Why it fits you

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Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study
United States · Washington, D.C.
Accepted nationalities
United States
Degree already heldRequired
Bachelor’s
Target level
Master’s
Fields of study
All fields
Minimum grade
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
Other conditions
  • You must take and pass both parts (multiple-choice and writing assessment) of the revised Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT); applications without passing scores attached will not be considered.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Must take and pass both the multiple-choice and writing assessment components of the revised Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). Applications without passing scores attached will not be considered.
  • You must commit to a minimum of five years of service as a Foreign Service Officer after successfully completing the programme and the entry requirements.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Must agree to execute a minimum five-year service commitment as a Foreign Service Officer upon successful completion of the program and entry requirements.
  • Particular consideration is given to qualified applicants who, besides outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need.PreferredOrganisation’s wording: Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need.
  • For the 2027 cohort only, if you do not already have passing results from the FSOT and WE taken on or after October 2025, you must take the FSOT in the October 2026 or January 2027 testing window.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: For the 2027 cohort only, applicants who do not already have passing results from the FSOT and WE administered on/after October 2025 must take the FSOT in the October 2026 or January 2027 testing window.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

Paid
Housing
Allowance
US$33,000 a year
Length of the funding
24 months
Number of places
10 places

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

  1. Step 1: Submit your application in the Pickering application portal with all the required materials
    With whom
    You
    Documents to provide
    • A personal statement (600 words or less)
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • A statement of financial need (400 words or less)
    • An official financial aid award letter from your last year of undergraduate studies (if you received aid)
    • The FAFSA Submission Summary for the 2027-2028 academic year
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate or certificate of naturalization)
    • Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • A copy of your GRE/GMAT scores (optional)
    • Your revised FSOT results
  2. Step 2: Apply separately to two-year master's programs at approved U.S. universities
    With whom
    You
  3. Step 3: If you are a finalist: take part in an interview and a written exercise
    With whom
    Candidates selected for final consideration

Where to apply

U.S. Department of State (opens in a new tab)

Official title (in English): Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program

Verified on 1 November 2026

Apply on the official website (opens in a new tab)

Official website of U.S. Department of State: pickeringfellowship.org