U.S. students preparing for careers as Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents can apply for the 2027 William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship. The two-year programme provides academic funding, two summer practicums, mentoring, professional development, and a pathway into the U.S. Foreign Service.
Overview
The Clarke DS Fellowship supports undergraduate students completing their final two years and students entering qualifying two-year master’s programmes. Fellows complete a domestic practicum in Washington, D.C. and a second practicum overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
After successfully completing the Fellowship and applicable Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows receive appointments as Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents and accept a three-year Foreign Service commitment.
Benefits
- Academic Funding: The Fellowship provides financial assistance for the final two years of an eligible bachelor’s programme or for a two-year master’s programme.
- Domestic Practicum: Fellows complete a 10-week domestic internship with the Diplomatic Security Service.
- Overseas Practicum: Fellows complete a second 10-week practicum at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Professional Development: The programme provides mentoring and professional development.
- Career Path: Successful Fellows who meet Foreign Service requirements receive appointments as DSS Special Agents.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 19 and no older than 32 when applying, except for qualifying preference-eligible veterans.
- Degree: Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enrol full time in an eligible U.S.-based bachelor’s or master’s degree programme.
- Graduation Timeline: Applicants must be on track to graduate in spring 2029 after four full-time semesters as a Fellow beginning in fall 2027.
- GPA: Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- Driver’s Licence: Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s licence by finalist selection.
- Security and Fitness: Selected Fellows must meet security, medical, suitability, physical-readiness, and Foreign Service assessment requirements.
How to Apply
- Early Review Deadline: Applicants seeking an early document review should submit by November 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Final Deadline: The final application deadline is November 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Documents: The application requires proof of U.S. citizenship, transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and other materials listed in the official instructions.
- Submit: Create an account in The Washington Center application portal and select the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship.
