The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program by University of Victoria

Brief Description

Started in 2006, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive language and cultural immersion program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The program is aimed at students who are interested in learning less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

Host Institution(s)

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is hosted by various institutions, including the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Other host institutions include American universities, institutes, and organizations located across the globe.

Level/Field of Study

The program offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to study critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Turkish. The courses offered vary from beginner to advanced levels, depending on the student’s proficiency in the language.

Number of Awards

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program offers 550 fully-funded awards annually to U.S. students. The University of Victoria offers a limited number of scholarships to its students.

Target Group

The program is open to U.S. citizens who are enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate programs. Non-traditional students, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. Students from all academic disciplines are welcome, as long as they have an interest in studying a critical language and are eager to promote personal and national growth.

Scholarship Value/Inclusions

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program covers the full cost of the program, including tuition, room and board, international travel to and from the host country, visas, and cultural activities. The scholarship also provides a small stipend to cover daily expenses. Participants are responsible for their own health insurance.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the scholarship,

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and currently enrolled as students in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
• They must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the program
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Applicants should have little to no previous experience in the language they wish to study.
• Students who have completed a CLS Program in the past are ineligible.

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Application Instructions

Applicants must submit an online application and provide a transcript, letters of recommendation, and proof of U.S. citizenship. They must also submit a statement of purpose and language evaluation. The application deadline varies each year, but typically falls in the fall or winter. Selected participants will be notified in the spring or early summer.

Official Website

Prospective applicants can find information about the program, including eligibility requirements, application instructions, and testimonials visit official website.