Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship
Leveraging your passion for technology to serve the U.S. abroad.
If you’re pursuing an IT-related degree, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship could combine your passion for technology and love of travel into a rewarding career.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the FAIT Fellowship provides academic funding, two paid summer internships in the U.S. Department of State, mentoring, and professional development. Upon successful completion of the fellowship and the State Department’s entry requirements, FAIT Fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists (IMSs).
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.
Visit the FAIT fellowship program website to see all benefits and eligibility requirements, view webinars and videos, and to apply for the program.
Eligibility
Here are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship program. You must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program or seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution
- Be on a timeline to earn your bachelor's or master's degree after attending four full-time (fall and spring) semesters during your two years of the FAIT Fellowship
- Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program
Here are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship program. You must:
- Obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements
- Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements
Program Components
Fellows receive tuition and stipend support for four semesters of academic coursework. Funds are intended to be used in two consecutive academic years, ending in degree completion; Fellows earn a Bachelor’s Degree OR a 2-year Master’s Degree in an IT-related major or program. Accredited online degree programs are permitted.
During this two-year program, FAIT Fellows complete two summer internships with the State Department:
- A domestic internship in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of State
- An international internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad
Throughout the program Fellows receive personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities. After successfully completing the program and meeting all the requirements of the State Department, Fellows commission into the Foreign Service and serve as an Information Management Specialist for at least five years.
Program Benefits
The two-year fellowship program provides:
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and the State Department’s entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist. Fellows agree to a minimum five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.
Dates and Deadlines
Applications for the 2023 cohort are being accepted September 12, 2022 – February 3, 2023.
This is a general timeline for the FAIT Fellowship program, which accepts applications annually for each cohort. The specific dates will be updated on the FAIT Fellowship website.
- September 12, 2022 – February 3, 2023 (11:59 pm ET): Applications accepted
- March 2023: Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
- Spring 2023: Finalists participate remotely in the interview and selection process
- June 2023: Orientation
- September 2023: FAIT Fellowship program begins with the junior year of your undergrad OR first year of your graduate program
- May 2024: Finish your spring semester
- June – August 2024: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
- September 2024: Fall semester begins (final year of your undergrad or graduate program)
- May 2025: Graduate with your bachelor’s degree or your master’s degree
- June – August 2025: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
- September 2025: Enter the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist
How to Apply
Please visit the FAIT Fellowship website for detailed information on required application documents and to access the application portal.
About Information Management Specialists
As an IMS, you will support and maintain hundreds of applications and provide IT services domestically and abroad at over 275 overseas posts in nearly 200 countries. You will serve your country by maintaining secure, reliable IT tools and resources to ensure that Foreign Service Officers, federal agencies and non-government partners can promote diplomacy while serving overseas. You will gain experiences that few other IT professions offer, including the reward of living in a foreign country while experiencing different cultures and helping to protect U.S. interests abroad.