Next deadline: September 2025
Recorded webinar: “2025 Rangel Fellowship Program Overview”
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel Program selects 45 outstanding Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and provides $42,000 in support for completion of two-year master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service (such as business, economics, management science, organizational development/leadership, public policy, and international relations) at a U.S.-based institution. The program also offers internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements have a five-year commitment to work as Foreign Service Officers, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy.
Prospective applicants should make an individual advising appointment with Keila Diehl in the OURS National Scholarships Office.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2025 for a two-year program at a U.S. university in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service.
- be in the senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by June 2025, or a college graduate
- have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher at the time of application
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- clear interest in a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State
- strong academic background, diverse interests in areas such as international affairs and government, cultural sensitivity, and strong writing skills
- demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to service
- financial need for graduate school
- ability to overcome obstacles
Application Requirements
- Personal statement (600 words)
- Statement of financial need (400 words)
- Two letters of recommendation (one from faculty; one non-academic)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Official financial aid statement from senior year, if applicable
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities, including study abroad
- GRE or GMAT scores (optional)
For more information about this opportunity, visit the Rangel Program website (opens external site).