Want to secure a study abroad scholarship and wondering which are the coolest languages to learn right now? Hold on ’cause we got you! You’re in the right place.
In today’s competitive academic landscape, the language you choose to study can do far more than impress your friends. It can unlock fully funded degrees, government-sponsored fellowships, and even career opportunities abroad.
This guide explores not just the cultural or pop-culture appeal of a language, but how “coolness” intersects with strategic value for scholarship seekers. So yes — a language becomes cool when it’s a colorful mix of history, global influence, and future opportunity. But it becomes irresistibly cool when it also gives you a competitive edge for funding your education.
Think about it: languages that dominate film, music, tech, and art scenes — and are prioritized by scholarship committees — are your golden ticket. From the elegant complexity of Japanese to the rising demand for Korean, Turkish, and Polish, these are the coolest languages to learn not just for cultural flair, but for academic and financial advantage.
So whether you’re in it for K-dramas, ancient manuscripts, or tuition-free degrees — let’s dive into the coolest languages that could shape your global future.
Why Language Choice Matters For Scholarships
Many of the world’s top government-funded scholarships, such as the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), MEXT in Japan, or Türkiye Scholarships, strongly prioritize applicants with regional language proficiency. Some even require it.
Here’s why:
- Cultural Immersion: Language skills show that you’re ready to engage deeply with the host country’s culture and society.
- Academic Readiness: Many scholarships cover preparatory language training and expect you to reach a functional level before degree study begins.
- Policy and Diplomacy Goals: Governments often fund students who align with geopolitical interests — meaning less-taught or critical-need languages are in higher demand.
- Career Versatility: These languages are often low-competition, high-opportunity gateways into translation, diplomacy, tech, and development sectors.
Most-Funded Language Programs By Country
| Country | Scholarship Programs | Language | Funding Level | Estimated Funding (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | MEXT, JASSO | Japanese | High | $10,000 – $15,000/year |
| South Korea | KGSP | Korean | High | $5,000 – $20,000/year |
| Türkiye | Türkiye Scholarships | Turkish | High | $1,000 – $1,500/month |
| Poland | NAWA | Polish | Medium | $500 – $1,000/month |
| Thailand | Thai Government Scholarships | Thai | Medium | $500 – $1,200/month |
| China | CSC Scholarships, Confucius Institute Scholarships | Mandarin Chinese | High | $2,000 – $4,000/year |
| Russia | Open Doors Scholarship, Russian Federation Grants | Russian | High | $5,000 – $7,000/year |
| Philippines | CHED, Bilateral Cultural Agreements | Tagalog (Filipino) | Medium | $500 – $1,000/month |
| Kenya/Tanzania | African Union Scholarships, Regional programs | Swahili | Emerging | $500 – $1,000/month |
The 13 Coolest Languages To Learn For Scholarships & Global Study Access
1. Korean
Ideal for: KGSP applicants, K-drama and K-pop enthusiasts, Asia-focused scholars
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Heavily prioritized by the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
- Offers fully funded degrees plus Korean language training
- Globally influential in tech, pop culture, and diplomacy
- Fewer international learners = strong competitive edge
🎓 Top Funding: KGSP, Global Korea Scholarship, Seoul National University scholarships
For more information about South Korean Scholarships, check out this article written by one of our Ling team members, who is also a KGSP Alumni: 11 Korean Scholarships with Exclusive Tips on how to get one!
2. Japanese
Ideal for: MEXT applicants, anime/cultural enthusiasts, STEM scholars
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- MEXT scholarship supports non-Japanese speakers — but prioritizes those willing to learn
- Japanese universities offer fully funded graduate programs
- High academic prestige + job prospects in robotics, linguistics, economics
- A rich blend of tradition and innovation in education, art, and industry
📘 Bonus: Knowing Japanese improves eligibility for both degree programs and research fellowships.
3. Turkish
Ideal for: Türkiye Scholarships, Middle East/NATO studies, religious studies
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Turkish government offers hundreds of full scholarships annually
- Turkish is not globally competitive yet – low-entry barrier
- Strong ties with Europe, Central Asia, and Muslim-majority countries
🏛️ Bonus: Learning Turkish gives access to programs in both secular and religious universities.
