Professional Fellowships

Whether you’re a mid- or senior-level professional in the private sector, state or local government, the non-profit world, a tenured or tenure-track academic, or a PhD scientist or an engineer with work experience, one of our professional fellowships may be right for you. These unique programs allow experienced professionals and academics to serve with the United States Government (USG) and work on global issues of vital importance to America, such as counterterrorism, human rights, international development assistance, nonproliferation, or the environment.

If you’re ready to apply your expertise and experience to diplomacy, the U.S. Department of State’s professional fellowships are the perfect place to start. You may find a fellowship that fits your background.

Professional Fellowships   Keep Me Informed

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program

The AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship Program requires a PhD or an equivalent doctoral-level degree at the time of application – or a master’s degree in engineering and at least three years of post-degree professional experience.


Franklin Fellows Program

The Franklin Fellows Program is open to mid- and senior-level professionals from both private sector and non-profit entities, including NGOs, academia, foundations, and associations.


Jefferson Science Fellowship Program

The Jefferson Science Fellowship Program is open to scientists and engineers who are tenured faculty from U.S. institutions of higher learning.


Professional Science & Engineering Society Fellows Program

The Professional Science & Engineering Society Fellows Program is open to members of sponsoring societies, with additional qualifications determined by the societies.


Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship Program

VIP will help build and deploy strategic partnerships between the United States (U.S.) Government and U.S. Private Sector to mobilize resources and build networks to promote foreign affairs career opportunities for veterans. The Partnership will focus on elements of engagement to support veterans’ transition to diplomacy and development careers.