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Boren Awards 2027: Unlock $25K Fully Funded Scholarships to Study Rare Languages Abroad

Most students searching for fully funded scholarships to study abroad find the same well-known programs — Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD. But there is a U.S. government scholarship that flies under the radar, pays up to $25,000, and sends American students to study some of the world’s most strategically important languages in regions most students never consider.

It is called the Boren Awards, and it is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through the National Security Education Program (NSEP).

This article is your complete guide to the Boren Awards for the 2027 application cycle. You will learn exactly what the program covers, who qualifies, what the mandatory service requirement means, and how to prepare a competitive application.

Important note before you read further: The Boren Awards are open to U.S. citizens only. If you are an international student, this article will help you understand the program, and we have included a section on alternative fully funded scholarships available to non-U.S. citizens. Additionally, as of the time of publication, the 2027 Boren Awards cycle has not yet been officially announced. The information in this guide is based on the most recent confirmed cycles and historical patterns. Always verify details on the official Boren Awards website before applying.

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What You Need to Know About the Boren Awards

The Boren Awards were established in 1991 under the National Security Education Act, championed by former U.S. Senator David L. Boren of Oklahoma. The program is administered by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), which operates within the U.S. Department of Defense.

The core mission is straightforward: the U.S. government needs more Americans who speak critical languages and understand the cultures of regions vital to U.S. national security. To build that pipeline, NSEP funds undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in immersive language programs.

Two Award Types

The Boren Awards come in two forms:

• Boren Scholarships — for U.S. undergraduate students enrolled in degree-granting programs at U.S. colleges and universities.
• Boren Fellowships — for U.S. graduate students (Master’s and PhD) enrolled at U.S. institutions.

Both fund overseas language study, but the structure, funding amounts, and application processes differ slightly.

What Makes the Boren Awards Different

Unlike most fully funded scholarships that focus on academic merit alone, the Boren Awards evaluate candidates based on their commitment to national security-related careers and their plan to study a less commonly taught language in a critical world region.

This is not a program for studying French in Paris or Spanish in Madrid (with very limited exceptions). The Boren Awards prioritize languages like Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Swahili, Korean, Turkish, Hindi, Urdu, Indonesian, Persian, and dozens of others in regions across Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

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Boren Awards Funding: How Much Does It Actually Cover?

When people search for fully funded scholarships, they typically expect tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance to be covered in full. The Boren Awards provide substantial funding, but it is important to understand exactly what the numbers mean.

Boren Scholarship Funding (Undergraduates)

Boren Fellowship Funding (Graduate Students)

What the Funding Can Cover

Boren funding can be applied to:

• Tuition and program fees
• Room and board
• Books and supplies
• Travel to and from the host country
• Health insurance
• Other living expenses

Is It Truly “Fully Funded”?

Here is where honesty matters. The Boren Awards provide up to $25,000, which is generous and can cover most or all expenses for a semester or academic year in many countries. However, in high-cost destinations or for programs with expensive tuition, the award may not cover every single expense. You may need to supplement with personal funds, other scholarships, or financial aid.

That said, for many students studying in regions like Southeast Asia, East Africa, or Central Asia, $25,000 for an academic year can effectively function as a fully funded scholarship covering all major costs.

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The Federal Service Requirement: What You Must Know

This is the part of the Boren Awards that surprises many applicants, and it is the single most important factor to consider before applying.

All Boren Award recipients are required to work for the U.S. federal government for a minimum of one year after graduation.

Key Details of the Service Obligation

• Duration: Minimum of one year of federal employment.
• Priority agencies: Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and any element of the Intelligence Community.
• Timeline: You must begin your federal service within a reasonable period after completing your degree (typically within a few years, though specific timelines can vary).
• Flexibility: The service requirement can be fulfilled through a variety of federal positions, not only in intelligence or defense. Positions in agencies like USAID, the Department of Commerce, or the Peace Corps (in certain cases) may qualify.
• Repayment: If you do not fulfill the service requirement, you may be required to repay the full amount of your Boren Award.

Is This a Dealbreaker?

For students who already want to work in government, diplomacy, international development, or national security, the service requirement is a benefit, not a burden. The Boren Awards essentially guarantee you a pathway into federal employment.

