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EHLS is only open to native speakers of languages selected by the program’s federal sponsor, the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO).
To be eligible for admission to the 2027 EHLS Program, you must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application:
EHLS Scholarship applications, including submitted supporting documents, and test scores will be reviewed for candidate eligibility under the National Security Education Act at 50 U.S. Code §1902(a)(1)(E).
The National Security Education Program (NSEP) awards described on this website are subject to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the National Security Education Act at 50 U.S. Code §1902(a)(1)(E).
Applicants to the EHLS Program will be evaluated according to five selection criteria, aside from language and computer skills: language goals and motivation, cultural knowledge, research skills, professional adaptability, and compatibility with the federal workplace. Detailed information about each criterion is available in the selection criteria definitions. It is strongly suggested that you review these rubrics as you prepare your EHLS application.
The EHLS Program uses the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale to assess your language skills. To be eligible for the EHLS Program, you must have critical language skills at level 3 or higher and have English language skills at level 2 or higher. You can assess your language skills via the following self-assessments created by ILR: speaking, reading, and listening.
Use the technology skills self-assessment to determine whether you have the technology skills that the program requires.
