The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a collaborative effort between the United States Department of State and The Washington Center. The Program provides academic and professional preparation for outstanding candidates to enter the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service, representing America’s interests abroad. Pickering Fellows are graduate students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy.

The Pickering Program awards fellowships annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s 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. Pickering Fellows receive mentoring, professional development, and financial support as they prepare to enter the Foreign Service.  Upon successful completion of the Foreign Service examination, Pickering Fellows make a commitment to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as Foreign Service Officer. Candidates must be able to obtain medical, security and suitability clearances in order to remain in the program.

Last updated July 2021