The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a U.S. Department of State program, implemented by American Councils for International Education, that packs about one academic year of language study into an eight-week summer institute.
U.S. undergraduate and graduate students study one of nine languages, including Chinese, at an overseas or virtual institute. Recent Chinese participants studied in Tainan, Taiwan and Dalian, China; sites are confirmed each spring, and beginner Chinese is offered virtually.
Benefits & funding
- At least 18 hours of class a week, cultural activities, textbooks, an ACTFL OPI rating and academic credit through Bryn Mawr College.
- Overseas: international and domestic travel, visa fees, room and board.
- Virtual: a stipend for equipment and connectivity, with no living costs.
- Not covered: passport, medical exam and immunization costs; students with financial need can get a $165 passport-fee reimbursement.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens or nationals when applying; permanent residents and those awaiting naturalization cannot apply. Participants enter the host country on a U.S. passport.
- At least 18 by May 15, 2027.
- Enrolled in an accredited U.S. undergraduate or graduate degree program; graduating seniors and one-year master’s students qualify. Virtual institutes take undergraduates only.
- Undergraduates must complete one full academic year before summer 2027.
- Must meet the prerequisite for the chosen level (beginner: under one year of study; advanced: three years).
- One application, for one language, per year.
- State Department staff, CLS contractor staff and their immediate families are barred until one year after the role ends.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled · PhD Enrolled
Age requirement
≥ 18 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Choose one language and a level whose prerequisite you meet.
- 2Submit the online application on the American Councils portal by November 17, 2026, 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time.
- 3No letter of recommendation is requested.
Program timeline
Application deadline, 8:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time
Nov 17, 2026
Initial review notices by email
Late January 2027
Final decisions
Early March 2027
Eight-week institute; dates announced before the award acceptance deadline
Summer 2027