Thomas R. Pickering
Graduate Foreign Affairs Program
Applications for the Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program are now closed.
Contribute to Our Global Society
The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship is a merit and need-based U.S. State Department program collaboratively administered by the Bureau of Global Talent Management and Howard University that prepares highly talented individuals for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program is grounded in the principle that a broad range of perspectives strengthen diplomatic efforts and foster a comprehensive approach to global challenges. Fellows are selected based on demonstrated merit and financial need.
Overview & Eligibility
How to Apply
Application Tips
Graduate Program
The Pickering Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world. Upon successful completion of a two-year master’s degree program and fulfillment of Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows have the opportunity to work as Foreign Service Officers in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy, serving in Washington, DC and at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission around the globe. Fellows also agree to 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.
About the Program
The Program provides graduate fellowships to qualified college seniors and college graduates committed to joining the Foreign Service. The fellowship helps finance two-year graduate programs, provides two summer internships, offers mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and provides other professional development activities. The program continues to ensure that the Foreign Service reflects the face of America to foreign audiences and provides a source of trained women and men who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers with the Department of State and representing America’s interests abroad.
Where Are Our Fellows Now?
The Pickering Program has made, and continues to make, an important contribution to the State Department Foreign Service.
Once completing the fellowship, alumni of the Pickering Program will represent the United States in countries around the world, in areas such as Africa, East Asia, Latin America, South Asia, Europe and Eurasia. They are promoting human rights, assisting American citizens overseas, enhancing prosperity and development, deepening ties between the United States and people around the world, and supporting U.S. global values and interests in many different ways.
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