UCLA FLAS Fellowship 2026: Get Up to $24,500 for Language Study (Apply by Jan 31)

The UCLA International Institute (including the Centers for Southeast Asian, Latin American, and East Asian Studies) has opened applications for the 2026 Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships. This prestigious federally funded program supports UCLA graduate and undergraduate students undergoing intensive training in modern foreign languages and related area studies.

Selected fellows can receive a financial package worth up to $24,500 for the academic year, or $7,500 for a summer intensive. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident looking to master a critical language like Chinese, Arabic, or Portuguese while getting your tuition paid, this is the ultimate opportunity. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Approved Languages & Regions

FLAS fellowships are specific to critical languages. Currently approved programs include:

• East Asia: Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
• Latin America: Portuguese, Quechua, Nahuatl, Advanced Spanish.
• Middle East: Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Persian, Turkish.
• Southeast Asia: Indonesian, Filipino/Tagalog, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese.

Award Types: Academic Year vs. Summer

You can apply for one or both of these tracks depending on your study goals:

• Academic Year Award: Requires you to take one language course and one related area studies course for a letter grade each term. Benefit: $15,000 Stipend + Tuition/Fees.
• Summer Award: Strictly for intensive language study (intermediate or advanced level only). Can be used for programs in the US or abroad. Benefit: Up to $2,500 Stipend + Up to $5,000 Tuition.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this federal funding, you must meet the following strict requirements:

• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Enrollment: You must be a new or continuing UCLA student (Graduate or Undergraduate) in any discipline.
• Commitment: You must be engaged in full-time study for the duration of the award.
• Performance: You must agree to take pre- and post-program oral proficiency tests and submit progress reports.

Application Requirements

The application is comprehensive. Ensure you submit:

1. Unofficial Transcripts.
2. Resume or CV.
3. Two Academic Letters of Recommendation.
4. Budget Proposal: Required only if you are applying for the Summer award.
5. Financial Need: While merit-based, financial need may be considered (fill out the FAFSA).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the UCLA International Institute portal by January 31, 2026. Note: Recipients must agree to report to the U.S. Department of Education every 2 years for 8 years after graduation regarding their employment and use of the language.

Official Application Link: Click Here to Apply for UCLA FLAS Fellowship