Fellowships
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program provides graduate fellowships to candidates committed to joining the Foreign Service. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with a demonstrated financial need for graduate school.
Upon successful completion of a two-year master’s degree program and fulfillment of Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows have the opportunity to work as Foreign Service Officers, serving in Washington, D.C., and at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission around the globe. Fellows also agree to a minimum five-year service commitment in the Department of State’s Foreign Service.
- What’s provided: Helps finance two-year graduate programs (up to $42,000 annually), an academic year stipend of $18,000, provides two summer internships, offers mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and provides other professional development activities.
- Location: Washington, D.C., and at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission around the globe
- Field of Study/Work/Focus Area/Industry: An academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service (public policy, international affairs, public administration, business, economics, political science, management science, organizational development/leadership, sociology, or regional studies)
- Program Type: Graduate Study
- Duration: 7 years (includes 2 years of graduate study and 5-year Foreign Service placement)
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
- Must seek admission to a two-year, full-time, on-campus, master’s degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution to begin in the fall in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service
Timeline
| Campus Deadline | N/A |
|---|---|
| National Deadline | September TBD |
How to Apply
For one-on-one support with this fellowship, sign up for open hours.