Master of Science in Foreign Service

Merit-based Aid

SCHOLARSHIPS

MSFS offers a limited number of scholarships each year to new and returning students. All scholarship recipients must return a signed "Obligation Statement" to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, indicating acceptance of the terms and conditions of their awards, and must be enrolled full-time (registered for 12 credits) each semester of the award.  Scholarships are applied only to tuition for MSFS credits; they can complement but not replace tuition assistance from other sources. Students receiving funds donated by alumni or outside supporters may be required to send a thank you note and resume to the donor.

MSFS ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Merit-based awards come mainly from Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' general scholarship funds or donations from alumni and outside supporters. The funds are used to recognize academic excellence and are not granted on the basis of financial need.

Entering Class

First year scholarships are distributed to those students viewed as "exceptional" based on the characteristics evaluated for admission.

• Similar support for the second year of study is not guaranteed.
• Typically, 10-15% of the entering class receives a merit scholarship, normally covering no more than one-half tuition.

Returning Students

All returning students seeking a scholarship must apply in May for support for the following year.  Award decisions are announced in July. 

• First-year scholarships do not affect scholarship decisions for returning students.
• All applicants must disclose any other expected awards of tuition assistance.

Award Criteria

Graduate School-funded scholarships for returning students are awarded based on grade point average (GPA) earned the first year of study.  The MSFS Scholarship Committee may use other criteria for MSFS scholarship funds .

• Students earning a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA may apply for scholarships.
• Students earning a 3.7 or higher cumulative GPA are priority recipients of scholarships.

Award Amounts

Scholarship awards to returning students depend on available funds, but scholarships for returning students is greater than the scholarships distributed to first year students. 

• Depending on available funds, scholarships vary between $4,000 and full tuition.
  
• Typically, more than 50% of returning MSFS students receive merit scholarships.

Joint Degree Students

Joint degree students entering their first year of MSFS will be considered for MSFS scholarships based on prior experience and academic performance.  In subsequent years, scholarships for joint degree students are based on GPA earned in MSFS courses and are applied only to tuition for MSFS courses.

EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The following special funds, established by contributions from alumni and other outside supporters, provide some of the tuition scholarships awarded to MSFS students.

Andrew S. Gundlach Fellowship: The Anna Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation endowed this Fellowship for Andrew S. Gundlach, MSFS '95, the grandson of the Kellens. The Fellowship is awarded to a second-year student with high academic and extracurricular achievements.

Kellen MSFS ScholarshipThe Kellen Foundation was established in 1984 to support cultural programs, education, religious institutions, the media, and international relations projects relating to Germany. This Fund provides MSFS scholarships for first or second year students selected by the MSFS Scholarship Committee.

Chiechi Scholarship: The Chiechi family established this scholarship in memory of their daughter, Lavinia Johanne Chiechi.  It is conferred upon a woman with high academic and extracurricular achievements entering the second year of MSFS .

Evelyn Nowik Scholarship: Dr. Henry Nowik, former Distinguished Research Professor, established this second-year scholarship in memory of his late wife, Evelyn Nowik.

Edward Weintal Bequest: The Edward Weintal Bequest to Georgetown University provides a full tuition scholarship for one MSFS student per class. The Fellow is chosen by the MSFS Admissions and Scholarship Committee. Criteria include "academic excellence and special promise as practitioners and writers in world affairs." Continuation of the Fellowship for the second year of studies is contingent on satisfactory academic progress. The recipient of this award works closely with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.

Foy Scholarship: Mr. James J. Foy, School of Foreign Service Class of 1925, established this scholarship for a second-year MSFS student.

The Luso American Foundation for Development (FLAD): FLAD provides Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service a full tuition scholarship for a lusophone graduate student entering one of its six graduate programs, including MSFS. Candidates interested in being considered for this award must first apply to and be accepted by one of the following SFS graduate programs: MS in Foreign Service; MA in Security Studies; MA in Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies; MA in Latin American Studies; MA in Arab Studies; MA in German and European Studies.

Raymund Fellowship: Established by Steven A. Raymund, MSFS '81, this fellowship supports first- or second-year MSFS students.

Scott Morse Scholarship: Scott Morse, MSFS '83, donated funds to support this partial tuition fellowship for one MSFS student per year.

Walton Fellowship: The Walton Family  donated this award for a second-year student displaying high academic achievement and commitment to a career in international service.

MSFS PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS

The Geiger Book Fund Scholarship: Dr. Theodore Geiger was a MSFS faculty member.  He promoted freedom and democracy in Europe during his service as Marshall Plan adviser . Alumni, who remember Dr. Geiger and his commitment to our Program, maintain this fund.

Howard K., Sr. and Dolores A. Ranftle Scholarship: H.K. Ranftle, Jr endowed this scholarship in 1991 to support a second-year MSFS student with significant financial need.

MSFS Alumni Scholarships: MSFS alumni rank the quality and diversity of their classmates as critical elements of their overall educational experience. Gifts from alumni provide funds to support first- and second-year students whose backgrounds and experiences provide important contributions to an MSFS class.

MSFS Service Scholarships: A personal and professional commitment to service underlines the MSFS Degree and has marked the achievements of many graduates. In line with Georgetown University's Jesuit tradition of service to others, MSFS is exploring establishing a fund to provide support for students with past and present service to disadvantaged populations and students pursuing international service careers.