPPORT
Your most important support will come from your campus representative. (You may still apply if you do not have one; ask new advisors to contact us if they want to be listed.)
Boren Awards staff will release new webinars on specific topics throughout the application cycle -- watch as many as you can!
If you have any questions specific to your application, contact us at boren@iieus.org or call 1-800-618-6737 ext. 1 during business hours (9 am to 5 pm Eastern).
STEP 6 - SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY THE NATIONAL DEADLINE
The national deadlines for the 2027 Boren Awards are:
Boren Fellowships: January 20, 2027
Boren Scholarships: January 27, 2027
2027-28 Boren Awards funding may be applied to programs starting as early as June, 2027 or as late as March 1, 2028.
Your campus representative may also set a campus deadline to provide support and feedback -- please check to see if there is one and respect it!
Applicants will be notified if they have been selected in mid-to-late April
