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The Pickering Graduate Fellowship is a collaborative effort between Howard University and the U.S. State Department. It aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to promote positive change in the world. The award includes funding for tuition fees, room and board, books and mandatory fees for a 2-year Master’s degree in international affairs or a related field to the work of the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of a Master’s degree, fellows commit to a minimum of 5 years of service in the Foreign Service.
NOTE: Pickering Fellows who obtain a master’s degree are committed to a minimum of 5 years of service. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Pickering Program and the subsequent 5-year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation
Scholarship Amount
$24,000/year for tuition fees, and an $18,000 living stipendAnnual Number of Scholarships Awarded
- ~45 per year
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a 3.2 GPA or higher
- Seek admission to enter graduate school in the fall for a 2-year program at a U.S. university in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service:
- Public Policy
- International Affairs
- Public Administration
- Business
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Foreign Languages
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence
- Community activities
- Extracurricular activities
- Leadership skills and potential
- Demonstrated financial need
Application Material
- Pickering Graduate Fellowship Application
- Personal Statement
- Short Essay
- Optional GRE or GMAT scores
- Financial Need Statement
- Student Aid Report
- Official Financial Aid Statement from your senior year, if you received financial aid
- CV/Resume
- Transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation
- 1 letter from a faculty member
- 1 letter from a community leader or other individual who can comment on the your non-academic accomplishments and your potential