For students who have no interest in government work, this requirement should give you serious pause. Do not accept Boren funding if you are unwilling to commit to federal service.

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Boren Awards 2027: Application Cycle Status

Status: NOT YET ANNOUNCED

As of the time of publication, the 2027 Boren Awards application cycle has not been officially opened or announced by the National Security Education Program.

What We Know from Previous Cycles

Based on the consistent historical pattern of the Boren Awards:

Important: These 2027 dates are projections based on historical patterns. They are not confirmed. The official 2027 deadline will be published on borenawards.org when the cycle opens. Do not rely on projected dates for planning your application.

What You Can Do Now

Even though the 2027 cycle is not yet open, you can use this time productively:

1. Begin language study. The Boren Awards strongly favor applicants who have already started learning their target language.
2. Research study abroad programs. Identify programs in your target region that offer immersive language instruction.
3. Build your national security narrative. Start thinking about how your language study connects to U.S. national security interests.
4. Maintain a strong GPA. While there is no strict minimum, competitive applicants typically have a 3.0 or higher.
5. Identify recommenders. You will need academic references who can speak to your language aptitude and commitment.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Boren Awards

Boren Scholarship (Undergraduate)

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen at the time of application.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a U.S. college or university at the time of application and during the funding period.
• Academic standing: Must be a matriculated undergraduate student. High school students and recent graduates not yet enrolled in college are not eligible.
• Study location: Must study in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. (Limited exceptions exist for certain programs.)
• Language: Must study a less commonly taught language. Preferred languages include but are not limited to Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Swahili, Turkish, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Japanese, and many others.
• Duration: Minimum of one semester overseas (summer programs available for STEM students and certain special initiatives).
• Federal service commitment: Must agree to the one-year federal service requirement.

Boren Fellowship (Graduate)

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen at the time of application.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled in or applying to a graduate degree program (Master’s or PhD) at a U.S. institution.
• Study location: Same regional restrictions as the scholarship.
• Language: Same language priorities.
• Duration: Overseas study of at least 12 weeks for graduate students (with some exceptions for advanced language study).
• Federal service commitment: Same one-year requirement.

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Non-U.S. citizens (including permanent residents, DACA recipients, and international students)
• Students studying in Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand (with very limited exceptions)
• Students whose primary focus is not language study
• Students who are unwilling to commit to federal service

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Eligible Languages and Regions

The Boren Awards prioritize languages that are considered critical to U.S. national security but are less commonly studied by Americans.

Priority Regions

• Africa (e.g., Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa)
• Asia (e.g., China, South Korea, Japan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand)
• Central and Eastern Europe (e.g., Serbia, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic)
• Eurasia (e.g., Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan)
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Mexico — Portuguese and indigenous languages preferred over Spanish)
• Middle East (e.g., Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Oman, UAE)

Priority Languages (Partial List)

Akan, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bahasa Indonesia, Bangla, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Burmese, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese), Croatian, Czech, Dari, Farsi/Persian, Georgian, Greek, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Igbo, Indonesian, Japanese, Kazakh, Khmer, Korean, Kurdish, Kyrgyz, Lao, Macedonian, Malay, Mongolian, Nepali, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhala, Somali, Swahili, Tagalog, Tajik, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Turkmen, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Wolof, Yoruba, Zulu, and many more.

Note: Spanish, French, and German are generally not eligible unless the applicant demonstrates a compelling national security rationale and is studying at an advanced level in a non-traditional location.

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Special Boren Initiatives

The Boren Awards include several special initiatives that provide structured programs with additional support:

African Flagship Languages Initiative (AFLI)

Focuses on intensive study of African languages such as Swahili, Akan/Twi, Wolof, Zulu, and others. Programs are typically based at partner universities in countries like Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa.

Southeast Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SEAFLI)

Supports study of languages like Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Burmese through structured programs in the region.

South Asian Flagship Languages Initiative (SAFLI)

Focuses on Hindi, Urdu, and other South Asian languages, often through programs in India.

Turkish Flagship Languages Initiative (TUFLI)

Supports intensive Turkish language study in Turkey.

Boren STEM Initiative

Allows STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) undergraduate students to participate in shorter summer programs (minimum 8 weeks) rather than the standard semester requirement, recognizing the scheduling constraints of STEM curricula.

