The Washington Center · United States
Applications are open for the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship 2027, a two year opportunity funded by the United States Department of State to prepare talented students for careers in diplomatic technology. The fellowship combines financial assistance for higher education with professional development, practical work experience, mentorship and a pathway to employment in the US Foreign Service.
Administered by The Washington Center, the programme supports students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in information technology related fields at accredited institutions in the United States. Fellows gain technical knowledge and professional experience relevant to maintaining, securing and modernising the technology systems that support American diplomacy around the world.
The fellowship is designed for academically strong US citizens who want to apply their technology skills in public service. Participants complete academic studies alongside two summer internships, one in Washington, DC, and another at a US embassy or consulate overseas. Following successful completion of the programme and the Department of State’s entry requirements, fellows can enter the Foreign Service as Diplomatic Technology Officers.
The Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship aims to develop technology professionals who can support the security, reliability and advancement of the digital infrastructure used by US diplomatic missions. Diplomatic Technology Officers work at the intersection of information technology, international affairs and government service.
The two year programme provides financial support for eligible students during the final two years of an undergraduate degree or throughout a two year graduate degree. Fellows also receive professional guidance and practical exposure to the responsibilities of technology specialists in the Foreign Service.
The programme follows a structured timeline beginning in 2027 and leading towards graduation in spring 2029. Successful fellows who meet the required academic, security, medical and assessment standards are expected to enter the Foreign Service in September 2029.
Selected fellows may receive the following benefits:
• Academic funding: Up to $43,500 per year for eligible tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and certain travel expenses.
• Domestic internship: A ten week summer internship with the US Department of State in Washington, DC.
• Overseas internship: A ten week internship at a US embassy or consulate abroad.
• Internship support: Stipends, housing assistance and travel allowances for the two summer internships.
• Professional development: Structured activities designed to strengthen technical knowledge, leadership and workplace skills.
• Personalised mentoring: Guidance throughout the fellowship from professionals who support fellows’ academic and career development.
• Career pathway: The opportunity to enter the US Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer after successfully meeting programme and employment requirements.
• Public service experience: Practical exposure to the role of technology in diplomacy, international operations and government security.
Funding is subject to the fellowship’s eligibility rules and applicable programme conditions. Applicants should consult the official website for details of covered expenses.
The fellowship is intended for students pursuing information technology related degrees. Relevant academic and professional areas may include:
• Information technology and information systems.
• Cybersecurity and information security.
• Computer engineering.
• Network systems and infrastructure.
• Technology systems supporting international operations.
Applicants should confirm that their degree programme meets the fellowship’s official definition of an eligible IT related field before applying.
To qualify for the FAIT Fellowship 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be a US citizen at the time of application.
• Be enrolled in, or planning to enrol in, a full time information technology related bachelor’s or master’s degree programme at an accredited institution based in the United States.
• Be on track to graduate in spring 2029 after completing four full time semesters as a fellow beginning in autumn 2027.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Be prepared to maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA throughout the fellowship.
• Be able to obtain and maintain the required Top Secret security clearance.
• Pass the applicable suitability review and meet the minimum medical qualification standards.
• Pass the Foreign Service Specialist Assessment before graduation.
• Agree to a five year service commitment as a Diplomatic Technology Officer after successfully completing the fellowship and meeting the Department of State’s entry requirements.
Students enrolled in accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes should contact the fellowship administrators to determine whether their academic timelines qualify.
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information:
• Proof of US citizenship: A US passport, birth certificate or naturalisation documents.
• Academic transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended for two or more semesters.
• Personal statement: A statement of no more than 750 words explaining the applicant’s interest in a Foreign Service career, including relevant experiences, motivation and skills.
• Résumé: A résumé of no more than two pages highlighting experience, leadership and relevant qualifications.
• Financial aid award letter: The most recent financial aid award letter, where applicable.
• FAFSA submission summary: The most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid submission summary. Applicants who did not receive financial aid during the previous academic year must complete the FAFSA to generate the required summary.
• Statement of financial need: An explanation of financial circumstances, educational costs, relevant hardship and the applicant’s ability to finance their studies.
• One recommendation letter: A letter from a suitable recommender who can explain why the applicant is qualified for the fellowship.
Applicants who have been enrolled in a degree programme within the past two years should obtain their recommendation from a professor or faculty member familiar with their academic work. Other applicants may select someone familiar with their professional, academic, volunteer or community experience.
Applicants should demonstrate academic ability, a genuine interest in public service and the potential to contribute to technology operations within the US Foreign Service. The selection process also considers the submitted personal statement, résumé, recommendation, academic record and financial circumstances.
Finalists are expected to participate in a remote interview and selection process. Selected fellows must subsequently satisfy the programme’s continuing academic requirements and the Department of State’s security, medical, suitability and assessment requirements.
United States
The Washington Center
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