The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship supports Fellows through two years of graduate study (in subjects relevant to the work of the Foreign Service) along with internships and professional development activities, and entry into the Foreign Service. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2022 for a two-year program at a U.S. university in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service. They can be in the senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by June 2022, or they can be college graduates.
- Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.
Application Requirements
- Background Information (e.g., name, contact information, international travel).
- A personal statement (in 600 words or less) that discusses the applicants’ reasons for applying, interest in foreign affairs, commitment to pursue a Foreign Service career, and any relevant experience or information.
- A statement (in 400 words or less) from the applicant that discusses his/her need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, including an explanation of:
- The financial assistance received during undergraduate studies
- Overall education-related debt
- Ability/plans to pay for graduate school independently
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a faculty member
- One from a community leader or other individual who can comment on the applicant’s non-academic accomplishments and his/her potential
Note: In the online application, applicants will identify recommenders, who will be contacted by the program and asked to submit letters electronically. Below is a copy of the recommendation letter for reference only. - Recommendation Form
- Proof of U.S. citizenship with a copy of: (choose one)
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship
- U.S. passport
The Rangel selection panel will choose approximately 90 finalists by early November. Program staff will communicate decisions by email to both successful and unsuccessful applicants by November 4. Candidates selected for final consideration will be invited to participate in a virtual interview and complete a written exercise virtually between November – December. The program will complete the selection process and make offers to 45 fellows by December.
Click here to read the instructions before apply.
