Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship

Attracting technology talent that reflects the diversity of the United States.

Eligibility Requirements to Apply for the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship

The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, designed as a two-year cohort model, offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now being accepted. Fellows selected for the 2024 cohort will begin their two-year fellowship in fall 2025 and complete the fellowship in summer 2026.

To be eligible to apply for the 2025 cohort, you must meet all the criteria below:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time IT-related degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
• For the undergraduate fellowship:
  • Community college students in an associate degree program must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related bachelor’s degree program in fall 2025 AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2027 after completing four full-time semesters.
  • Four-year college/university students must be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2025.
  • Students enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s IT-related degree program must be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2027 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2025.
• For the graduate fellowship:
  • Individuals must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related master’s degree in fall 2025 AND be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program.

As a selected fellow, you will need to:

• Obtain and maintain security clearances and suitability requirements, and meet minimum medical qualification standards.
• Agree to a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

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.
• 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 an Information Management Specialist. Fellows agree to a five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.

The FAIT Fellowship program is administered by The Washington Center (TWC), where the level of support and mentorship provided to students is unparalleled. While we challenge students to grow and develop as leaders, The Washington Center provides personalized guidance and support to all participants to ensure they are set up for success.