Scholarship · In person

NSLI-Y — Academic Year 2027–28

U.S. Department of State / American Councils for International Education · Worldwide

Open applicationTravel needs confirmationFully fundedApplications openNeeds confirmation

A funded academic year of intensive language learning and host-community life abroad.

Cost: Free; Fully funded
Duration: Dates not announced
Grade: Grades 9–12; Ages 15–18
Format: In person; Worldwide

Deadline

Nov 12, 2026

27 days left

Cost: Free
Program dates: Dates not announced
Format: In person
Who registers: Student
Funding: Fully funded

Apply on organizer site

What you’ll need

US citizenship, grade 9–12, GPA at least 2.5, exact DOB range and age 15–18 at the assigned start; US citizens abroad may apply.
Comply with current ECA previous-exchange and employee/family rules; meet the ACTFL Beginner–Advanced Low language range.
AIS application with self-introduction and requested essays; all application/academic work must be your own, without AI completing it.
Transcript with completed courses and GPA; ninth graders include eighth-grade results and ninth-grade schedule; home-school applicants use the forms.
One online recommendation from an adult who knows you and is not family, due Nov 19, 2026.
Complete the semifinalist interview by Jan 22, 2027; applicant and all legal guardians sign terms by Jan 12; medical form due Feb 25.
Valid US passport through six months after the program, visa and required medical/immunization documents; provide them on program timelines.
Attend orientation and all assigned study/travel; accept location/housing, maintain self-care and independent commute, do not add outside work/study, and return as assigned.

Last verified Oct 15, 2026

Overview

NSLI-Y is a competitive US Department of State scholarship for intensive overseas language study, administered by American Councils and partners. This academic-year route offers Arabic, Mandarin Chinese or Russian. The program lasts about 8–10 months, with at least 10 hours of formal language instruction each week and a semester- or year-long project. Participants complete language classes, homework, cultural activities, peer-language meetings and community engagement. Housing uses screened host families or a combination of family and supervised group/dormitory accommodation. Current possible host locations are Morocco, Taiwan or Kyrgyzstan, depending on language; the organizer may change options. Applicants list up to two language preferences, not country choices; staff assign the actual place and schedule. The program is structured, with limited independence and required activities. Academic credit and graduation remain decisions of the home school.

Official website

Subject

HumanitiesLanguage scholarshipHost familyAcademic year abroad2027 intake

Overview

Subject

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