Overview and Introduction
The following programs are for students interested in international affairs, foreign policy, and service. See individual programs for details.
The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the State Department’s Foreign Service Office (FSO), especially members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. The fellowship provides generous funding to support two years of graduate study, internships and professional development activities, and entry into the Foreign Service. Fellows commit to working for at leave five years in the FSO upon completion of the fellowship.
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship aims to attract outstanding students from all ethnic and social backgrounds who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad. The Pickering Fellowships provide up to $40,000 per year for two years to talented students who want to pursue a career in the State Department’s Foreign Service Office. Pickering Fellows receive mentoring, professional development, and financial support as they prepare to enter the Foreign Service. Upon successful completion of the Foreign Service examination, Pickering Fellows make a commitment to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as Foreign Service Officer.
The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The fellowship provides up to $90,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities. The Payne Fellowship encourages the application of members of minority groups who have historically been underrepresented in international development careers and those with financial need. Payne Fellows commit to working a minimum of three years in USAID upon successful completion of the program.
Eligibility:
- Academic: Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship at time of application
- Degree-level: Graduating seniors and recent graduates. (College juniors may apply to the Pickering Undergraduate Fellowship
- Other: See individual fellowship pages for additional eligibility requirements
Application Deadlines
- Program Deadline: Late September for Pickering and Rangel. Early November for Payne.
- Endorsement: These fellowships do not require U-M endorsement; students may apply directly to the individual programs.
Prospective Applicants
Prospective applicants should apply directly to the individual program and are encouraged to review ONSF's application resources for self-directed advising support. Please note, at this time ONSF is only able to offer individual advising and interview preparation to program finalists.
