Pursuing the FAIT Fellowship program is a big step toward a career in the Foreign Service. It’s also a major commitment on your part to not only complete your degree program, but also to fully participate in the opportunities provided by the U.S. Department of State for internships, professional development and mentorship. Your hard work is rewarded with an exciting career in the Foreign Service, supporting diplomacy through technology.

Before you begin the application process, use the checklist below to determine your eligibility to apply for the 2025 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship. If you can check off every item, you should be eligible to apply!

  • I am a U.S. citizen or will be U.S. citizen before the application deadline. (Note: You must be a U.S. citizen, not a permanent resident.)

  • I am pursuing (or plan to pursue) an IT-related degree program at a U.S.-based accredited college or university (this may be either an in-person or online degree program).

  • I will be enrolled full-time during the spring and fall semesters, starting in fall 2025 through spring 2027.

  • I will be on a timeline to graduate with a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in May 2027.

  • I hold a minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale and will not fall below the minimum during the program.

  • I will be able to participate full-time in the State Department internships (in Washington, D.C. in summer 2026 and overseas at U.S. embassy or consultant in summer 2027).

  • If I am selected as a FAIT Fellow, I’m confident that I will be able to obtain and maintain security clearances, suitability requirements and meet the minimum medical qualification standard.

  • I understand that after successful completion of the FAIT Fellowship program and the Foreign Service entry requirements, I will receive an appointment as a Diplomatic Technology Officer in the Foreign Service with a five-year commitment. And I understand the role of the Diplomatic Technology Officer.