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The Boren Fellowship provides funding for graduate students to obtain long-term linguistic and cultural immersion abroad. The scholarship provides up to $25,000 in funding to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Upon completion of the Boren Scholarship, you are obligated to work for the federal government in some capacity for one year after graduation.
Scholarship Amount
$12,000-$25,000, depending on programAnnual Number of Scholarships Awarded
- ~100 per year
- Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
- Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
- Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
- Up to $12,000 for domestic language study (optional)
- Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be matriculated or applying to a graduate program at the time of application and remain matriculated in a graduate program for the duration of the scholarship
- You may not graduate until the scholarship is complete
- Proposed program must be at least 12 weeks
- Proposed programs of 2 or more semesters are strongly encouraged
- Preference is given to applicants proposing overseas programs of at least 25 weeks
- Proposed programs of 2 or more semesters are strongly encouraged
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence to succeed abroad
- Clear and compelling explanation of relevance of your country, language, field of study, and overseas study to U.S. national security
- Demonstrated commitment to language study before, during, and after overseas study
- Proposed study plan in a country and language or field of study preferred by the Boren Fellowship
- If not on the preferred lists, make a compelling argument for funding on the basis of U.S. national security
- Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a longer-term commitment to government service
- A clear, comprehensive, and feasible study plan, if conducting research
Application Material
- Boren Application
- Budget plan for time abroad, including travel to and from the U.S. to desired country
- National Security Essay
- Motivation and Public Service Careers Essay
- Language Self-Assessment
- Language Proficiency Evaluation (Optional)
- Study Plan Summary
- Abstract and Methodology
- If you are electing to include research as an element of your program proposal
- CV/Resume
- Transcripts
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- University Endorsement
University Endorsement Process
University endorsement is a competitive process and not guaranteed. Students seeking University of Utah endorsement must submit certain application components by the University’s deadline.