Information for Advisors – Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program

How can I learn about and share information on the fellowship?

The Pickering Foreign Affairs 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 a one-page flyer,  an informational presentation, and our fellow directory.
  • Follow us on social media (Twitter).
  • Share information on the Pickering Fellowship with faculty, staff, affinity groups who work with under-represented groups, 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 pitches to groups that support under-represented and/or first-generation students, returned study abroad students, or student honors programs; or classes in areas like international affairs, economics, or business. Templates information session flyers are available
  • Request a visit from or a Skype session with a Pickering Program staff member, a current fellow or alumni. Please note that our staff is small and our alumni are often concentrated in certain areas.  However, we are interested in direct conversations with interested groups.
  • Watch our webinar for advisors discussing the program.
  • Contact us if you have questions about the presentation or would like further guidance.

What is the application and program timeline?

  • 2020 Application launch: Mid-June 2019
  • Application deadline for 2019 Graduate Fellowship: September 17, 2019
  • Notification to applicants of decisions on finalists: October 25, 2019
  • Interviews for 30 finalists: November 6 – 7, 2019
  • Notification of fellowship award: November 8, 2019
  • Orientation for 2020 Fellows: May 31 – June 6, 2019
  • Domestic Internship: Summer 2021
  • Graduate School: Fall 2020 to Spring 2022
  • Overseas Internship: Summer 2022
  • Entry into the Foreign Service: Fall 2022

Who Are We Looking For? 

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy.  Eligibility criteria include

  • U.S. citizenship
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and
  • Plans to start graduate school for a two-year program of relevance to the Foreign Service in fall 2020 at a U.S. based institution.

The program is open to seniors who will graduate by spring 2020 and individuals with a college degree.  It is open to students with any major or area of interest who want to promote positive change in the world.   It encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. It also values

  • Individuals with a commitment to public service
  • Individuals from diverse areas within the United States
  • Individuals interested in management, economics, and consular affairs
  • Individuals who have demonstrated resourcefulness and resiliency
  • Individuals interested in foreign languages and cultures
  • Individuals with strong leadership skills
  • First generation college students
  • Individuals who want to represent the United States as diplomats