Critical Need Language Award

The Critical Need Language Award, offered through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, provides supplemental funding for students who study a designated critical need language while abroad. Eligible languages include Arabic, Bahasa Indonesian, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu, along with sign language versions of these specific languages. To qualify, applicants must submit an essay detailing their motivation, how they plan to improve their language skills, and how this study aligns with their academic and career objectives. Recipients are also eligible to take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview at no additional cost. Because this program is an extension of the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements of the main program, which includes receiving a Federal Pell Grant and submitting the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need. The program offers up to $3,000 in additional funding. See the official page for current dates.