NSEP Boren Graduate Fellowship

The National Security Education Program Boren Fellowship is for graduate students interested in acquiring or strengthening skills in languages critical to US National Security, and is intended for those who are willing to make a commitment to federal service. Graduate Fellows are able to choose their own program or select one of four Flagship Programs. In addition to language learning, Graduate Fellows are encouraged to conduct research, take additional academic courses, and/or pursue internships. There is also an opportunity to be funded for domestic language programs. The maximum award offered for graduate students is $30,000.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline
• A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
• At least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline
• Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand
• Planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen
• Matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in a graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• In inactive, non-drilling status for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program (For ROTC cadets and midshipmen and members of the military Reserves or National Guard) 

In addition to these basic eligibility criteria, the Boren Awards give preference to programs based on their duration, focus on intensive study of a preferred language in a preferred country, and the applicant’s field of study.

Please check the Boren Awards website for more details on eligibility, requirements, and deadlines. 

Deadlines

National Application Deadline: January 22, 2025, 5pm ET

Advising

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) offers personalized one-on-one advising services for students interested in the Boren Fellowship. Please contact Isabelle Giuttari ([email protected]) with any questions related to the program or your application.

Upcoming Webinars

December Ask Us Anything Webinar - (December 9 at 3:00PM EST) This webinar is a chance for applicants to ask questions about the Boren Award and application.

Crafting Competitive Essays - (December 16 at 1:00PM EST)

Information Session Recording

This information session covers:

• Eligibility Requirements for Boren Scholars and Boren Fellows
• Benefits of the Boren Awards Program
• Tips and tricks for crafting a competitive application

Additional Resources 

Academic and Career Services (specific to each school)

Graduate Study Abroad   

Writing Center