Overview

If you want to use your technology skills to make a difference, see the world, and experience different cultures, the Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year Fellowship program is a path to a career in the Foreign Service by providing academic funding for an IT-related degree, internships, professional development, and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS). As a selected fellow, you will need to 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.

Eligibility

All applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time IT-related degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program

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 2024 and on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 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 2024
• Students enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s IT-related master’s degree must be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024

For the graduate fellowship:

• Individuals must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related master’s degree in fall 2024 and be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters

Award

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 expenses
• 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

Application Status

Closed (will open in Fall 2024)

National Deadline

TBA

Learn more about the Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship