How to Apply - FAIT Fellowship

The Application Cycle for 2021 is Now Closed

Applications for the 2021 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program have closed as of February 1, 2021.

The new application cycle for the 2022 cohort will open in the fall of 2021. Please check back for updates or complete this form to be added to an email list.

Eligibility

Here are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship 2022 cohort. You must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution, and entering the junior year in the fall of 2022, OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution, beginning in the fall of 2022.
Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program.
Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements. (Click here for information on the Department of State clearance processes.)

Minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department are encouraged to apply: this includes but is not limited to racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender minorities, as well as those with financial need.

FAIT Fellowship Timeline

Below is a general timeline for the 2022 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

Fall 2021 – Application dates to be announced
March 2022: Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
March 2022: Finalists participate in the virtual interview process
April 2022: Notifications of final FAIT Fellow selections are sent via email
June 2022: Orientation
September 2022: Start your junior year of undergrad OR start your first year of graduate school
May 2023: Finish your junior year of undergrad OR finish your first year of graduate school
June – August 2023: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
September 2023: Start your senior year of undergrad OR start your second/final year of graduate school
May 2024: Graduate with your undergraduate degree or your master’s degree
June – August 2024: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
September 2024: FAIT Fellows enter Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Application Documents

Your application must include:

PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

TRANSCRIPT

An unofficial copy for all schools attended

GRE/GMAT SCORES (for graduate students)

Submit your GRE/GMAT scores only if they are required to apply for your intended graduate program(s)

A PERSONAL STATEMENT

Explain why you want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service (750 words max.):

- Highlight your motivations, as well as your background, experiences and skills that will help you succeed.
- Read the article Tips for Writing an Impactful Personal Statement

RESUMÉ

Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills (read this article for tips)

MOST RECENT FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER

If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit a Financial Aid Letter listing grants or loans.

MOST RECENT STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR)

If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit your SAR form.
If you did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, you must complete the FAFSA to generate an SAR.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED

Use this as an opportunity to address any financial hardship or impactful adversity you may have experienced that affects your overall financial standing. You may also include:

Assistance you received during your undergraduate studies
Your overall education-related debt
Your ability/plans to pay for graduate school and/or your junior and senior years of undergraduate (depending on whether you are applying for the Graduate or Undergraduate Fellowship).

ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Select recommenders who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.

If you were enrolled in a degree-granting program within the last two years, the letter must be from a professor or faculty member who knows you.
If you have been in an online program, you may select an individual who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.
If you are returning to graduate school after a couple of years, choose someone who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.