FLAS (Foreign Language Area Studies) fellowships are funded by the US Department of Education. They support undergraduate and graduate students in the advancement of foreign language and area studies, with emphasis on intermediate or advanced study of languages. (Graduate students may be eligible for a FLAS to support beginning level language study.) Currently, we are only accepting applications for Summer 2026 FLAS awards. If you are interested in academic year language study, please consider applying for a IGI Language Fellowship.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT COMPLETED FLAS APPLICATIONS
Languages supported by CLACS: Portuguese; Quechua
Fellowship Benefits: Up to $5,000 toward program tuition AND $3,500 stipend to help cover living expenses.
Fellowship requirements:
- For summer fellowships: be enrolled in the equivalent of a full year of formal language study - this means 140 contact hour for beginning/intermediate level or 120 hours for advanced level. All programs must be at least 6 weeks long.
Eligibility requirements for undergraduate students:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled in or have a demonstrated proficiency in at least the intermediate level in Portuguese or Quechua
- Minimum GPA 3.0
Eligibility requirements for graduate students:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled as a graduate student at UIUC and in good standing, OR admitted to a graduate program at UIUC
- Have a demonstrated proficiency in at least the intermediate level in Portuguese or Quechua, OR have demonstrated advanced proficiency in another foreign language if seeking FLAS to support beginning-level language learning
TO APPLY:
Applications should include the following documents:
- Cover Sheet
- Personal Statement: 2 pages max. Essays should describe how the proposed language study fits in with your field of study and relates to the specific area studies the FLAS granting center to which you are applying supports; how you intend to use the language; and how the language and area study will contribute to your ultimate career goals. Please also describe your previous language learning experiences (formal and informal).
- Unofficial Transcripts
- FAFSA confirmation page: We will assume zero financial need for those students who do not complete a FAFSA.
- two letters of recommendation: one letter should come from a language instructor. Both letters should be submitted directly by your recommenders (e.g. they should NOT send the letters to you) and can be uploaded here: LETTER UPLOAD.
Please compile applications materials (excluding letters, letters should be submitted by your reference writers as indicated above) into one PDF, making sure that documents are put in the order listed above. Completed applications can be uploaded here: SUMMER FLAS APPLICATION SUBMISSION
APPLICATIONS (AND LETTER) ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM JANUARY 31ST, 2026.
Please send questions to szremski@illinois.edu