Regarding the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship
Interested in a career serving U.S. interests abroad? The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.
After completing a two-year master’s degree program and meeting fellowship and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows have the chance to work as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Department of State.
This role, in accordance with applicable laws and State Department policies, involves serving in Washington, DC, as well as at U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide.
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The Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Foreign Affairs Graduate Program is a U.S. Department of State initiative jointly managed by Howard University and the Bureau of Global Talent Management through a cooperative agreement.
The program aims to attract and prepare exceptional individuals who represent diverse ethnic, gender, social, and geographic backgrounds and are interested in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service with the U.S. Department of State.
This program encourages applications from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and individuals with financial need.
The Pickering selection panel will choose approximately 90 finalists by early November. Program staff will notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants of the panel’s decisions by email around that time.
Candidates selected for final consideration will be invited to participate in a virtual interview and a written exercise scheduled for December 4-5, 2024.
The program will conclude the selection process and extend offers to 45 fellows by early December 2024.
Dates and Deadlines
We will post specific dates for the 2025 Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship application, notifications, and interviews as they are finalized.
The program generally follows this schedule:
— Application Open: July 16, 2024
— Application Close: September 26, 2024
— Finalists Notified: November 8, 2024
— Finalist Selection Process: December 4-5, 2024
The Pickering selection panel will choose approximately 90 finalists by early November. Program staff will notify all applicants of the panel’s decisions by email around that time.
Candidates selected for final consideration will be invited to participate in a virtual interview and written exercise on December 4-5, 2024.
The program will complete the selection process and extend offers to 45 fellows by early December 2024.
Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Eligibility
This is a highly selective program. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
— 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.
— Apply for admission to a two-year, full-time, on-campus master’s degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution starting in the fall of 2024.
The program should be in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service, such as public policy, international affairs, public administration, business, economics, political science, management science, organizational development/leadership, sociology, or regional studies.
Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program Components
The Award
The Pickering Program aims to award 45 fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for two years.
This funding covers tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completing a two-year master’s degree.
It includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, as well as an annual stipend of $18,000.
The Degree
Fellows must earn graduate degrees in international affairs or a related field, such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages, from a graduate school approved by the Pickering Program.
Law degrees do not meet this requirement. Fellows are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 throughout their studies.
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Applicants must apply separately to two-year graduate programs at U.S.-based universities in addition to applying to the Pickering Program.
Orientation
Fellows will attend an orientation at Howard University during the week of June 3, 2024. This orientation aims to familiarize fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and enhance their understanding of and skills for Foreign Service careers.
Two Summer Internships (Domestic and Overseas)
Pickering Fellows Overseas Internship Locations
Mentoring
Fellows will receive mentoring from Foreign Service Officers throughout the duration of the fellowship.
Employment and Contractual Obligations
Fellows who successfully complete the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship and meet Foreign Service entry requirements will be appointed to the State Department Foreign Service, in accordance with applicable laws and State Department policies.
Fellows must obtain and maintain security and suitability clearances and meet the minimum medical qualification standards to remain in the program. Each fellow who earns 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 Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship program and fulfill the subsequent five-year service obligation may be required to reimburse the program.
Visit the Fellow Obligation page for more information about the commitments Fellows make when they accept the fellowship.
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