Up to US$43,500 per year in academic funding, two funded internships, and professional mentoring are available through the 2027 Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship. The two-year programme prepares U.S. students for careers as Diplomatic Technology Officers in the Foreign Service.
Overview
The FAIT Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center. It supports students completing the final two years of an IT-related bachelor’s degree or a two-year IT-related master’s degree.
Fellows complete one domestic internship with the Department of State in Washington, D.C., and one overseas internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Successful completion of the Fellowship and State Department entry requirements leads to an appointment as a Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer.
Benefits
- Academic Funding: Fellows receive up to US$43,500 annually for two years toward tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees, and some travel expenses.
- Internships: Stipends, housing, and travel allowances are provided for two summer internships.
- Mentoring: The programme includes personalised mentoring and professional development.
- Career Path: Fellows who complete the programme and State Department entry requirements receive an appointment as a Diplomatic Technology Officer.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens when they submit the application.
- Degree: Applicants must be enrolled, or planning to enrol, full time in an IT-related bachelor’s or master’s programme at an accredited U.S.-based institution.
- Graduation Timeline: Applicants must meet the 2027 cohort degree timeline and be on track to graduate in spring 2029 after the Fellowship’s four full-time semesters.
- GPA: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required.
- Service Commitment: Fellows must meet State Department clearance, suitability, medical, and assessment requirements and accept the required five-year Foreign Service commitment after appointment.
How to Apply
- Deadline: Applications close on December 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
- Check Eligibility: Review the current FAIT eligibility checklist and cohort timeline before starting.
- Prepare the Application: Complete the required academic, financial, and supporting information requested by the programme.
- Submit: Apply through The Washington Center portal using the official FAIT Fellowship application instructions.
