Critical Language Scholarship Program | Selection Criteria
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Selection Criteria

Applicants for the 2026 CLS Program are selected based on four criteria.

Criterion 1: Commitment to language learning

  • Does the applicant show interest in and awareness of the target language and culture?
  • Has the applicant encountered challenges in studying their target language? If so, do they explain how CLS will help overcome them?
  • Does the applicant articulate how CLS fits into their plan for beginning or continuing study in their target language? If they have prior experience, do they describe how they have built on that experience?
  • Does the applicant demonstrate a clear plan for continuing to engage with the target language and culture after the Program?

Criterion 2: Preparation for and alignment with program expectations

  • Does the applicant demonstrate readiness to participate in an intensive language-focused program, adapt to living in an overseas host community, and collaborate with a group of peers from across the United States?
  • Do they demonstrate willingness to engage with and learn from other perspectives, reflect on challenges they may encounter during the program, and show resilience and adaptability in navigating new environments and experiences?

Criterion 3: Contribution to citizen diplomacy and national impact

  • Does the applicant explain how their experiences and perspectives will help them represent the United States as a citizen diplomat and connect with their host community?
  • Does the applicant demonstrate how they will use the knowledge and skills gained through CLS with their community upon return in the United States?
  • Does the applicant demonstrate how their participation in CLS will contribute to broader goals, such as strengthening international networks, supporting innovation, or benefiting their community in the United States?

Criterion 4: Connection between language and academic and professional goals

  • Does the applicant explain how learning the target language and culture through the CLS Program will support their academic and professional goals?
  • How integral is knowledge of the target language and culture to the applicant’s future academic and professional plans?

All other factors being equal, the CLS Program gives preference to veterans of the United States armed forces. Alumni of the 2025 CLS Spark virtual initiative who maintain eligibility and apply for the same language will receive automatic semifinalist status.

Selection Process

Applications for the CLS Program are initially read by independent evaluators from a pool of language faculty and area specialists, international education professionals, and fellowship advisors across the U.S., as well as program alumni. Semifinalist candidates are additionally reviewed by panels of language faculty and area specialists, international education professionals, and fellowship advisors.

Selection Timeline

Applicants will be notified by email in late January with the status of their application following the initial review process. Applicants who move past the initial review process will be notified of their status as a scholarship recipient, alternate, or non-recipient in early March.