The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University, offers graduate fellowships to outstanding seniors and college graduates who want to join the Foreign Service. These fellowships help finance two-year graduate programs, provide two summer internships, mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and other professional development activities. In return, Fellows agree to a minimum five-year service commitment in the Department of State’s Foreign Service. 

Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages at a graduate school approved by the Pickering Program.

Upon successful completion of a two-year master’s degree program and fulfillment of fellowship and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows have the opportunity to work as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Department of State, serving in Washington, DC and at U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions around the globe.

The program’s goals are to promote greater diversity and excellence in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity. Members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need are encouraged to apply.