In an economy that increasingly depends on international commerce and requires international travel, majoring in a foreign language is an essential skill that can grant graduates more job opportunities when they begin seeking their first full-time position. These programs benefit from a large number of excellent scholarship for foreign language majors that help students across the country manage the cost of such programs. Whether they’re school-specific grant programs or nationwide awards open to scores of foreign language students, the 25 programs listed below have one thing in common: They make the pursuit of foreign language proficiency a great deal easier to afford both during the program and afterward.
1. Agnes (O’Rourke) Martin & James F. Sheil, ’43 Memorial Fund
DEADLINE: Varies
Available to students studying a foreign language at Providence College, this scholarship is designed to offset the cost of the school’s annual tuition costs. Because Providence is a small Catholic college that focuses on the liberal arts, it does tend to charge higher tuition rates than similar schools with state funding. The scholarship funds available are awarded each spring to those students who have at least a 3.0 GPA, plan to attend the college at least full time during the following academic year, and show exemplary leadership skills throughout the course of their studies. The program does not renew, but students are welcome to apply for the scholarship during each year of their attendance while enrolled in applicable majors.
Contact
Providence College
Office of Grants and Scholarships
1 Cunningham Sq.
Providence, RI 02918
(401) 865-1000
finaid@providence.edu
2. American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) Award
DEADLINE: March 1
The University of Iowa has one of the most prestigious Russian language programs in the country, easily drawing students from all across the country to learn this unique language. To help with the costs of attendance, the university offers the American Council of Teachers of Russian Award to those individuals who have completed at least two years of study in the university’s Russian language program. Though there are no strict GPA requirements, students stand a better chance at receiving this award if they demonstrate academic excellence, campus-wide leadership, and a strong understanding of the Russian language as well as the country’s culture.
Contact
University of Iowa
Division of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures
111 Phillips Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-2923
dwllc-frontdesk@uiowa.edu
3. Angela Ferretti Scholarship in Romance Language
DEADLINE: Varies
The City University of New York’s Brooklyn College campus has a growing and highly esteemed foreign language program, with students studying a number of Romance languages as well as languages from other parts of the world. For those studying a language with Latin roots, there are several scholarships and awards available. Three undergraduate students are awarded a $100 scholarship each year, while an additional 3 students win an award for the same amount each year as long as they study French, Spanish, or Italian at the undergraduate level. Graduate students are eligible for a larger scholarship, with a differing amount each year, as long as they’re pursuing a degree in French, Spanish, or Italian. Deadlines vary per program, and scholarships are not renewable.
Contact
Brooklyn College (CUNY System)
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
4239 Boylan Hall
Brooklyn, NY 11210
718-951-5451
4. Catharine Gould Chism Scholarship
DEADLINE: February 25
Offered by the University of Puget Sound in Washington, the Catharine Gould Chism Scholarship is a program that serves foreign language majors as well as students in other liberal arts disciplines. The university awards four scholarships to qualified students each year, with each scholarship being renewable throughout the course of a student’s undergraduate pursuits. Each award totals $5,000 and is available exclusively to entering freshmen who demonstrate excellent leadership and scholarship abilities during their time in high school.
Contact
University of Puget Sound
Catharine Gould Chism Scholarship
1500 North Warner Street
Tacoma, WA 98416
(253) 879-3100
5. College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Scholar-German Award (umn.edu)
DEADLINE: March 15
German, Scandinavian, and Dutch are big languages in the Upper Midwest, where many people trace their family’s roots directly to countries in northern Europe. The school’s German department is rather robust, and its Dean’s Scholar award for those who study the language is appropriately large. The scholarship is a four-year renewing program available only to entering freshmen, and it typically requires those students to have at least a 3.0 high school GPA to be considered. Students must be registered for a full-time course load during their first semester in order to be eligible, and must generally maintain a high GPA to continue receiving the award throughout their time at the university.
