The Application for the EHLS 2027 Program is now open!
Apply by June 16, 2026.
Native speakers of critical languages are in high demand in the U.S. government. EHLS trains advanced English speakers to be effective communicators and strong candidates for federal jobs.
All EHLS participants receive a full scholarship from the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO) that includes tuition and a living stipend. As part of the scholarship obligation, participants agree to fulfill the EHLS service requirement, which requires you to work for the federal government in a position with national security responsibilities for one year after you complete the program.
The 2027 EHLS Program is open to native speakers of: Chinese Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Persian Farsi, Korean, Ukrainian, Kazakh, Turkish, and Hausa.
Information Sessions
Information Sessions
Application Timeline
February 3– June 16, 2026
Applicants complete the following:
- Prepare supporting documents
- Submit an online application
- Complete an OPI in English (after receiving notice from EHLS)
- Attend an EHLS webinar (optional)
June 16, 2026 at 5PM EDT
Last day to submit an EHLS application (Step 2)
July 10, 2026
Last day to complete an OPI in English (Step 3) *applicants will be notified when they are eligible to schedule their OPI
September 2026
Provisionally selected candidates notified to proceed with skills testing. Skills testing will be held virtually
November 2026
Final awardees notified of scholarship award and admission to EHLS (Final Notification)
January 4, 2027
First day of 2027 EHLS Program