Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows Scholarship Program 2026

Applications are open for the Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows Scholarship Program 2026, a scholarship opportunity for talented graduate students who are committed to careers in public service. The programme is offered by the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and supports students pursuing the Master of Arts in International Relations at the Washington, DC campus.

The Public Service Fellows programme is designed for students who want to develop the knowledge, analytical skills and professional experience needed to contribute to government, nonprofit organisations, international institutions and other public service fields. The programme brings together students with diverse experiences and interests in addressing major global challenges.

The scholarship provides a 100% tuition award during the first year of the MAIR programme and may be renewed for the second year if the recipient remains enrolled full time and maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4. In addition to financial support, Fellows participate in specialised programming, professional development activities and engagement opportunities with public service leaders and practitioners.

About the Opportunity

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows programme supports exceptional students who demonstrate leadership, academic ability and a clear commitment to public service.

The programme is intended to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers addressing public policy and international challenges. Areas of public service may include government, nonprofit organisations, international organisations and mission driven private sector roles.

Fellows join a cohort and take part in activities designed to strengthen their understanding of public service while connecting them with faculty members, policy leaders, practitioners and alumni.

The scholarship is available for the MAIR programme at the Washington, DC campus. The award cannot be deferred, transferred to another campus or applied to academic exchange or dual degree programmes.

Scholarship Benefits

• 100% tuition scholarship during the first year of the MAIR programme

• Scholarship renewal for the second year subject to maintaining full time enrollment and a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher

• Special lectures, seminars, workshops and other public service programming

• Opportunities to engage with public service leaders, practitioners and alumni

• Career guidance from the Office of Global Careers

• Networking opportunities with members of the Public Service Fellows cohort

• Opportunities to participate in social and volunteer activities

• Development of professional skills and experience relevant to careers in public service

Programme Focus

The Public Service Fellows programme is centred on public service and international affairs, with opportunities to engage with issues such as:

• Government and public policy

• International affairs

• Global development

• International security

• Human rights

• Climate and environmental challenges

• Economic development

• Nonprofit and international organisations

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.

• Candidates must be admitted to the Master of Arts in International Relations programme at the Johns Hopkins SAIS Washington, DC campus.

• Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential.

• Applicants should demonstrate strong academic ability.

• Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to public service through previous academic work, internships, professional experience or other relevant activities.

• Applicants who demonstrate financial need receive special consideration.

• Candidates must study full time in the MAIR programme to maintain the fellowship.

• Scholarship awards cannot be deferred.

• The scholarship cannot be transferred to another Johns Hopkins SAIS campus.

• The award cannot be used for an academic exchange or dual degree programme.

Scholarship Requirements

Selected Fellows are expected to remain actively engaged with the programme throughout their studies.

• Maintain full time enrollment in the MAIR programme at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington, DC

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4

• Complete a Public Service Project

• Attend at least three Public Service Fellows and Scholars sponsored events

• Participate in at least one admissions recruitment activity each semester

• Complete short programme surveys before and after each semester

• Submit the Office of Global Careers Employment Outcomes Survey before graduation

Required Application Materials

Applicants are required to apply for the MAIR programme and the Public Service Fellows scholarship at the same time.

• Master of Arts in International Relations application

• Institutional aid request through the MAIR application

• Public Service Award interest indicated on the application

• Application for financial assistance

• Public Service Fellows scholarship essay

• FAFSA for United States citizens and permanent residents

• Johns Hopkins SAIS FAFSA school code E00474 for eligible applicants

The scholarship application is incorporated into the broader MAIR admissions and financial aid process rather than being submitted as an entirely separate application.

Selection Criteria

The programme considers applicants based on several factors, including:

• Academic aptitude

• Demonstrated leadership

• Commitment to public service

• Relevant academic, professional or extracurricular experience

• Financial need

• Potential contribution to the Public Service Fellows community

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their academic interests and professional goals connect with public service.

How to Apply

1. Review the Master of Arts in International Relations programme requirements at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
2. Prepare and submit the MAIR application for the Washington, DC campus.
3. Indicate that you wish to be considered for institutional financial aid.
4. Indicate that you wish to be considered for the Public Service Award.
5. Complete the financial assistance application and scholarship essay when prompted.
6. If you are a United States citizen or permanent resident, complete the FAFSA using Johns Hopkins SAIS school code E00474.
7. Submit the required admissions and scholarship materials before the applicable SAIS deadline.
8. If selected, maintain the academic and programme requirements throughout the fellowship.