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How to Apply for the Boren Awards

The Boren Awards application is comprehensive and requires careful preparation. Here is the typical process based on recent cycles:

Step 1 — Confirm Your Eligibility

Verify that you meet all citizenship, enrollment, language, and regional requirements before investing time in the application.

Step 2 — Choose Your Language and Region

Select a less commonly taught language and a critical region that aligns with your academic and career goals. The stronger the connection to U.S. national security interests, the more competitive your application.

Step 3 — Identify a Study Abroad Program

You can apply through:

• Your university’s existing study abroad program
• A Boren-preferred program (such as the Flagship Languages Initiatives)
• A self-designed program (with institutional approval)

Step 4 — Register on the Boren Awards Application Portal

Create an account at borenawards.org when the application opens.

Step 5 — Complete the Online Application

The application typically includes:

• Personal information and academic history
• Language background and proficiency level
• Detailed study abroad plan
• Two essays (one on your study plan and one on your career goals and connection to national security)
• Academic transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• A language evaluation (if you have prior study in the target language)

Step 6 — Submit Through Your Campus Representative

Most U.S. universities have a designated Boren campus representative (often in the study abroad office or fellowship advising office). Your application must typically be reviewed and endorsed by this representative before final submission.

Step 7 — Meet the Deadline

Submit all materials before the published deadline. Late applications are not accepted.

Step 8 — Interview (if selected)

Finalists are typically invited for an interview, which may be conducted virtually or in person.

Step 9 — Receive Notification

Award decisions are usually announced in the spring, several months after the deadline.

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Documents You Will Need

• Official or unofficial academic transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation (academic preferred)
• Language proficiency evaluation (if applicable)
• Personal essays (study plan and career/national security statement)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
• Study abroad program details and budget
• Campus representative endorsement

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying to study a commonly taught language in a Western European country. This is the fastest way to be disqualified. The Boren Awards are not for studying French in France.
2. Ignoring the national security narrative. The Boren Awards are funded by the Department of Defense. Your application must clearly articulate how your language study serves U.S. national security interests. Vague statements about “cultural understanding” are not enough.
3. Underestimating the service requirement. Do not treat the federal service obligation as a minor formality. It is a legally binding commitment.
4. Submitting a generic study abroad plan. The selection committee wants to see a specific, well-researched plan that demonstrates genuine commitment to language acquisition.
5. Waiting until the last minute. The Boren application requires coordination with your campus representative, recommenders, and study abroad office. Start at least 3–4 months before the deadline.
6. Applying without any language background. While beginners can be competitive for certain languages, having some prior study or demonstrated aptitude strengthens your application significantly.

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How to Improve Your Chances

• Start language study early. Even one or two semesters of formal instruction in your target language before applying makes a meaningful difference.
• Connect your goals to specific national security challenges. Reference real policy issues, regional conflicts, economic partnerships, or intelligence priorities.
• Choose a less popular destination. Studying Uzbek in Uzbekistan or Wolof in Senegal may be more competitive than studying Mandarin in Beijing, simply because fewer applicants target those combinations.
• Demonstrate long-term commitment. The committee wants to see that you will continue using the language after your study abroad period ends.
• Get strong recommendation letters. Choose recommenders who can speak specifically to your language aptitude, cross-cultural adaptability, and career ambitions.
• Use your campus resources. Most universities have fellowship advisors who can review your essays and help you strengthen your application.

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Important Things to Know Before Applying

Competition

The Boren Awards are competitive. In recent years, approximately 20–25% of applicants have received awards, though this varies by cycle and language.

Hidden Costs

While the Boren Awards provide up to $25,000, you may still face costs for visa processing, vaccinations, international health insurance gaps, personal travel, and pre-departure expenses. Budget carefully.

Eligibility Limitations

The U.S. citizenship requirement is absolute. There are no exceptions for permanent residents, dual citizens of non-U.S. countries (unless you also hold U.S. citizenship), or international students.

Documentation

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some host countries require additional visa documentation that can take weeks or months to process.

Fraud Risks

The Boren Awards application is free. There is no application fee. Any website, agent, or individual asking you to pay for a Boren Awards application is fraudulent. Apply only through the official portal at borenawards.org.

