U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State’s NSLI-Y is a scholarship program for U.S. high school students to study critical languages necessary to strengthen the United States’ national security and economic competitiveness.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Upcoming Deadlines
The application for Virtual NSLI-Y’s Fall 2026 program is now available. The deadline is June 8, 2026 at 4PM ET.
The NSLI-Y 2026-27 application for summer and academic year programs abroad has closed. The deadline was November 12, 2025 at 4PM ET.
What is NSLI-Y?
Merit-based Scholarship Opportunity
NSLI-Y is a merit-based scholarship program for American high school students to study critical languages abroad, or online.
U.S. Department of State Program
NSLI-Y programs have been successfully implemented abroad since 2006. The safety and well-being of participants are the highest priorities of the U.S. Department of State and NSLI-Y administrators.
Intensive Critical Language Study
NSLI-Y participants intensively study a foreign language critical to U.S. national security. Previous language study is not required.
Cultural Immersion
NSLI-Y participants are immersed in the host culture through home stays, activities, and excursions.
NSLI-Y Language Programs
Find the right NSLI-Y program for you!
Summer Abroad
6- to 7-week summer program that advances language proficiency through intensive classes, host family stays, cultural activities, and immersion in a host community.
Thanks to NSLI-Y, I feel confident in continuing to study Arabic, which I otherwise might not have done… This program has given me a chance to think on a broader scale about what my career interests might be and given me a look at what a more globally focused career would be like.
Thomas, NSLI-Y Arabic Alumnus
