Applications are now open for the Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship program is designed to attract and prepare exceptional individuals for careers in the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service, where they will contribute to shaping and executing U.S. foreign policy. Each year, the Rangel Program carefully selects outstanding Fellows through a rigorous nationwide selection process and provides them with support for two years of graduate studies, internships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

This initiative particularly encourages individuals from minority backgrounds, women, and those with financial need to apply. Upon successful completion of the program and meeting Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows will be appointed as Foreign Service Officers in accordance with relevant laws and State Department regulations.

Rangel Fellows are dedicated to serving their country and driving positive change on a global scale. Graduates of the Rangel Program are currently making impactful contributions in various countries worldwide, such as Colombia, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, China, Korea, Bangladesh, Spain, and Ireland.

ELIGIBILITY – Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program

1. Prospective applicants must be planning to enroll in a U.S. university for a two-year graduate program starting in the fall of 2025, focusing on areas relevant to the Foreign Service.
2. They may be in their final year of undergraduate studies, set to graduate by June 2025, or already hold a college degree.
3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
4. Candidates must be U.S. citizens.

FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADUATE STUDIES – Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program

1. The Rangel Program is set to grant 45 fellowships in 2025, each worth up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period covering tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for the completion of a master’s degree. This includes $24,000 per year for tuition and fees, along with an academic year stipend of $18,000.
2. Upon completing the two-year program at an approved graduate school, Rangel Fellows are expected to have earned a degree in international affairs or a related field relevant to Foreign Service work. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 throughout their studies.
3. The Rangel Program is set to grant 45 fellowships in 2025, each worth up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period. This funding will cover tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for the completion of a two-year master’s degree. The fellowship includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees, as well as an academic year stipend of $18,000.
4. Upon completion of the two-year program, Rangel Fellows are expected to have earned a degree in international affairs or a related field from a graduate school approved by the Rangel Program, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2.
5. New Rangel Fellows will undergo an orientation at Howard University in mid-May to familiarize themselves with the fellowship and to gain a better understanding of Foreign Service careers.
6. Additionally, they will participate in two internships, one in Washington, D.C. and the other at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, with the Program providing support of up to $10,000 per summer. Throughout the fellowship, each Fellow will receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer.
7. It is important to note that graduate degrees in law do not meet the requirements for this fellowship, and applicants must apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S. universities simultaneously with their application to the Rangel Program.
8. Successful completion of the Rangel Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will result in appointments in the State Department Foreign Service, in compliance with relevant laws and State Department policy.
9. Fellows must secure and uphold medical, security, and suitability clearances to continue in the program. Upon obtaining a master’s degree, each Rangel Fellow is obligated to serve for at least five years.
10. Failure to complete the Rangel Program and the subsequent five-year service commitment may lead to a reimbursement obligation for the candidates.
11. For details visit the application website