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National & International Scholarships


Since the WKU Chinese Flagship Program is funded by the federal government, all Flagship students nationwide are required to apply for additional scholarships to help cover the costs of domestic or overseas intensive language programs. Flagship funding operates on a "last-dollar" basis, meaning it will only cover the remaining costs after other scholarships have been applied. The total funding awarded will not exceed the program’s total cost of attendance.

To be eligible for Flagship funding, students must apply for at least two scholarships for a Flagship-approved domestic program or three scholarships for a Flagship-approved overseas program. For example, if the total cost of your program is $5,000 and you receive $2,000 from other sources, Flagship funding can only cover the remaining $3,000. Flagship funding will not exceed the program’s total budget.

Here is a list of scholarships that our Flagship students commonly apply for. If you have any questions about specific scholarships, please feel free to reach out to the WKU OSD Team for further assistance. For additional information on national and international scholarships, click here to learn more!

 

Study Abroad-Focused Scholarships (Flagship-related expenses)

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded overseas language and cultural immersion opportunity for American undergraduate and graduate students. Its goal is to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering critical languages, while fostering stronger connections between the United States and other countries. The program offers study opportunities to a diverse group of students from across the U.S. at all levels of language proficiency.

As part of a U.S. government initiative to increase the number of Americans proficient in critical foreign languages, the CLS Program encourages students from various disciplines and majors to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language studies after the scholarship period and to apply their language skills in their future professional careers.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provide support for U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who plan to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia. Students can receive up to $7,000 to cover study abroad program expenses.

The program's goal is to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who gain first-hand exposure to and understanding of Asia, its peoples, and its cultures. Award recipients are required to share their experiences with their home campuses or communities, helping to encourage others to study abroad and furthering the program's objective of enhancing understanding of Asia in the United States.

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships offer unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, such as Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The amount of the Boren Award depends on the duration of the student’s time abroad and the cost of the program. Boren Scholarships (for undergraduates) can provide up to $25,000 for language-focused study abroad, while Boren Fellowships (for graduate students) can provide up to $30,000 for a combination of domestic and international language study.

David L. Boren Awards for International Study (Boren)

 

Scholarships Requiring Financial Aid Proof

Gliman Scholarship Website

The Gilman Scholarship program is designed to make study abroad more accessible and inclusive for students with limited financial resources. It provides opportunities for Americans from diverse backgrounds to engage internationally, promote mutual understanding, and develop skills essential for national security, economic prosperity, and their future careers.

Students who receive Pell Grants can receive up to $8,000 to cover study abroad expenses, including airfare, tuition, room and board, and other program-related costs.

Fund for Education Abroad Website

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) offers scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented in the U.S. study abroad population. FEA aims to make transformative international experiences accessible to all by assisting students of color, community college students, and first-generation college students throughout their education abroad journey—before, during, and after the program. Students can receive up to $5,000 to help cover study abroad program expenses.

 

Post-Graduation Opportunities

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program, providing opportunities for students and young professionals to pursue international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program awards approximately 1,900 grants annually across all fields of study and operates in over 140 countries.

Fulbright Student Grants are available for English teaching assistantships or study/research awards. Students receiving a study/research award typically study at foreign universities or conduct research/creative projects abroad. Both award types cover round-trip transportation to the host country, maintenance based on local living costs for the academic year, and limited health benefits. Study/research awardees may also receive funding for books, research allowances, full or partial tuition, and language study programs.

Applicants must hold at least an undergraduate degree by the time the grant period begins, with many students starting the application process in the second half of their junior year. Fulbright grants are available in nearly all fields and disciplines, including the sciences, professional fields, and creative and performing arts.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Rotary Global Grant Scholarship supports exceptional students pursuing careers in fields that address significant humanitarian needs, with a focus on those who demonstrate a long-term commitment to creating measurable, sustainable change. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 for one year of graduate study outside of North America.

Applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club in their place of permanent residence or full-time study. Those interested in applying should connect with the Office of Scholar Development (OSD) in late summer or early fall to begin establishing relationships with local clubs. Applicants are nominated by local clubs to the Rotary district committee, who then invite candidates for an interview and make the final selection.

While studying abroad, Rotary Global Scholars are expected to give presentations to Rotary Clubs and other groups about their experiences in Kentucky, the U.S., and the Rotary organization. Upon their return, scholars will share their experiences with District 6710 and its member Rotary Clubs.

Rotary Global Grant Scholarship

 


 


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 Last Modified 1/29/25