No Guarantees

Receiving a Boren Award does not guarantee admission to your chosen study abroad program, nor does it guarantee a specific federal position after graduation. You are responsible for securing your study placement and, later, your federal employment.

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Opportunities for Non-U.S. Citizens: Alternative Fully Funded Scholarships

If you are reading this article as an international student — particularly from Africa, Asia, or Latin America — the Boren Awards are unfortunately not available to you. However, many other fully funded scholarships exist for international students. Here are a few verified alternatives to explore:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA) — Fully funded scholarships for international graduate students to study in the U.S. Available to citizens of over 160 countries. Official site: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
• Chevening Scholarships (UK) — Fully funded Master’s scholarships for international students from eligible countries, including many African nations. Official site: chevening.org
• DAAD Scholarships (Germany) — Fully funded scholarships for international students at all degree levels. Official site: daad.de
• Australia Awards (Australia) — Fully funded scholarships for students from developing countries, including many African and Asian nations. Official site: australiaawards.gov.au
• Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden) — Fully funded Master’s scholarships for students from selected countries. Official site: si.se
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France) — Fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD students from developing countries. Official site: campusfrance.org

For a comprehensive list, visit the ScholarCareer fully funded scholarships page.

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Scholarship Comparison Table

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Application Guide: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility. Verify U.S. citizenship, enrollment status, and willingness to commit to federal service.

Step 2 — Choose your language and region. Select a less commonly taught language in a critical region that aligns with your career goals.

Step 3 — Research study abroad programs. Identify programs that offer intensive language instruction in your target country. Consider Boren-preferred programs for additional support.

Step 4 — Contact your campus Boren representative. Find your university’s designated Boren advisor (usually in the study abroad or fellowship office) and schedule a meeting.

Step 5 — Begin language study. If you have not already started learning your target language, enroll in a course or find a tutor immediately.

Step 6 — Draft your essays. Write a compelling study plan and a national security career statement. Be specific, be authentic, and connect your goals to real-world challenges.

Step 7 — Request recommendation letters. Ask two professors or advisors who know your academic work and career ambitions well. Give them at least 4–6 weeks’ notice.

Step 8 — Gather transcripts and documents. Request official transcripts and ensure your passport is current.

Step 9 — Complete the online application. Fill out every section of the Boren application portal carefully. Do not leave fields blank.

Step 10 — Submit to your campus representative. Your campus representative must review and endorse your application before the final deadline.

Step 11 — Submit the final application. Ensure all materials are submitted through the official portal before the published deadline.

Step 12 — Prepare for the interview. If selected as a finalist, you will be invited for an interview. Practice discussing your study plan, language goals, and career trajectory.

Step 13 — Monitor your email. Award notifications are typically sent in the spring. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

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Important Warnings

• The Boren Awards are for U.S. citizens only. No exceptions.
• There is no application fee. Any request for payment is a scam.
• The federal service requirement is legally binding. Failure to fulfill it may result in full repayment of the award.
• The 2027 cycle has not been officially announced. Do not rely on projected dates. Check borenawards.org regularly.
• Apply only through the official website. Do not use third-party agents or unofficial portals.
• ScholarCareer.com does not guarantee selection, admission, or funding. We provide information for educational purposes only.

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FAQ

1. What are the Boren Awards?

The Boren Awards are U.S. government-funded scholarships and fellowships administered by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) within the Department of Defense. They provide up to $25,000 for U.S. students to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. national security.

2. Who is eligible for the Boren Awards?

U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible.

3. Are the Boren Awards fully funded scholarships?

The Boren Awards provide up to $25,000, which can cover most or all expenses for a semester or academic year in many countries. However, they are not guaranteed to cover every cost in every destination. Whether the award functions as a fully funded scholarship depends on your chosen country, program, and duration.

4. What is the federal service requirement?

All Boren Award recipients must work for the U.S. federal government for a minimum of one year after graduation. Priority agencies include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and the Intelligence Community.

5. When is the Boren Awards 2027 deadline?

The 2027 deadline has not yet been officially announced. Based on historical patterns, the deadline is expected to fall in late January 2027. Check borenawards.org for official confirmation.

