Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship

As one of several high-profile U.S. Department of State diversity recruitment programs, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship seeks 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 FAIT Fellowship 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.

The program is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree (such as computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, computer engineering, IT services administration, and computer systems networking and more), and a career in the Foreign Service.

The two-year fellowship program provides:

• Up to $43,500 annually (for two years) in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense (see eligibility requirements).
• 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 overseas internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and the State Department’s entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist.  Fellows agree to a five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.

The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, designed as a two-year cohort model, offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships. The application for the 2024 cohort will open in September 2023 and close in January 2024. Before the application opens, the dates will be updated on this page and on the Apply page.

Fellows selected for the 2024 cohort will begin their two-year fellowship in fall 2024 and complete the fellowship in summer 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for the 2024 cohort, you must meet all the criteria below:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time IT-related degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
• For the undergraduate fellowship:
  • Community college students in an associate degree program must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related bachelor’s degree program in fall 2024 AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
  • Four-year college/university students must be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024.
  • Students enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s IT-related degree program must be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024.
• For the graduate fellowship:
  • Individuals must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related master’s degree in fall 2024 AND be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program.

As a selected fellow, you will need to:

• Obtain and maintain security clearances and suitability requirements, and meet minimum medical qualification standards.
• Agree to a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

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