Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship

About the Program

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State. The program provides graduate students with financial support, mentoring and professional development to prepare them academically and professionally for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply. 

  • Graduate Fellowship: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for a two-year master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as business administration, economics, public policy, international affairs, and other relevant fields.
  • Two summer internships, one at a domestic office of the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and one overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The program provides stipends, transportation and housing for these internships.
  • Orientation to the Program and the Foreign Service at the Department of State.
  • Mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the duration of the fellowship.
  • Employment in the Department of State Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements.

Eligibility

  • United States citizens.
  • Graduate Fellowship: Graduating seniors or recent alums.
  • Cumulative GPA 3.2+ and this GPA must be maintained throughout participation in the program.
  • Applicants must enroll in a two-year, full-time master’s degree program, at U.S. based graduate institutions only, in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service (public policy, international affairs, public administration, business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages)
  • Be prepared to enter the Foreign Service upon completion of graduate study.

Selection criteria

Competitive candidates are those who demonstrate strong leadership and academic excellence, have an interest in working as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and representing the U.S. around the world and a passion for public service. We recommend that interested applicants familiarize themselves with the dimensions of a Foreign Service Officer and be able to articulate and provide examples of these dimensions from their life experiences.

Application information

Candidates apply directly to the Pickering programs by the September deadline. In addition to an online form, the application asks for a copy of unofficial transcript(s), proof of U.S. citizenship, a personal statement, a statement of financial need, a personal resume, most recent financial aid award letter, most recent Student Aid Report, two letters of recommendation, and GRE/GMAT scores. Visit Tips on Preparing a Competitive Application.