Contact
University of Minnesota
Departments of German, Scandinavian, and Dutch Language Studies
320 Folwell Hall
9 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-2080
gsd@umn.edu
6. Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
DEADLINE: April 1
The Critical Language Scholarship Program awards outstanding students in pursuit of a non-Romance language degree. From Japanese and Chinese language studies to the study of Arabic and many others, students who apply to this program should be able to demonstrate significant scholarship in pursuit of language proficiency. A handful of students are selected each year and, as part of the program, they attend a summer institute that focuses intensely on their language of choice. The program is non-renewable and is open only to undergraduate students with at least a full year of full-time credits completed.
Contact
Critical Language Scholarship Program
American Councils for International Education
1828 L Street N.W., Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 833-7522
advisors@clscholarship.org
7. Eugene Savaiano Scholarship in Romance Languages
DEADLINE: February 1
Undergraduate students currently studying a Romance language at Wichita State University are eligible to apply for this scholarship that makes such studies more affordable. The program is designed to award WSU students who show excellent academic potential during their time at the university. For this reason, students must have at least a 3.0 in order to be considered. Generally, those students with at least a 3.5 GPA stand the best chance at being granted the scholarship. The program does not renew, but students can apply for the program during each year of their language-focused studies at the university.
Contact
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount St.
Wichita, KS 67260
(316) 978-3456
Belinda.Venters@wichita.edu
8. Friends of German Studies Endowment
DEADLINE: April 1
The Friends of German Studies Endowment at Wayne State University affords students a large number of scholarships, designed to cover the cost of everything from in-class study to overseas learning and experiences. In order to be qualified for these programs, students generally must have at least one year of related study completed. For study abroad scholarships, students must be planning to enroll in an overseas program offered by the university within the next 2 consecutive semesters. Students who show academic prestige will be given priority for the endowment’s many programs, the majority of which cannot be renewed after being awarded.
Contact
Department of Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
906 West Warren
487 Manoogian
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-3002
aa1690@wayne.edu
9. George E. & Sarah Denomme Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE: March 1
Assumption College offers this scholarship to students studying the French language as well as to those students studying several other liberal arts pursuits at the institution. The program is open to freshmen who have already declared their intent to enroll in such a program, and it’s open to upperclassmen who are completing their studies in French, art, or other liberal arts pursuits. The scholarship does not renew, but students are eligible to apply each year. Be prepared to supply recommendations, a transcript, and a personal statement in order to qualify.
Contact
Assumption College
Office of Financial Aid
Department of Grants and Scholarships
500 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 767-7000
10. German-American Citizen League of Cincinnati Prize
DEADLINE: Varies
The German-American Citizens League of Greater Cincinnati awards this annual scholarship to students at the University of Cincinnati who are enrolled in a German language major or the school’s German Studies program. The scholarship amount varies each year, but is designed to help students at all levels afford the school’s rather pricy tuition. Students qualify for the program by submitting academic recommendations and transcripts, and they can enhance their chances by submitting a personal statement that demonstrates their commitment to leadership, German culture, and furthering their studies of the German language. The program does not renew, but all recipients are eligible to re-apply each year if they wish to do so.
Contact
Phone: (513) 598-5732
URL: http://www.gacl.org/
11. Gesell Travel to France Award
DEADLINE: Contact sponsoring organization
The Department of French and Italian at the University of Arizona is dedicated to giving each student the opportunity to study abroad while furthering their language studies. To help make this European adventure more affordable for students, the school offers its annual Gesell Travel to France Award. Any Arizona student is welcome to apply for the scholarship, though priority is typically given to those in a foreign language major. The award is offered yearly, though most students only attend the necessary Arizona in Paris program one time during their undergraduate careers.
