The U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y program is part of an interagency initiative to ensure that Americans are learning and mastering critical languages to foster international cooperation, build mutual understanding, strengthen national security, and bolster the economy. NSLI-Y provides scholarship programs to American high school students to study critical languages and the regions in which these languages are spoken, sparking a lifetime interest that carries through their education and careers.
NSLI-Y provides intensive immersion programs to study Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish in host locations around the world.
Location(s)
- Remote
- Please note that programs, host locations, and schedules are dependent on local health and safety conditions and are subject to change.
- Programs may take place in the following locations:
- China, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Latvia, Morocco, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and other locations around the world, as conditions allow.
Schedule
- Dates and duration vary by program
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- Applicants for summer programs must be both U.S. citizens and U.S. residents at the time of application.
- Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent
- Be 15-18 years of age at start of the program
- For 2025 summer programs: birthdate between July 10, 2006 and June 10, 2010
- For 2025-2026 academic year programs: birthdate between August 30, 2006 and June 30, 2010
- Be enrolled in grades 9-12 (high school or home school equivalent) at the time of application
Deadline
- November
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Letter of introduction to instructors and host families
- Essays
- Transcript
- Parent/guardian statement
- Letter of recommendation
Notifications of Decisions
- Click HERE for information on the various stages of notifications and progression through the review process
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The U.S. Department of State, established in 1789, is the federal executive department responsible for managing the United States' foreign affairs. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Department of State is led by the Secretary of State and operates numerous embassies, consulates, and missions worldwide. Its primary mission includes conducting diplomacy, promoting American interests, and fostering international cooperation. The Department is instrumental in formulating and implementing U.S. foreign policy, representing the nation in international forums, and managing diplomatic relations with other countries. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in issuing passports and visas, assisting U.S. citizens abroad, and coordinating efforts related to global issues such as human rights, international development, and counterterrorism.
