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

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
• 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 of 2025 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).

Fellows who successfully complete the Pickering Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments in the State Department Foreign Service in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy.  Fellows are required to obtain and maintain security and suitability clearances and meet the minimum medical qualification standard in order to remain in the program.  Each Fellow who obtains a master’s degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service in the Foreign Service.  Candidates who do not successfully complete the Pickering Program and the subsequent five-year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation.

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.

The Pickering Program plans to award 45 fellowships 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.

Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages at a graduate school approved by the Pickering Program. Law degrees do not satisfy this requirement. Fellows are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 throughout their period of study. Applicants apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S.-based universities separately from their application to the Pickering Program.

Fellows will participate in a weeklong orientation. The purpose of this orientation is to familiarize the Fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and to enhance their understanding of, and skills for, Foreign Service careers.

Fellows will participate in two internships. The first, an internship working at the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, DC, will occur in the summer in between their first and second year of graduate study. The second internship will be an overseas placement in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that takes place during the summer after fellow’s graduation. The program provides additional support for summer travel, housing, and other related expenses.

Fellows will receive mentoring from Foreign Service Officers for the duration of the fellowship.

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 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 academic year.  If an applicant received financial aid during the most recent academic year, she/he is required to submit the SAR form.

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).