Pickering Fellowship


The Pickering Fellowship is designed to develop a source of trained men and women who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers and representing America’s interest abroad. Fellowships of up to $37,500 annually are awarded for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject at a graduate school approved by the Pickering Program. Applicants apply to graduate programs at U.S.-based universities simultaneously with their application to the Pickering Program. Fellows will also complete two internships with the State Department and will receive personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Fellows who successfully complete the Pickering Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments in the State Department Foreign Service. Each Fellow who obtains a master’s degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service in the Foreign Service.

Website: https://pickeringfellowship.org

Application Deadline: Mid-Late September

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Seek admission to a two-year, full-time, on-campus, master’s degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution 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)
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale