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Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program

Campus Deadline Disciplines Purpose Open To Eligibility Endorsement Required
September 17 Disciplines relevant to foreign affairs and public policy Funding for senior year and first year of graduate study Seniors and first year graduate students U.S. citizen, 3.2+ GPA No

The Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program provides funding to participants as they are prepared academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

The Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship 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 Program 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.

Eligibility requirements include the following:

  • Only individuals who are United States citizens at the time of application will be considered.
  • Applicants must be in the junior year of undergraduate study.
  • Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
  • A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale must be maintained throughout participation in the program.

Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement in programs relevant to the work of the U.S. Department of State, such as international affairs, management, communications, history, political science, economics, and foreign languages. Consideration will also be given to candidates who demonstrate financial need. The number of fellowships will be determined by available funding.

For more information, visit the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program website.


Awardees

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Abbie Barnum

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
Finalist - 2022-2023

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Justin Gengler

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
Finalist - 2002-2003

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Erica Zentner

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
Finalist - 2012-2013
For a complete list of all awardees, including Honorable Mentions and Finalists, see All Awardees.
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