U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program

https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/us-foreign-service-internship-program/

Eligibility

To qualify you must:

  1. Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
  2. Demonstrate financial need via Student Aid Index (SAI) in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submission Summary and/or Statement of Financial Need.
  3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above.
  4. Be a rising sophomore or junior when applying (i.e. be a rising junior or senior at the start of program).
  5. Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in an accredited academic institution at least half time.
  6. Must continue undergraduate education through Spring 2026.
  7. Must be available during program dates of June 15, 2025 – August 23, 2025 (similar dates for 2026).
  8. Must be able to obtain and maintain SECRET security clearance.
  9. Remain in good academic standing (3.2 GPA or higher) for the duration of program.

Award

Experience Diplomacy First-Hand as a U.S. Foreign Service Intern and spend two consecutive summers in paid 10-week internships designed to expose undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State. This merit and needs-based  opportunity is available to rising juniors and seniors (who apply as sophomores and juniors) with a 3.2 GPA or higher.

In the first summer, participants receive three weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C. followed by seven weeks working in a policy office at the U.S. Department of State. In the second summer, participants are given a ten-week assignment to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Students are paid at a GS-4 equivalent rate. The Department provides travel reimbursement and housing for both summers.

Deadline

Application period open August-September