APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Deadline for the FAS International Agricultural Fellowship Program 2024 cycle is October 12, 2023.

Completed applications will include the following materials.

Personal background information (e.g., name, contact information, language skills).

A personal statement (650 words or less) that discusses the applicant’s reasons for applying, interest in international affairs, commitment to pursue a career in the Foreign Service of the Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, and any relevant experience or information.

Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.  One letter must be from a professor, faculty member, or instructor.  The other letter may be from someone else familiar with your college, volunteer, work, or community activities.

  • Note: Applicants will include contact information for recommenders in the online application.  Recommenders will be sent an email with instructions to submit letters electronically.

A statement of financial need (400 words or less) that discusses the applicant’s need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, including an explanation of financial assistance received during undergraduate studies and first year of graduate school; overall education-related debt; and ability/plans to pay for graduate school independently.

A statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (450 words or less) Applicants should demonstrate their understanding of the value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and explain how they have worked to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in their academic, professional or personal capacity.

Official financial aid award letter from the applicant’s last year of undergraduate studies if she/he received financial aid.  Applicants must submit a Financial Aid Letter listing grants or loans unless they did not receive aid.

FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) for the 2023-2024 academic year. If an applicant received financial aid during the most recent academic year, she/he is required to submit the SAR form.  If an applicant did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, she/he must complete the FAFSA to generate a SAR for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Proof of U.S. citizenship, which may include a copy of (choose one) a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization.


**Applicants are required to bring originals to the interview if selected as a finalist.

Transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended for credit.  Please upload university-generated transcripts.  An official transcript would be best; a student copy is acceptable if it is in the format of an official transcript (must list your name, institution name, and most recent/final GPA).  Transcripts are required from any school from which the applicant has received more than six credits.  

**If you are selected for an interview, you will have to bring an official transcript in a signed, sealed envelope, to the interview.

A copy of the GRE/GMAT scores report sent to the student (optional).

DATES AND DEADLINES

The 2024 Foreign Agricultural Service International Agricultural Fellowship Program application closes October 12, 2023.

The FAS International Agricultural Fellowship selection panel plans to choose finalists by mid-November.  Program staff will communicate decisions by email to both successful and unsuccessful applicants by the mid-November. Candidates selected for final consideration will be invited to interview and complete a written exercise virtually. The final round is scheduled for the week of December 4, with the interviews and small group exercise scheduled for December 7. The program will complete the selection process and make offers to two IAFP fellows within several days of the interview.