Award amount$165 reimbursement for U.S. passport application fees for eligible finalists
Last checkedJun 28, 2026
FAQ
Critical Language Scholarship Applicant FAQ
A comprehensive FAQ page for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program, covering eligibility requirements, citizenship status, military affiliation, enrollment criteria, and application process details.
Must be a U.S. citizen; Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited U.S. institution at the time of application; Must be 18 years old by May 15, 2026; Must have completed at least one full year (two semesters or three quarters) of college by the start of the program; Naturalized citizens must be naturalized by the November application deadline
Requirements
Must enter the host country on a U.S. passport; Applicants with military affiliation may be subject to additional travel and clearance restrictions; Must be enrolled in a degree-granting program (undergraduate, graduate, or professional); Non-degree certificate programs do not count toward enrollment eligibility
Application materials
Official transcript; CLS Enrollment Confirmation form (for specific cases); Letter from program provider (for co-op/internship/study abroad participants)
How to apply
Apply through the official CLS online application portal; Contact cls@americancouncils.org for specific eligibility questions regarding enrollment or citizenship