Boren Scholarships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in the world. 

These are available for an undergraduate degree program in abroad including Africa. Boren programs are awarded preference for countries, languages, and fields of study critical to U.S. national security

Maximum awards are:

• • $8,000 for a summer program (special initiative for STEM students only; 8 weeks minimum)
  • $10,000 for a semester
  • $20,000 for a 6 – 12 months

• Applicants from the USA can apply for these awards.
• Boren Fellowships are for graduate students. You are eligible to apply for Boren Fellowships if you are:
  • A U.S. citizen at the time of application
  • Either matriculated in or applying to a graduate degree program at a U.S. college or university located within the United States and accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Boren Fellows must remain matriculated in their graduate programs for the duration of the fellowship and may not graduate until the fellowship is complete.
  • Planning an overseas program that meets home institution standards in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.  Boren Fellowships are not for study in the United States.

Applicants from outside the home country will often need to meet specific English language/other language requirements in order to be able to study there.