Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program

Deadline

Overview

Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program provides undergraduate and 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.

Benefits

• Undergraduate candidates: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for the senior year of undergraduate studies, and first year of a master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as business administration, economics, public policy, international affairs, and other relevant fields.
• Graduate candidates: 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.

Award requirements

Pickering Fellowship recipients accept a minimum five year service commitment in the Department of State's Foreign Service. The five year service commitment begins upon entry into the Foreign Service.

Application Process

The Pickering Fellowship has both an undergraduate and graduate program. Pickering Undergraduate applicants must apply as rising seniors; Graduate applicants must be seeking admission to a two-year master’s degree program. 

Applications are submitted via the online application.  A complete application consists of

• A 750-word personal statement
• An updated resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts for all schools attended
• A copy of certification of US citizenship
• A copy of SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT scores
• Most recent financial aid award letter
• Most recent Student Aid Report

Finalists will be invited to interview in April, with fellowship offers made shortly thereafter.  Pickering Fellowship recipients will attend a mandatory orientation in June.

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