The Thomas R. Pickering
Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
About the Program
The U.S. Department of State Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program was renamed the Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program to honor one of the most distinguished and capable American diplomats of the latter half of the 20th century. Mr. Pickering held the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service. He served as Ambassador to Nigeria, El Salvador, Israel, India, and the Russian Federation, finishing his career as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
The Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The Department of State seeks a Foreign Service that represents America in world affairs with citizens who reflect the diversity and excellence of our society. The program seeks to recruit talented students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy. The goal is to attract outstanding students from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship develops a source of trained men and women from academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Award
In 2010, financial support of up to $50,000 annually towards tuition and mandatory fees (excluding health insurance), living stipend (based on the institution’s room and board rate), reimbursement for books and some travel may be paid during the first and second year of graduate study, pending availability of funding.
Internships
Graduate-level Fellows receive stipends during participation in one domestic summer internship between the first and second year of graduate school, and one summer overseas internship following the second year of graduate school.
Mentoring
Guidance from a Foreign Service officer is provided during graduate school.
Testing
Fellows must meet Department of State Foreign Service entry requirements.
Contractual Agreement
Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of three years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. Candidates must be able to obtain medical, security, and suitability clearances in order to remain in the program. Candidates who do not successfully complete the program and fail to meet Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a reimbursement obligation to the U.S. Department of State.