Contact
University of Arizona
Modern Languages Building
Tucson, AZ 85721-0067
(520) 621-7349
12. Goddard, Indovina & Krakowski Scholarships
DEADLINE: February 1
The Alpha Mu Gamma Honor Society, which admits those students with excellent academic standing who study foreign languages, offers three scholarships to students during their undergraduate career at Los Angeles City College. Each award is offered only to inductees of the honor society, and each scholarship can be awarded only once during a student’s time at the university. To apply, students will need to submit a copy of their member certificate alongside transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and the completed application form.
Contact
Alpha Mu Gamma National Office
Los Angeles City College
855 N. Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 644-9752
amgnat@lacitycollege.edu
13. GRCF Audrey L. Wright Scholarship
DEADLINE: January 15
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation has a number of scholarships designed to make collegiate studies more affordable for local residents. The Audrey L. Wright Scholarship is available only to students who are originally from Kent County, Michigan, and applies to those individuals currently studying foreign language, education, or a combination of the two. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in order to be considered for the scholarship, and only those students who demonstrate financial need will be awarded funds for their studies. The program does not renew and students generally are not eligible to apply a second time if they’ve won the award previously.
Contact
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
185 Oakes St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-1751
grfound@grfoundation.org
14. Helen Hoar Memorial French Award
DEADLINE: April 15
Students who attend Minot State University are eligible for this scholarship if they currently major in French or are pursuing a minor in the language. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must demonstrate a history of academic excellent and leadership abilities. Only a single student is awarded the scholarship each year, and the award does not renew. Students are able to apply for the program each year during their continued enrollment at Minot State.
Contact
Minot State University
Department of Financial Aid
500 University Avenue West
Minot, ND 58707
(800) 777-0750
15. IES Merit-Based Scholarships
DEADLINE: May 1 or October 15, depending on applicable semester
IES Abroad is one of the leading private companies that gives students the chance to study abroad, regardless of the school they attend on a full-time basis. The organization also offers its own merit-based scholarships to students who are using its study abroad services during the fall, spring, or summer sessions. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time at a major university and demonstrate academic excellence. Scholarship amounts vary based on the student’s standing, GPA, and number of quality points. Students are eligible for this program as many times as they like, but the funds can only be applied to their studies abroad through the company’s own services.
Contact
IES Abroad
33 W. Monroe St.
Suite 2300
Chicago, IL 60603
(800) 995-2300
info@iesabroad.org
16. James G. Southworth Scholarship
DEADLINE: May 6
Students studying within the University of Toledo’s College of Arts and Sciences are eligible for this scholarship program if they meet the school’s academic benchmarks. Only those with at least a 3.0 GPA will be considered for the award, which totals $1,500 per academic year. Though the program does not renew, students are eligible for its funds during each year of their enrollment in a foreign language program or a humanities-related major.
Contact
Dr. Charles V. Blatz
Department of Philosophy, MS 510
The University of Toledo
2801 Bancroft Street
Toledo, OH, 43606
(419) 530-2329
cblatz@utoledo.edu
17. Jennifer Ameil Daughtery Scholarship
DEADLINE: April 1
This scholarship, offered exclusively to students of Saint Louis University, is designed to assist students with their tuition costs if they’re actively enrolled in a French foreign language or cultural program. The scholarship also helps to offset the costs associated with SLU’s semester abroad program that takes place each year in Lyon, France. In order to be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time at the university and either be a student in an accepted major or enrolled in an upcoming semester abroad at the university’s Lyon campus.
Contact
Saint Louis University
Division of University Advancement
One North Grand
St. Louis, MO 63103 USA
(800) 758-3678
sfs@slu.edu
18. Jerel T. Boone Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE: October 25
Virginia Tech’s Jerel T. Boone Memorial Scholarship is available to a select group of students on campus who have an active membership in the university’s German Club. In addition to German Club membership, all applicants for the program should show exemplary academic performance in order to qualify. The program is non-renewable based on its exclusive availability only to members of the school’s senior class in a given academic year.
Contact
Virginia Polytechnic University
Department of Student Affairs
112 Burruss Hall
800 Drillfield Dr.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6272
studentaffairs@vt.edu
19. L.A. Wall Endowed Scholarship-Modern & Classical Languages & Literature
DEADLINE: April 1
Wichita State University is committed to helping students study their language abroad, and that’s where this scholarship comes in. All students majoring in French, Spanish or German are eligible to apply for this program in order to cover the expenses associated with studying abroad in Mexico or France during an upcoming semester or summer session. The funds are also available to students majoring in foreign language literature or classical literature, since such travels would benefit those students similarly.
Contact
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount St.
Wichita, KS 67260
(316) 978-3456
Belinda.Venters@wichita.edu
20. Mac Anderson Scholarship
DEADLINE: February 1
All students who plan to utilize one of Duke University’s study abroad programs are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which is awarded based on a student’s merit rather than their financial need. Because of this, students will be required to submit transcripts, letters of academic recommendation, and a personal statement. Preference is generally given to those students with leadership experience and involvement in cultural majors or on-campus clubs.
Contact
Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates
Smith Warehouse, Bay 6, 2nd Floor
114 S. Buchanan Blvd.
Box 90057
Durham, NC 27708
(919) 684-2174
globaled@duke.edu
21. Modern Language Scholarships (Carthage College)
DEADLINE: December 3
Carthage offers this scholarship to students based on their financial need, merit, and major. The program is open to those applicants majoring in Chinese, French, German, or Japanese, with two awards being granted per language concentration. The program requires a 3.0 GPA at the time of application, and requires students to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout their studies. The program can be renewed for up to 3 years.
Contact
Office of Admissions
Carthage College
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140-1994
(800) 351-4058
admissions@carthage.edu
22. Naomi Gunderson Scholarship for Foreign Language
DEADLINE: February 28
The Gunderson Scholarship at the University of Iowa helps to defer costs for students studying abroad. Applicants must have a high GPA, a track record of campus leadership, and at least 45 completed semester hours. Students must be foreign language majors and must apply all funds to studying in a foreign country with courses relevant to their degree.
Contact
University of Iowa
Division of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures
111 Phillips Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-2923
dwllc-frontdesk@uiowa.edu
23. Richard M & Jane H. Hutson Endowed Scholarship
DEADLINE: January 15
Incoming freshmen are eligible for this scholarship, which rewards studies in foreign language. The program is available to outstanding high school seniors with at least a 3.) GPA, and it can be renewed each year a student remains at Murray State as long as they meet certain GPA requirements. For second-year students, a minimum 2.0 GPA must be earned. For juniors and seniors, that threshold rises to 3.0.
Contact
Murray State University
University Scholarship Programs
102 Curris Center
Murray, KY 42071
(800) 272-4678
24. The Kor Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE: June 1
Founded to fund and encourage the study of Klingon, the scholarship offered by this organization isn’t offered exclusively to Star Trek enthusiasts. In fact, the program is designed to encourage all language study. A single $500 award is granted to one undergraduate student per year, with an addition award of the same amount being offered each year to a graduate student. The program does not renew, but past winners can always re-apply.
Contact
Klingon Language Institute
Kor Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 794
Blue Bell, PA 19422 USA
http://www.kli.org/scholarship/
25. Two-Week Language Scholarships
DEADLINE: March 15
Students apply to this language program if they wish to spend two consecutive weeks living in the Concordia Language Villages located in Minnesota. The program is nearly a complete immersion in the language of the student’s choice, giving them an opportunity for real learning and increased proficiency. The scholarship covers all tuition expenses, but does not cover materials or travel expenses.
Contact
Concordia Language Villages
901 8th St. S.
Moorhead, MN 56562
(800) 222-4750
clv@cord.edu
Students studying abroad, majoring in foreign languages, or simply immersing themselves in the culture of a foreign country have never had more ways to afford their academic pursuits. With various financial aid options like college-specific programs, national grants, and special study abroad programs, it’s easier than ever to major in a crucial foreign language and become fully immersed in a fascinating new culture with these scholarships for foreign language majors.