Term Length: 2 Years
US Citizenship Required
Minimum GPA: 3.2

• Only individuals who are United States citizens.
• Applicants must be seeking 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 of 2023 in 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).
• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and this grade point average 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) and be prepared to enter the Foreign Service in Summer 2026.
• Applicants must be able to attend June 2024 orientation in Washington, D.C. if selected.
• Applicants must be available to fulfill the summer internship obligations (summer 2025 & summer 2026)
• Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

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 13 Dimensions of a Foreign Service Officer and be able to articulate and provide examples of these dimensions from their life experiences.

• Up to $42,000 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.

Application Requirements

Completed applications will include the following materials.

Personal background information (e.g., name, contact information, language skills).

A personal statement (600 words or less) that discusses the applicants’ reasons for applying, interest in international affairs, commitment to pursue a career in the Foreign Service of the Department of State, and any relevant experience or information.

Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.  One letter must be from a professor, faculty member, or instructor.  The other letter may be from someone else familiar with your college, volunteer, work, or community activities.

• Applicants will include contact information for recommenders in the online application.  Recommenders will be sent an email with instructions to submit letters electronically.

A short essay (350 words or less) in which applicants can provide an example of relevant planning and organizing skills.

A statement of financial need (400 words or less) that discusses the applicant’s need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, including an explanation of financial assistance received during undergraduate studies; overall education-related debt; and, ability/plans to pay for graduate school independently.

Official financial aid award letter from the applicant’s last year of undergraduate studies if she/he received financial aid.  Applicants must submit a Financial Aid Letter listing grants or loans, unless they did not receive aid.

FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) for the 2022-2023 academic year.  If an applicant received financial aid during the most recent academic year, she/he is required to submit the SAR form.  If an applicant did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, she/he must complete the FAFSA to generate a SAR for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Proof of U.S. citizenship, which may include a copy of (choose one) a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization.
**Applicants are required to bring originals to the interview, if selected as a finalist.

Transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended for credit.  Please upload university-generated transcripts.  An official transcript would be best; a student copy is acceptable if it is in the format of an official transcript (must list your name, institution name, and most recent/final GPA).
**If you are selected for an interview, you will have to bring an official transcript in a signed, sealed envelope, to the interview.

A copy of GRE/GMAT scores report sent to the student (optional).