ASIANetwork is pleased to invite applications for scholarships, up to $5,000 each, for the study of Asian languages at the undergraduate level. The award pays full or partial tuition for rigorous coursework in an Asian language not available at the student’s home college or university (e.g. no language courses at all are offered or higher-level language courses are not offered). The scholarship does not cover non-language study of Asian cultures. Courses can be taken in-person, online, or in a hybrid format at accredited or reputable institutions in the USA or abroad. Self-study or language learning with a tutor are not supported. Scholarship awards can be applied for one to two semesters of language study during the academic year or four to eight weeks of summer coursework. All coursework must be credit bearing. Awardees are expected to engage in outreach activities and the promotion of language learning after completing their scholarship-funded language courses.

In their application, students should demonstrate a commitment to ongoing language study related to their future career goals (e.g., graduate or professional school, careers in international companies, non-profits and NGOs, or service in governmental organizations). Students should also state why they need to continue study of a language in an immersive program outside their home institution (due to campus resource limitations or lack of suitable advanced courses).

This award is made possible through the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation. Please contact ASIANetwork Program Director, Dr. Steven Day (sday@ben.edu), with questions about this scholarship. (Do not contact the Luce Foundation.)

Program Requirements

• Minimum one year of formal study of the Asian language that the applicant wishes to continue learning

• Minimum GPA of 2.75

• Student’s home institution must be fewer than 12,500 full-time students; strong preference given to schools who are members of ASIANetwork

• Completed application form, which will include the following essay prompts: (a) what are your future professional plans and how will language study help achieve those goals; (b) why do you need to study the proposed language at another institution; (c) what program(s) will you apply to, and; (d) how will you engage in outreach activities and promotion of language learning on your campus and in your community after award period.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026 for preferential review. Applications close December 1, 2026.

Notification of Awards: beginning January 5, 2027 

Award Eligibility Period: May 15, 2027 – May 31, 2028