4. Polish
Ideal for: EU studies, Slavic linguistics, low-cost education seekers
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Supported by Poland’s NAWA scholarship programs
- Increasing number of bilingual and Polish-taught degrees
- Studying Polish opens doors to Central & Eastern European academic networks
🇪🇺 Bonus: Polish can act as a springboard into other Slavic languages — like Ukrainian or Russian.
5. Thai
Ideal for: Development studies, ASEAN research, Buddhist studies
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Emerging language in regional scholarship programs
- Proficiency demonstrates deep cultural engagement
- Thai universities offer growing international program portfolios
6. Arabic
Ideal for: Middle East studies, diplomacy, international relations, religious studies
Why it’s strategic:
- Language of 22+ nations, with multiple scholarship options across the Gulf and MENA
- Arabic fluency is a career multiplier in journalism, academia, and international relations
- Scholarships often include language training or immersion programs
✍️ Challenge: Diglossia — Modern Standard Arabic vs. dialects. But learning both is a huge advantage.
7. Russian
Ideal for: Political science, energy studies, Eurasian history
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Supported by Russian government scholarships for foreign students
- Essential for accessing Central Asia, Caucasus, and Eastern Europe
- Often required for research in regional think tanks and embassies
📚 Bonus: Russian gives access to an unmatched literary tradition.
8. Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
Ideal for: Environmental science, ASEAN studies, development work, climate scholars, regional NGOs
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Spoken by over 200 million people but rarely studied abroad
- Funded through Darmasiswa and regional academic programs
- Key language for sustainable development, policy, and social enterprise work
9. Ukrainian
Ideal for: Human rights studies, Slavic languages, post-conflict reconstruction
Why it’s strategic:
- Ukrainian government + EU partners fund educational rebuilding programs
- NGOs prefer applicants with Ukrainian language and cultural competence
- Critical-need language with rising global support
10. Mandarin Chinese
Ideal for: CSC scholarship applicants, business, and political science students
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Supported by China Scholarship Council (CSC) and Confucius Institutes
- Mandarin is the most spoken language globally — a powerful asset
- Unlocks fully funded degrees in science, tech, economics, and more
🎓 Many CSC-funded programs require or strongly encourage students to take language prep before or during their degree program.
11. Swahili
Ideal for: Development workers, humanitarian scholars, African studies majors
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Essential for global health, education, and environmental fieldwork
- Swahili is a pan-African lingua franca across East and Central Africa
- Increasingly supported in regional scholarship and AU programs
12. Russian
Ideal for: Political science, literature, Eurasian geopolitics
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- Backed by Russian government-funded scholarships (e.g., Open Doors)
- Russian gives access to 10+ post-Soviet countries and academic programs
- Critical-need language for research, diplomacy, and intelligence sectors
13. Tagalog
Ideal for: ASEAN scholars, heritage learners, cultural researchers
Why it’s cool and strategic:
- National language of the Philippines, a rising education hub in Asia
- Blends indigenous, Spanish, and American influences
- Knowing Tagalog strengthens applications to bilateral exchange programs
Common Questions About Language and Scholarships
Do I need to know the local language to get a scholarship abroad?
Not always, but it gives you a significant advantage, especially in government-sponsored programs. Many include preparatory language training, but show commitment by starting early.
Which languages give me the best shot at full scholarships?
Languages that are less commonly taught but regionally critical: Korean, Turkish, Polish, Japanese, and Thai are at the top of the list.
Can I study in English and still apply with language interest?
Yes. Many scholarships are for English-taught degree programs, but expressing interest (and progress!) in the local language strengthens your profile.
Learn the Coolest Languages to Win Big — Try With Ling
Whether you’re applying for a prestigious government scholarship or planning your own study abroad journey, strategic language learning sets you apart.
Instead of just choosing a language that sounds “fun,” ask yourself:
“Which language will open real doors for my academic and career future?”
With the Ling app, you can start learning 60+ languages, including less commonly taught, high-opportunity options like Korean, Turkish, Thai, Sinhala, and Indonesian.
Our gamified lessons, built by native speakers, help you develop practical skills fast, so you’re ready when opportunity knocks!
On top of that, we offer an exciting scholarship opportunity for high school and university students who dream of studying abroad and fully immersing themselves in a new culture. With awards totaling up to $2,000 and exclusive Ling memberships, it’s a great way to kickstart your language journey. Ready to apply? Check out the details on our Scholarship Page, and apply today! — We open applications every year!
