Boren Awards 2027
The 2027 Boren Awards cycle is open for eligible U.S. undergraduate and graduate students pursuing intensive language study in world regions considered important to U.S. national security. The national deadline is 20 January 2027 for graduate Boren Fellowships and 27 January 2027 for undergraduate Boren Scholarships.
What Are the Boren Awards?
Boren Awards are funded through the U.S. National Security Education Program and administered by the Institute of International Education. They support intensive study of less commonly taught languages in regions including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are generally excluded.
A defining feature is the federal service requirement. Recipients commit to qualifying U.S. federal service after completing their studies, making the awards particularly relevant to applicants interested in internationally focused public-service careers.
Boren Scholarship for Undergraduates
Boren Scholarships support eligible U.S. undergraduate students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions.
| National deadline | 27 January 2027 |
|---|---|
| 25–52 weeks | Up to $25,000 |
| 12–24 weeks | Up to $12,500 |
| 8–11 week summer option | Up to $8,000 for eligible STEM students |
Campus deadlines can be earlier, so applicants should work through their university’s study-abroad or fellowship office well before the national deadline.
Boren Fellowship for Graduate Students
Boren Fellowships support eligible U.S. graduate students who add a substantial international and language component to their graduate education. Programmes can combine overseas language study with research, coursework or academic internships, subject to Boren rules.
| National deadline | 20 January 2027 |
|---|---|
| Maximum graduate award | Up to $30,000 |
| Typical emphasis | Intensive language study and longer-duration overseas programmes |
Core Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship at the national application deadline.
- At least 18 years old at the national deadline.
- Matriculated in an eligible U.S. undergraduate or graduate programme for the funded period.
- Proposed study in an eligible overseas destination and inclusion of language study as a core component.
- Willingness to fulfil the Boren federal service requirement after study.
Application Strategy
Strong applications connect language acquisition, regional expertise, academic goals and a credible future federal-service pathway. Applicants should also check Boren’s preferred countries, languages and programme-duration priorities before finalising a proposal.
- Confirm the correct undergraduate or graduate route.
- Check your institution’s internal deadline and endorsement process.
- Select an eligible language, country and study plan.
- Develop essays that connect the overseas plan with national-security and public-service goals.
- Submit by the applicable January 2027 national deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Boren Awards 2027 open?
Yes. Current university fellowship offices are accepting applications for the 2027 national competition.
What are the 2027 national deadlines?
The graduate Fellowship deadline is 20 January 2027 and the undergraduate Scholarship deadline is 27 January 2027.
How much funding is available?
Undergraduate Scholarships provide up to $25,000, while Graduate Fellowships can provide up to $30,000 under current programme rules.
Boren Awards 2027: Funding, Service and Eligibility Questions
How much can a Boren Scholarship provide?
Current 2027 university fellowship guidance lists undergraduate Boren Scholarship funding of up to $8,000 for an eligible summer programme, up to $12,500 for 12–24 weeks, and up to $25,000 for 25–52 weeks. Summer-only awards are generally associated with eligible STEM applicants.
How much can a Boren Fellowship provide?
Boren Fellowships for graduate students can provide up to $30,000, depending on the approved overseas study and language-training plan.
Which destinations are normally excluded?
Boren prioritises regions considered important to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are generally excluded from standard Boren-funded study plans.
Is foreign-language study required?
Yes. Language study is an integral part of the Boren model. Strong applications connect the proposed language, region, academic goals and future federal-service pathway.
Do I need university endorsement to apply?
A formal institutional endorsement is not universally required for the national Boren application, although many universities operate internal advising or campus deadlines. Applicants should follow any earlier deadline set by their home institution.
What is the Boren service requirement?
Boren recipients commit to at least one year of qualifying U.S. federal service in the national-security arena after completing their studies. Applicants should treat this as a core programme obligation rather than an optional career benefit.
