Blakemore Foundation 2026 Language Fellowships (Fully Funded) – A Complete Guide for International Students
Are you passionate about mastering an Asian language and applying it to your academic or professional career? The Blakemore Foundation 2026 Language Fellowships provide a rare opportunity to achieve fluency while studying in some of Asia’s most respected language institutes. These fellowships cover full tuition, living stipends, travel expenses, and study materials—making them a life-changing option for serious learners. Whether you are an undergraduate nearing graduation, a graduate student, or an early-to-mid-career professional, this program could be the stepping stone you need to achieve professional-level fluency in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more.
About the Blakemore Foundation
The Blakemore Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting advanced language study in Asia. Since its establishment, the Foundation has been focused on enabling scholars, professionals, and academics to immerse themselves in Asian languages at the highest level. Their mission is not only about teaching language but also about preparing future leaders, researchers, and professionals who will use their language expertise to contribute to international cooperation, research, and cultural understanding.
Types of Blakemore Fellowships Available in 2026
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the Blakemore Foundation is offering two primary types of fellowships:
Blakemore Freeman Fellowships
The Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are designed for:
- Graduating seniors
- College graduates
- Graduate students
- Young and mid-career professionals
These fellowships support advanced study of the following languages:
- Chinese (in Taiwan or Beijing)
- Japanese
- Korean
- Indonesian
- Khmer
- Thai
- Vietnamese
The program is aimed at individuals who already have a strong language foundation and are ready to advance toward professional-level fluency. For example, applicants must have completed at least three years of prior study in the target language. The fellowship emphasizes candidates with clear career goals where language proficiency is not just useful but essential.
Blakemore Kingfisher Art History Language Fellowships
The Blakemore Kingfisher Art History Language Fellowships focus on candidates pursuing advanced research in Chinese or Korean art history, particularly pre-twentieth century art. This fellowship has broader eligibility compared to the Freeman Fellowship. It is open to:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Foreign nationals studying at U.S. or Canadian universities
Applicants must:
- Have received a bachelor’s degree by the start of the grant
- Have completed at least two years of classroom study of the language at the college level
- Demonstrate strong research goals in pre-modern Chinese or Korean art history at the doctoral level
This fellowship supports candidates committed to careers in art history, curatorial work, or academic research, where advanced language skills are crucial for accessing primary sources.
Benefits of the Blakemore Language Fellowships
All fellowships provide extensive financial support so that recipients can focus entirely on language immersion. Benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage at approved Asian language programs
- Living stipend to cover housing and daily expenses
- Travel expenses for international relocation and study-related trips
- Study costs such as books and academic resources
Unlike partial scholarships, Blakemore Fellowships are fully funded. This ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented applicants from pursuing intensive language study abroad.
Eligibility Requirements
General Eligibility
The Blakemore Foundation is searching for exceptional candidates who demonstrate maturity, commitment, and a clear professional trajectory that requires fluency in an Asian language. Applicants should have:
- Stellar academic performance
- Outstanding recommendation letters
- Clear career goals aligned with language study
- Strong commitment to the Asian country and culture
Specific Requirements for Blakemore Freeman Fellowships
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- At least three years of prior language study
- Commitment to using the language professionally
Specific Requirements for Blakemore Kingfisher Fellowships
- Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada, OR international students enrolled at U.S./Canadian universities
- Bachelor’s degree by start of fellowship
- At least two years of prior language study
- Focus on Chinese or Korean art history
Approved Language Programs in Asia
Recipients must study at Blakemore-approved institutions. For 2026, approved programs include:
- Chinese: International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University (Taipei) and Inter-University Program at Tsinghua University (Beijing)
- Japanese: Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama
- Korean: Inter-University Center for Korean Language Studies (Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul National University, and Sogang University)
These programs are renowned for their rigor, immersion opportunities, and professional-level outcomes.
Application Process
Applications for all Blakemore Foundation Fellowships must be submitted through the official portal. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- Visit the official portal: Blakemore Fellowship Application Portal
- Register as a new applicant and select the fellowship you are applying for
- Prepare and upload required documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Language proficiency records
- Statement of purpose outlining career goals
- Submit before the deadline: December 30, 2025
Early preparation is highly recommended as the process is competitive and requires detailed documentation.
Timeline for 2026/27 Fellowships
- Application Opens: September 2025
- Deadline: December 30, 2025
- Selection Process: January–March 2026
- Final Results: Spring 2026
- Fellowship Start: Fall 2026
Why International Students Should Consider Applying
Although Blakemore Fellowships are primarily focused on U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and Canadians, international students enrolled in U.S. or Canadian universities are also eligible for the Kingfisher Art History Language Fellowship. This opens doors for scholars from around the world to pursue advanced study in Asia while being funded by one of the most respected fellowships in the field.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Highlight specific career goals where language fluency is essential
- Show evidence of long-term commitment to Asia (academic research, internships, projects)
- Secure strong recommendation letters from professors or professionals familiar with your language skills
- Demonstrate maturity and readiness for immersive cultural experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for Blakemore Fellowships?
Eligibility depends on the fellowship type. Freeman Fellowships are open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while Kingfisher Fellowships are also open to Canadians and foreign nationals enrolled in U.S./Canadian universities.
2. What expenses are covered?
The fellowships are fully funded and cover tuition, living stipends, travel, and study costs.
3. Which languages can I study?
Languages include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese, depending on the fellowship type.
4. How competitive are the fellowships?
Highly competitive. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong recommendations, and clear professional goals tied to language proficiency.
5. Where can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online at the official portal: blakemorefoundation.communityforce.com
