The Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree and a career in the Foreign Service. As one of several high-profile U.S. Department of State diversity recruitment programs, this two-year fellowship supports fellows by providing academic funding for an IT-related degree, two summer internships, professional development, and mentorship. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the FAIT Fellowship program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity.  Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship and the Foreign Service entry requirements, FAIT Fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialists (IMS).

FAIT Fellows receive:

• Up to $43,500 annually in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense (see eligibility requirements).
• Stipends, housing and travel allowances for the two summer internships: A domestic internship in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of State, and an overseas internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
• Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

The FAIT Fellowship is designed as a two-year cohort model, offering both undergraduate and graduate fellowships. To be eligible to apply in the current application cycle, individuals must be on the timeline of that cohort year. More details are on the Eligibility Requirements page of the website.  To be eligible to apply for the FAIT Fellowship program, individuals must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program OR seeking admission to an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution
• Be on a timeline to graduate with a bachelor’s or master’s degree after attending four full-time (spring and fall) semesters, beginning in the fall semester of the cohort year. The cohort year is the year that the applicant is selected as a FAIT Fellow.
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program

Selected fellows will need to:

• Obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements
• Agree to a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements

The application for the FAIT Fellowship opens annually in September and closes in late January/early February.