Pursuing language courses or traveling abroad to bolster your language skills is an ideal way to immerse yourself in a language. Fortunately, there are many established grants and scholarships that can help pave the way.
Funding for Language Learning and Study Abroad
Many local, regional, and federal resources provide funding to offset language studies and study abroad opportunities, making these enriching experiences more attainable to a broader range of students.
As a first step, speak with a counselor or advisor at your school. The cost of study abroad may be covered fully or in part by your tuition: Be sure to consult your institution’s international office or study abroad organization for details. Most colleges and universities offer scholarships for current students in honor of notable alumni or in partnership with an institution abroad.
Also check your state’s Department of Higher Education website, and reach out to local honor societies, service clubs, religious organizations, and corporations regarding assistance in your area.
The U.S. government offers a wide array of funding opportunities for language learners—both those aspiring to future careers in government and others across all sectors. Remember that you can apply for financial assistance from multiple sources at once, so don’t hesitate to seek out national, government-funded awards in tandem with language-specific and local funding.
Federal Grant Recipients Explore the World!
Explore Funding Opportunities
Additional Resources
- Diversity Abroad: Diversity Abroad compiles federal and private study abroad scholarship opportunities directed specifically toward underrepresented students—such as minorities, students from low-income families, and first-generation college students.
- Funding for U.S. Study Online – The Institute of International Education (IIE): Funding for U.S. Study Online is a database of scholarships, fellowships, and grants for students studying in the United States. Students can search by area of study (including languages), state, or other criteria.
- Global Scholarships: Global Scholarships is platform for international students to search for scholarships at all post-secondary levels around the world.
- Rotary International: Use the online “Club Finder” tool to search for a local club offering academic scholarships for language study at home or abroad.
Language-Specific Grants
In addition to numerous grants and scholarships open to applicants studying any language, language-specific funding is available at the national and local levels.