The Ultimate List of Language Scholarships

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Studying Languages in College

Pursuing language studies in college offers students a unique opportunity to develop valuable language skills that are highly sought after in many career fields. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, studying languages can enhance your educational experience and open doors to professional opportunities worldwide. Many colleges and universities offer dedicated language programs that allow participants to immerse themselves in the cultures and practices associated with the languages they study.

Language education in college typically includes coursework in grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and cultural studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the language and its context. Students can study popular languages such as Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, and more. Some programs even offer the chance to study abroad for a semester or a summer, which can significantly improve fluency and cultural competence.

Scholarships for language study often support these academic pursuits, helping to reduce the cost of education for accepted applicants. Eligibility for these scholarships usually requires enrollment in an accredited language program and maintaining good academic standing throughout the academic year. Many language scholarships also encourage studying critical languages necessary for national security and global communication.

By studying languages in college, students gain linguistic proficiency and develop cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and professional skills that are valuable in a wide range of fields such as international relations, education, business, and government. Whether you want to become a language teacher, translator, diplomat, or work in another professional capacity, investing in language education can be a rewarding step toward your future career.

Scholarships for Languages

In most cases, scholarships for languages fall into two primary categories: foreign language scholarships and linguistics scholarships. Foreign language and linguistics are very different majors to pursue, so they often have unique scholarships available. However, they all fall under the larger “language” umbrella, so the awards can be considered scholarships for language majors regardless.

Foreign Language Scholarships

Scholarships for foreign language majors are relatively common. While a few are open to students at any school, many are institutional awards. As a result, your student would have to enroll at that specific college to be eligible.

Additionally, certain foreign language scholarships are open to students who are majoring in one of several languages. Here are some awards that aren’t restricted to a single language:

• Angela Ferretti Scholarship in Romance Languages (CUNY grad students only)
• Boren Awards Scholarships
• Catharine Gould Chism Scholarship (University of Puget Sound students only)
• Corinne Jennine Schillings Foundation Academic Scholarship to Study a Foreign Language
• Eugene Savaiano Scholarship in Romance Languages (Wichita State University students only)
• FLAS Fellowships (University of Southern California students only)
• Foreign Language Scholarships (St. John Fisher College students only)
• KOR Memorial Scholarship
• Modern Languages Scholarships (Carthage College students only)
• Phi Signa Iota Society Scholarships (must be a member)
• Project GO Scholarships (must be an ROTC student)
• Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
• TSJCL Lourania Miller & Gareth Morgan Scholarships for High School Seniors

It’s important to understand that scholarships for foreign language majors can focus on a particular language. For example, Spanish language scholarships may require students to major or minor in Spanish, and students studying other languages aren’t eligible for those awards.

If you are studying in Florida, there are also scholarships available through Florida-based programs and universities. For example, the University of North Florida offers foreign language scholarships and support for students pursuing language studies within the state.

Here are some additional scholarships that are focused on single languages:

Scholarships for Spanish Majors

Spanish language scholarships are

• Charles L. Brungardt Endowed Scholarship (Wichita State University students only)
• Harold and Dorothy Froning Scholarship (Wichita State University students only)
• Joseph E. and Betty Adams Angulo Endowed Scholarship (Wichita State University students only)

Scholarships for Chinese Language Study

• Language Flagship Chinese Program

Russian Language Scholarships

• Russian Major Scholarship (University of Minnesota students only)

Scholarships for German Majors

• Cress-Rennert Endowed Scholarship in German Studies (Wichita State University students only)
• Friends of German Studies Scholarship (Wayne State University students only)
• German College in the Schools Scholarship for Incoming Freshmen (University of Minnesota students only)
• German Scholarship Fund (Wayne State University students only)
• GSD Scholarship in German Studies (University of Minnesota students only)
• Uwe K. Faulhaber Endowed Scholarship (Wayne State University students only)

Italian Language Scholarships

• Julian E. and Margaret R. Miranda Scholarship for the Pursuit of Italian Studies (CUNY students of Italian parents only)

Scholarships for Arabic Majors

• Rouchdy-Fakhouri Endowed Scholarship Fund (Wayne State University students only)
• Salim Khaldieh Memorial Scholarship Fund (Wayne State University students only)

Scholarships for French Language Majors

• Helen Hoar Memorial French Scholarship (Minot University students only

American Sign Language Scholarships

If your student is interested in becoming a sign language interpreter, a teacher for deaf students, or is simply interested in American Sign Language, ASL scholarship could help them pay for school or certification. Here are some of the awards that might be worth exploring:

• ASL Honor Society Scholarships
• Daniel H. Pokorny Memorial Scholarship Award
• Elizabeth Benson Scholarship Award
• Estelle Cameron Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Hearing Impaired (Houston Community College students only)
• Evelyn Zola Scholarship
• Gerald “Bummy” Burstein Scholarship Award
• Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Scholarship
• Preston Bass Interpreter Scholarship

Linguistics Scholarships

Scholarships for linguistics majors are also available, allowing students who want to study the nature of languages a way to make college more affordable. Here are some of the linguistics scholarships that those majoring in the subject should explore:

• Assistantship for Doctoral Linguistics Students (University of Texas-Arlington students only)
• Cathy Miller Scholarship (University of Utah students only)
• Department of Language and Linguistics Scholarship (New Mexico State University students only)
• Linguistics Department Scholarship (University of Utah students only)
• TESL/Linguistics Scholarship (Oklahoma State University students only)

Scholarships to Study Abroad

In some cases, the easiest way to learn a language is for the student to immerse themselves in it. This approach often makes studying abroad a necessity, and, luckily, there are scholarships that can make it more affordable.

One option for finding scholarships to study abroad is for students to go to a college that offers institutional awards to assist their students with overseas studies. Typically, these schools can help students with making arrangements as well and will award them with college credit for their work while abroad.

Alternatively, students can opt to head overseas as an international student or take part in short-term programs offered through a range of organizations. If your student decides to explore the latter, they do need to keep their eyes open to avoid scams, as they are a bit prevalent.

Otherwise, students can always check out scholarship opportunities that aren’t limited to a particular major. Some scholarships can help students afford college regardless of what they intend to study. As long as they are enrolled at an approved school and meet the other criteria, they could be eligible for the award.

Students should be sure to apply for these scholarships as soon as possible, as many have specific deadlines and the application process can take time. Study abroad scholarships can also help expand language programs and open up new opportunities for students to enhance their skills. Keep in mind that some scholarships may be a one-time opportunity, so don’t miss your chance to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Language Scholarships

Q: What are language scholarships?
A: Language scholarships are financial awards designed to support students pursuing language education, including foreign languages and linguistics. These scholarships can help cover tuition, study abroad costs, and other educational expenses.

Q: Who is eligible for language scholarships?
A: Eligibility varies by scholarship but often includes criteria such as enrollment in an accredited language program, good academic standing, U.S. citizenship, and sometimes specific language or location requirements.

Q: Can I get a language scholarship to study Arabic?
A: Yes, there are several scholarships specifically for students who want to study Arabic, especially since it is considered a critical language for national security and global communication.

Q: How long do language scholarships typically last?
A: Many language scholarships support one year or a single academic semester, but some programs offer funding for a full academic year or multiple years depending on the award.

Q: How do I search for language scholarships?
A: You can search for language scholarships through university financial aid offices, community organizations, language departments, and online scholarship databases focused on language education and study abroad opportunities.