How to Apply

The application for the FAIT Fellowship 2025 cohort is closed. The application for the 2026 cohort will open in fall 2025.

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FAIT Fellowship Timeline

Below is a general timeline for the 2025 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

  • September 16, 2024 – January 21, 2025: Applications accepted
  • February 2025:  Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
  • March 2025: Finalists participate remotely in the interview and selection process
  • June 2025: Orientation for selected FAIT Fellows 2025 cohort
  • September 2025: FAIT Fellowship program begins for the 2025 cohort, as you enter the junior year of your undergrad OR the first year of your graduate program
  • May 2026: Finish your spring semester
  • May – August 2026: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
  • September 2026: Fall semester begins (final year of your undergrad or graduate program)
  • May 2027: Graduate with your bachelor’s degree or your master’s degree
  • May – August 2027: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
  • September 2027: Enter the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer

Application Documents

Your application must include:

U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

You will need to submit an unofficial copy of  transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended for two or more semesters.

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

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

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

  • If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit your FAFSA Submission Summary.
  • If you did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, you must complete the FAFSA to generate a FAFSA Submission Summary.

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).

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.