Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Who Can Apply: US Citizens – Seniors, Recent Grads – GPA of 3.2 or higher required – All majors
IMPORTANT: Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.
Description: Interested in a career serving U.S. interests abroad? If so, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world. 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 with the U.S. Department of State, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy, serving in Washington, DC or at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission around the globe.
The Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people, based on financial need, who represent ethnic, gender, social, and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.
At the time of application, candidates must be seeking admission to graduate school for the following academic year. Winners are expected to enroll in a two-year, full-time master's degree program in public policy, international affairs, or public administration, or in an academic field such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages (U.S. graduate institutions only).
IMPORTANT: See more information about the US State Department Foreign Service
Program Preferences: The Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program prefers applicants who are strongly motivated to pursue careers as Foreign Service officers.
Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need.
Service Obligation: Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the program and fail to meet Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a reimbursement obligation to the U.S. Department of State.
Award Amount: Financial support of up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000.
Duration: The fellowship supports two years of graduate study, which are followed by the five required years of service. In addition two summer internships are required during and immediately after graduate study.
National Deadline: September 21, 2023