David L. Boren Awards for International Study

Boren Scholarships are awarded with preference for countries, languages, and fields of study critical to U.S. national security. Preference is also given to students who will study abroad for longer periods of time, and who are highly motivated by the opportunity to work in the federal government. 

Countries

For a list of preferred countries, click here. 

Languages

For a list of preferred languages, click here.

Fields of Study

For a list of preferred fields of study, click here.

As we cannot list all countries, languages, and fields that are critical to U.S. national security, we are interested in applications that fall outside the preferences, if the candidate can make a compelling case that such study can contribute significantly to U.S. national security and the goals of the program.

Length of Study

Boren Scholarships promote long term linguistic and cultural immersion, and therefore study abroad proposals for two or more semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing a full-year (6 months or more) academic study. Summer-only programs must be eight (8) weeks or more and are limited to science, technology, engineering and mathematics students.

If full year opportunities in the same program are unavailable, students may study abroad on two different study abroad programs. We encourage consecutive programs of study; these applications could be for summer and year programs; fall and spring semesters; summer and fall semesters; or spring and summer semesters. These applications would then be considered together, and if the total length of study exceeds six months, they receive preference as a year-long proposal. Applications for two different consecutive study abroad programs must entail study of the same language. Applicants should click here for information about completing the application correctly.

Commitment to Government Service

Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a desire to work in the federal government.  In exchange for scholarship funding, all Boren Scholars must agree to the NSEP Service Requirement.