Critical Languages Institute Funding
The Critical Languages Institute offers several scholarships to graduate, undergraduate, and non-student applicants.
Priority funding deadline: January 31, 2026
Applications for our scholarships are embedded in our CLI application (which will reopen by October 1, 2025). Please find your desired language and begin ONE application to apply for our scholarships. (If you desire to switch languages later, please request that we move your application by emailing [email protected].)
You can apply for more than one type of scholarship, but please read through the eligibility requirements carefully. Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about funding.
To begin a CLI application, click here:
If you have already started an application, please log in here:
Funding Opportunties
Melikian Center Awards Program
For distinguished students and non-students of all ages to study any language at CLI. Supported by the Melikian Center's endowment and by private donations.
- Students who study in online only can receive up to $2,000
- Students who study in online and partake in the optional 4 week abroad extension can receive up to $6,000
- Students who study for 8 weeks abroad with CLI can receive up to $10,000
Title VIII Fellowships
The Department of State's Title VIII program funds graduate students with U.S. citizenship to study the less commonly taught languages of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union.
- Students who apply for an online-only program may receive up to $5,500.
- Students who apply for an online program with the 4-week abroad extension may receive up to $10,500.
- Students who apply for an 8-week study abroad program through CLI may receive up to $10,500.
Needs Based Fee Reduction
For Pell-qualified students, the Melikian Center offers up to a $500 reduction in CLI domestic program fees or up to a $1,000 reduction in CLI international program fees. If you qualify for Pell grants indicate your Pell eligibility on the general CLI program application in order to be considered for this fee reduction.
If awarded, you will need to provide documentation of your Pell eligibility.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The State Department's Gilman Scholarship provides awards of up to $8,000 for students in financial need to study abroad, including in CLI overseas programs.
This award is offered through an outside source. Students applying for Gilman awards should contact Shay Masterson in the ASU Office of National Scholarship Advisement for assistance in applying to Gilman. Applications are accepted from August to October and January to March.
Fund for Education Abroad
Funds for Education Abroad provide scholarships and ongoing support to students with financial need who are underrepresented among the U.S. study-abroad population. Awards up to $5,000 towards credit-bearing study abroad programs. This award is offered through an outside source.
Students applying for Gilman awards should contact Shay Masterson in the ASU Office of National Scholarship Advisement for assistance in applying to Funds for Education Abroad(FEA).