Advisor Resources
Information for advisors about the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program
How can I learn about and share information on the fellowship?
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program does not require an institutional recommendation for applicants. However, we depend on our university advisors, faculty, and staff, as well as individuals associated with different organizations throughout the country, to share information about the opportunities with students and alumni. To support these activities, we encourage you to do the following:
- Review our available resources, including current brochures, informational presentations, and advisor materials.
- Follow us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
- Share information on the Pickering Fellowship with faculty, staff, affinity groups who advise students, education abroad programs, student groups, participants in programs such as the Gilman Scholarship or the Critical Language Scholarship, and students considering applying for the Fulbright or other international programs.
- Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the fellowship and the application process.
- Consider scheduling short, informational presentations for groups and classes that support or advise eligible students and graduates, including programs and classes related to international affairs, economics, business, public service, or other relevant fields. Advisors are encouraged to share information with all eligible students and graduates. Applicants are selected based on academic readiness, public service, leadership, Foreign Service interest, and the program’s approved financial-need criterion.
What is the application and program timeline?
- Application deadline for the 2027 Graduate Fellowship: Pending
- Finalist notifications: Pending
- Final Round Interviews/Writing Exercises: Pending
- Notification of fellowship award: Pending
- Orientation for 2027 Fellows: June 2027
- Domestic Internship: Summer 2028
- Graduate School: Fall 2027 to Spring 2029
- Overseas Internship: Summer 2029
- Entry into the Foreign Service: Late 2029
Who Are We Looking For?
The Pickering Graduate Fellowship prepares individuals for careers in the Foreign Service through graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development. Applicants should demonstrate academic readiness, a commitment to public service, leadership, and interest in the Foreign Service.
- U.S. citizenship;
- a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
- plans to start a two-year graduate program at a Department-approved institution in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in fall 2027; and
- completion of the revised FSOT between October 2025 and October 2026. The program is open to seniors who will graduate by June 2027 and individuals with a college degree.
The program is open to eligible students and graduates from any undergraduate major or area of study who are interested in careers in the Foreign Service. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate:
- Academic readiness
- A commitment to public service
- Leadership
- Interest in the Foreign Service
- Financial need, where applicable under the approved selection criteria
The Fellowship is open to eligible applicants from any undergraduate academic major. Advisors are encouraged to share information about the Fellowship with all eligible students and graduates, including those whose academic backgrounds are outside traditional international-affairs fields.