How to Apply - FAIT Fellowship

How to Apply for the FAIT Fellowship

The application for the FAIT Fellowship 2023 cohort is closed. Applications were accepted September 12, 2022 through February 3, 2023.

The application for the 2024 cohort will open in September 2023. The dates for the application period will be posted here. To receive email updates on the application dates, click the button below and sign up for our email list.

Eligibility

Below are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship 2024 cohort. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible to apply for the 2024 cohort, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution
Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s in spring 2026 while enrolled full-time for spring and fall 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 FAIT Fellow, you must:

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

If you are not sure whether your degree program fits into the timeline, please contact us at FAITFellowship@twc.edu before you apply.

FAIT Fellowship Timeline

Below is a general timeline for the 2024 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

September 2023 – February 2024: Applications accepted
March 2024: Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
Spring 2024: Finalists participate remotely in the interview and selection process
June 2024: Orientation
September 2024: FAIT Fellowship program begins for the 2023 cohort, as you enter the junior year of your undergrad OR the first year of your graduate program
May 2025: Finish your spring semester
June – August 2025: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
September 2025: Fall semester begins (final year of your undergrad or graduate program)
May 2026: Graduate with your bachelor’s degree or your master’s degree
June – August 2026: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
September 2026: Enter the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist

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

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

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.