Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship is a two-year fellowship that provides up to $87,000 in academic funding over two years, summer internships, professional development, and mentorship – and culminates in a career in Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist. 

The U.S. Department of State is seeking to attract top technology talent to the Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity.

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

This award does not require university endorsement. However, we strongly recommend that you work closely with NCA as you prepare your application.

Deadlines

Early Review Deadline: January 2025
Final Deadline: January 21, 2025 @ 11:59PM EST

Foreign Affairs IT Fellows will receive:

  • Up to $87,000 annually (for two years) in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense, for the junior and senior years of undergraduate study, OR a two-year master’s degree program in an IT-related field.
  • 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 international internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
  • Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
  • An appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements. Fellows agree to a minimum five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution and entering your junior year in fall 2023, OR
  • Be seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution beginning in fall of the following year;
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in May two years from the national deadline;
  • Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program;
  • Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements;
  • Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

Please refer to the FAIT Fellowship website for a detailed list of the eligibility criteria.

Selection Criteria

The FAIT Fellowship is your path to a career as a U.S. Foreign Service Information Management Specialist (IMS). Upon successful completion of the two-year Fellowship program and the State Department’s requirements, you will receive an appointment as an IMS with a minimum commitment of five years upon entry into the Foreign Service.

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

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship
  • Transcript
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • Most recent financial aid award letter
  • Most recent student aid report (SAR)
  • Statment of financial need
  • One (1) letter of recommendation

Visit the website for more detailed information on each of these components. 

  • Complete two NCA forms:
  • Launch your online application (application opens in September)
  • Complete and submit application by National Deadline: January 2024
  • If not applying through university, then application only need to be completed by the national deadline.
  • Watch one of the FAIT Fellowship webinars
  • Information on this page is intended to supplement, not supplant, your own careful review of the official FAIT Fellowship website. If you find any discrepancy between the two, the FAIT Fellowship website takes precedence.
  • Though you should seek out others’ advice and feedback on your application, the essays should be your original work (no one should be writing your essays for you). UC’s Student Code of Conduct applies.