Critical Language Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education.

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. Participants receive the equivalent of one year of language study in eight weeks, through intensive language instruction and cultural activities that reinforce both language learning and intercultural competence. Since 2006, the CLS Program has supported over 10,000 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Languages

CLS provides instruction in nine critical languages: Arabic,  Chinese, Hindi,  Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili. You apply by language, not for a particular country placement.

Participants in the most CLS Program languages are not required to have previous experience studying most of the languages. However, please note that applicants to the Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Russian programs are required to have completed one year of language study prior to program start while those applying to the  Japanese program are required to have completed 2 years of study.

Programs range from 8 to 10 weeks, beginning in early to mid-June with a pre-departure orientation in the U.S. Students must attend the full program and participate in all program activities. Students in all disciplines including business, engineering, law, medicine, sciences and humanities are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

In order to apply for the CLS Program you must, at the time of submitting your application:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Be at least 18 years old by May 15, 2026.
• Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate (associate, bachelor’s) or graduate (master’s, doctoral, professional) level at the time of application. Graduating seniors and students enrolled in one-year master’s programs are eligible.
• Undergraduate applicants must complete at least one full year of study (two semesters or three quarters) by the beginning of the CLS Program in summer 2026.

Information on eligibility is available at: https://clscholarship.org/applicants/eligibility.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on:

• Commitment to language learning
• Preparation for and alignment with program expectations
• Contribution to citizen diplomacy and national impact
• Connection between language and academic and professional goals

All other factors being equal, the CLS Program gives preference to veterans of the United States armed forces. Alumni of the 2025 CLS Spark virtual initiative who maintain eligibility and apply for the same language will receive automatic semifinalist status.

Application Information

Interested UW-Madison students apply directly through the CLS website by the November deadline.

The CLS Application for the 2026 Summer Program is now open!

Start your application at: clscholarship.org/apply

Applications are due Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time (7:00 PM Central).

Learn more about CLS on its website: https://clscholarship.org/

Students interested in the Critical Language Scholarship should contact the IRIS Awards Office, awards@iris.wisc.edu with questions or for feedback on applications.