The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program honors one of the most distinguished and capable American diplomats of the latter half of the 20th century. It, along with the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, are the Department’s flagship programs for attracting diverse, top talent into the Foreign Service to make it more inclusive and representative of our nation’s richness and diversity.

The program includes:

• Graduate fellowships to qualified college seniors and college graduates
• Financial assistance for a two-year graduate program
• Two summer internships – one domestic and one abroad
• Mentoring and other professional development opportunities
• Five-year Foreign Service commitment

Visit the Pickering Fellowship to learn more about the program and take the first step to become a U.S. diplomat.

 The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative that aims to prepare young leaders for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State, where they can influence and execute U.S. foreign policy. Each year, the Rangel Program selects exceptional Rangel Fellows through a highly competitive process, emphasizing inclusivity by encouraging applications from historically underrepresented minority groups, women, and those with financial need.

Through this fellowship, Rangel Fellows receive:

• Graduate fellowships covering up to $42,000 annually for two years toward a master’s degree at a U.S. university in fields pertinent to the Foreign Service
• Two internships: a domestic placement with a federal agency and an overseas assignment at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Comprehensive mentorship and professional development to guide their journey into diplomacy
• A five-year commitment to the Foreign Service upon program completion, giving Fellows the opportunity to make a global impact as U.S. diplomats

This esteemed program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as Foreign Service Officers, and Rangel alumni are now fostering positive change in nations worldwide—from Colombia and South Africa to China and Ireland.

Learn more about how the Rangel Fellowship can be your pathway to a meaningful career representing the United States on the world stage.

 The William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship is a two-year graduate fellowship designed for individuals who want to pursue a master’s degree and a career as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent in the Foreign Service.

DSS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers, responsible for the security of  U.S. Department of State personnel, property, and sensitive information around the world.

A high-profile State Department diversity recruitment program, the Clarke DS Fellowship aims to attract qualified candidates to the Diplomatic Security Service who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity. Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

The two-year fellowship program provides:

• Up to $24,000 annually for tuition for a two-year, full-time master’s degree program.
• Up to $18,000 annually during the two years of graduate study for room and board, books/laboratory fees, and other academic expenses, and travel between your residence and graduate school.
• Two summer practicums (with stipends, housing, and travel allowances): one in Washington, D.C. with the Diplomatic Security Service, and one overseas at a U. S. embassy or consulate.
• Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent in the Foreign Service. Fellows agree to a three-year commitment in the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent. Once appointed, DSS Special Agents are required to successfully pass a rigorous training program.

As one of several high-profile U.S. Department of State diversity recruitment programs, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship seeks to attract top technology talent to the Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the FAIT Fellowship program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity.  Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

The program is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree (such as computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, computer engineering, IT services administration, and computer systems networking and more), and a career in the Foreign Service.

The two-year fellowship program provides:

• Up to $43,500 annually (for two years) in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense (see eligibility requirements).
• Stipends, housing and travel allowances for the two summer internships: A domestic internship in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of State and an overseas internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and the State Department’s entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer.  Fellows agree to a five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.

Fellowships for Graduate Studies  The Payne Fellowship Program awards up to thirty fellowships valued at up to $52,000 annually for a two-year program.  The award includes up to $24,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master's degree at a U.S. institution; a $18,000 stipend for each academic year for room, board, books and other education-related expenses; and up to $10,000 per year in stipend, housing, transportation, and related expenses for summer placements (see below).  At the conclusion of two years of study, the Payne Fellow is expected to obtain a degree in international development or another area of relevance to the work of the USAID Foreign Service at a U.S. graduate or professional school approved by the Payne Program.  Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Orientation New Payne Fellows will participate in an orientation at Howard University in May, shortly after their selection. The purposes of this orientation are to familiarize the Fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and to enhance their understanding of, and skills for, international development careers.

Two Summer Placements Payne Fellows will participate in two internships. The first, an internship working on international issues in Washington, DC, will occur in the summer after being selected and before the first year of graduate study. The second will be an overseas internship in a USAID Mission that takes place during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study.  The program will provide stipends, housing, and transportation.

Mentoring Each Fellow will receive mentoring throughout the duration of the fellowship as well as during his/her early employment at USAID.

Curriculum Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as development, economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration foreign languages, agriculture, environmental sciences, or urban planning at a graduate or professional school approved by the Payne Program. Studies in law do not satisfy this requirement.  Applicants apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S. universities simultaneously with their application to the Payne Program.

Employment/Contractual Obligations Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as USAID Foreign Service Officers.  Each Payne Fellow who obtains a master's degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Payne Program and the subsequent five year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation.

The U.S. Department of State launched the Colin Powell Leadership Program to honor his legacy and inspire future Civil Service leaders.

The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated candidates from diverse backgrounds who possess the potential and aspiration to become future Civil Service leaders at the State Department. This paid program includes a fellowship program for recent college graduates and internships for bachelor’s degree students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education. Both paths will lead to full-time employment opportunities at the Department and are focused on developing future leaders through official training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience for long-term success.

Opportunities will be posted on an annual basis, typically in the fall. Vacancy announcements will be available on usajobs.gov. To learn of future opportunities, follow our social channels, sign up for email alerts, and setup searches on usajobs.gov.