U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y
Program · U.S. Department of State · Abroad (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, Turkish, and more)
Merit-based scholarships for summer and year-long language immersion overseas.
Our take
A full State Department scholarship to live abroad and learn a critical language. No prior language needed. Deadline is early fall, earlier than most.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- U.S. Department of State
- Type
- Program
- Format
- Residential, Abroad (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, Turkish, and more)
- When
- Summer, 6–8 weeks summer, or academic year
- Who can apply
- 9th–12th grade
- How hard to get in
- Highly selective
- Cost
- Free
- Deadline
- Usually closes in October or November.
- Subjects
- Languages, Social Sciences, Humanities
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y worth it?
A full State Department scholarship to live abroad and learn a critical language. No prior language needed. Deadline is early fall, earlier than most. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it strong.
How much does U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y cost?
It’s free, or it pays you. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y deadline?
Usually closes in October or November. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to U.S. Department of State NSLI-Y?
Students in 9th–12th grade. It is highly selective.
Want a list picked for you?
Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.
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