The Boren Scholarship funds United States undergraduates to study less commonly taught languages in areas critical to US interests but underrepresented in most study-abroad programs, including Africa, Asian, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United State are excluded. Boren Scholars are comprised of highly motivated individuals who are willing to commit to working for the federal government for at least one year after graduation. The Boren Scholarship initiative is offered by the National Security Education Program.
Deadline: Internal deadline in January; national deadline in February
Value: Maximum of $25,000/academic year. There is a service requirement.
Eligibility: U.S. citizenship; planning a study abroad experience in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand that meets home institution standards; must also study a foreign language in the country of study.
Major: Open, but languages are restricted (see website)
UNH Supported Award: This means that the Fellowships Office offers information sessions/handouts and/or other programming to assist you with your application.
Nomination: Yes; Contact the Fellowships Office
Website: https://www.borenawards.org/
Boren Application Deadlines
Boren Scholarship (Undergraduate Students)
- Internal Deadline: January 7, 2026, 11:59pm.
- National Deadline: January 28, 2026, 5:00pm.
Boren Fellowship (Graduate Students)
- Internal Deadline: January 7, 2026, 11:59pm.
- National Deadline: January 21, 2026, 5:00pm.
Boren Recommended Steps and Timeline
- By October 29, 2025: Meet with Office of National Fellowships to assess eligibility for Boren Scholarship and discuss potential letter writers.
- November - December, 2025: Complete essay drafts and revisions
- January 7, 2026, 11:59pm: Internal Deadline for Boren Scholarship and Boren Fellowship
- January, 2025: Nominees notified.
- January 21, 2025, 5:00pm: Boren Fellowship National Deadline.
- January 28, 2025, 5:00pm: Boren Scholarship National Deadline.