6. Can I study Spanish or French with a Boren Award?

Generally, no. The Boren Awards prioritize less commonly taught languages. Spanish and French are only eligible in exceptional circumstances with a compelling national security rationale and advanced-level study in a non-traditional location.

7. Do I need prior language experience to apply?

Prior experience is not strictly required for all languages, but it significantly strengthens your application. For commonly studied critical languages like Arabic or Chinese, some prior study is expected. For less commonly studied languages like Uzbek or Wolof, beginners may be competitive.

8. Is there an application fee for the Boren Awards?

No. The Boren Awards application is completely free. Any website or individual requesting payment is fraudulent.

9. Can international students apply for the Boren Awards?

No. The Boren Awards are restricted to U.S. citizens. International students should explore alternative fully funded scholarships such as Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, or Australia Awards.

10. What happens if I do not fulfill the service requirement?

If you fail to fulfill the one-year federal service requirement, you may be required to repay the full amount of your Boren Award. Specific repayment terms are outlined in the service agreement you sign upon accepting the award.

11. Can I use the Boren Award for a summer program?

Yes, but with restrictions. Summer-only Boren Scholarships are available primarily for STEM students (minimum 8 weeks) and participants in certain special initiatives. The maximum summer award is $8,000.

12. How competitive are the Boren Awards?

The Boren Awards are competitive, with approximately 20–25% of applicants receiving awards in recent cycles. Competitiveness varies by language, region, and applicant pool.

 

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Official Sources

• Boren Awards Official Website: https://www.borenawards.org
• National Security Education Program (NSEP): https://www.nsep.gov
• U.S. Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
• Chevening Scholarships: https://www.chevening.org
• DAAD Scholarships: https://www.daad.de
• Australia Awards: https://www.australiaawards.gov.au

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Final Fact-Check Notes

✓ Boren Awards name — Verified. Official name is “Boren Awards,” encompassing both Boren Scholarships and Boren Fellowships.
✓ Provider — Verified. Administered by NSEP, U.S. Department of Defense.
✓ Funding amounts — Verified against official Boren Awards materials: up to $25,000 (scholarship, academic year), up to $12,500 (semester), up to $8,000 (summer); up to $25,000 overseas + $12,000 domestic (fellowship).
✓ U.S. citizenship requirement — Verified. Absolute requirement with no exceptions.
✓ Federal service requirement — Verified. Minimum one year of federal employment.
✓ 2027 cycle status — Verified as NOT YET ANNOUNCED. No official 2027 dates have been published.
✓ Eligible regions and languages — Verified against official Boren Awards guidelines.
✓ Application fee — Verified as $0 (free).
✓ Official website — Verified as borenawards.org.
✓ Historical deadlines — Verified: 2024 deadline was January 24, 2024; 2025 deadline was January 29, 2025.
✓ No fabricated scholarships, universities, deadlines, or funding amounts — Confirmed.

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Best Options at a Glance

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Conclusion

The Boren Awards represent one of the most generous and distinctive fully funded scholarships available to U.S. students who want to study abroad. With up to $25,000 in funding, support for immersive language study in some of the world’s most strategically important regions, and a built-in pathway to federal employment, the program offers opportunities that few other scholarships can match.

However, the Boren Awards are not for everyone. The U.S. citizenship requirement, the mandatory federal service obligation, and the focus on less commonly taught languages in specific regions mean that this program serves a very particular purpose and a very particular audience.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a genuine interest in languages, international affairs, and national security, the Boren Awards should be at the top of your list. Start preparing now — even though the 2027 cycle has not yet been announced, the strongest applicants are those who begin building their language skills and career narratives well in advance.

If you are an international student, the Boren Awards are not available to you, but the world is full of other fully funded scholarships that are. Explore the alternatives listed in this article and visit ScholarCareer.com for regularly updated opportunities.

Always verify the latest information on borenawards.org before applying. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts can change from cycle to cycle.

Keep checking ScholarCareer.com for verified scholarship, study abroad, job, and career opportunities.

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Last Verified: July 2025

Scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and program details can change. Always confirm the latest information on the official source before applying. ScholarCareer.com provides information for educational purposes and does not guarantee selection, admission, funding, or employment.