How to Apply - FAIT Fellowship

Applications Being Accepted for 2021 Cohort

Applications for the 2021 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program are being accepted from September 8, 2020, through February 1, 2021.

To apply, click the Apply Now button above. This will send you to the application portal hosted by TWC. Before you start your application, please view the eligibility requirements below. You’ll also find helpful information on the application documents required.

Eligibility

Here are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship 2021 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 2021, OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution, beginning in the fall of 2021.
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 the timeline for the 2021 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

September 8, 2020 – February 1, 2021: Applications accepted
March 15 – 19, 2021: Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
March 29 – 31, 2021: Finalists participate in the virtual interview process
April 1, 2021: Notifications of final FAIT Fellow selections are sent via email
June 2021: Orientation
September 2021: Start your junior year of undergrad OR start your first year of graduate school
May 2022: Finish your junior year of undergrad OR finish your first year of graduate school
June – August 2022: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
September 2022: Start your senior year of undergrad OR start your second/final year of graduate school
May 2023: Graduate with your undergraduate degree or your master’s degree
June – August 2023: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
September 2023: 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

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.

APPLY NOW