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Public Service Scholarships

Do you want to make the world a better place? Are you committed to pursuing a career shaping public policy, working in the non-profit sector, or encouraging the private sector to engage responsibly on issues that matter deeply to you?

If you consider yourself a change maker, the Public Service Fellows & Scholars may be for you. We are looking for individuals who have diverse experiences and backgrounds, and who are culturally aware, adaptable, well-rounded, and strategic problem solvers. Whether your passions lies in diplomacy, human rights advocacy, national security, international development, or addressing vital global concerns such as climate change, refugee issues, gender diversity, or social justice, we encourage you to consider this program.

PSFS Grad Students with Dean Steinberg, 2024

SAIS Dean Steinberg with the graduates of the 2024 PSFS Cohort at the Graduate Reception

Public Service Fellows – Scholarship Program

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows – Scholarship Program is for highly talented graduate students pursuing the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) who aspire to a career in public service.  We value diversity of experiences so we welcome applications from all students, particularly those from various socioeconomic backgrounds, first-generation students, all genders, and members of minority groups historically underrepresented in service. Fellows receive a generous, 100% tuition scholarship to study at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington DC so that they may develop a strategic skill set that will enable them to find creative approaches to tackling today’s public policy challenges. 
 
The program will promote dialogue and understanding of public service through research, education, and curated engagement with faculty and other leaders in the public service community.

  • Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply

  • Candidates must be admitted to the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program on the Washington DC campus

  • Applicants should have proven leadership, academic aptitude, and dedication to public service through demonstrated experience and/or prior academic course work

  • Special consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need

  • Scholarship awards cannot be deferred and cannot be used for academic exchange or dual degree programs.

  • A 100% tuition scholarship in the first year renewable for the second year if recipients maintain full-time student status and a cumulative GPA of 3.4 (Scholarship awards do not extend beyond four semesters. Further, awards may not be deferred or transferred to another campus, or used for academic exchange or dual degree programs.) 

  • Curated programming that includes lecutures, seminars, and other events featuring policy leaders and practitioners of public service

  • Opportunity to engage with guest speakers and alumni who are leading change in their public sector spaces

  • Guidance from the Office of Global Careers on the myriad opportunities available to help you develop the skills and experience required for a successful career in public service
     
  • Participation in social and volunteer activities that foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the cohort
  • Must be a full-time student in the Master of Arts in International Relations program at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington DC

  • Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher

  • Must participate in at least one admissions recruitment activity per semester (such as meeting with prospective applicants or serving on a student recruitment panel)

  • Must complete and submit a brief program survey at the end of every semester and a final comprehensive survey in the last semester

  • Must complete and submit the Office of Global Careers’ Employment Outcomes Survey prior to graduating

Applicants must apply simultaneously for the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) and the Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows – Scholarship Program as follows: 

  1. Applicants must mark “Yes” on the MAIR application form indicating interest in being considered for institutional aid
  2. Applicants must also mark “Yes” indicating interest in being considered for a “Public Service Award”
  3. Applicants will be prompted to complete and submit:
a) Application for Financial assistance
b) Scholarship essay
  1. US Citizens and Permanent Residents must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
  2. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (enter Johns Hopkins SAIS school code: E00474)
PSFS Meet and Greet

Public Service Fellows and Scholars with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) following his speech at SAIS

Public Service Scholars – Scholarship Program

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Scholars – Scholarship Program is for experienced mid-career professionals pursuing the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) who have worked in public service, (broadly defined), and intend to return to public service after earning their degree. We value diversity of experiences so we welcome applications from all students, particularly those from various socioeconomic backgrounds, first-generation students, all genders, and members of minority groups historically underrepresented in public service. Scholars receive a generous 50% tuition scholarship to study at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington DC so that they may develop a strategic skill set that will enable them to find creative approaches to tackling today’s public policy challenges.

The program will promote dialogue and understanding of public service through research, education, and curated engagement with faculty and other leaders in the public service community.

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Scholars – Scholarship Program is only open to Fall applicants.

  • Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply

  • Candidates must be admitted to the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) program on the Washington DC campus in the fall semester; both full and part-time students (taking at least two courses per semester) are eligible to apply

  • Proven leadership, academic aptitude, and dedication to public service through demonstrated professional experience

  • Special consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need

  • Scholarship awards cannot be deferred

  • Up to a 50% tuition scholarship (scholarship awards cannot be deferred or transferred to another campus, nor can they be used for academic exchange programs)

  • Curated and exclusive programming that includes lectures, seminars and other events featuring policy leaders and practitioners of public service

  • Opportunity to engage with guest speakers and alumni who are leading change in their public sector spaces

  • Guidance from the Office of Global Careers on the myriad opportunities available to help you develop the skills and experience required to advance your career in public service
     
  • Participation in social and volunteer activities that foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the cohort
  • Must begin the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) program in the fall semester

  • May pursue the program full or part time (part-time must take at least two classes per semester)

  • Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher

  • Must participate in at least one admissions recruitment activity per semester (such as meeting with prospective applicants or serving on a student panel) or serve as a mentor to a Public Service Fellow

  • Must complete and submit brief program surveys once per semester and a final comprehensive survey in the last semester

  • Must complete and submit Global Careers’ Employment Outcomes Survey prior to graduating

Applicants must apply simultaneously for the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) for the fall semester and the Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Scholars – Scholarship Program as follows: 

  1. Applicants must mark “Yes” on the MIPP application form indicating interest in being considered for institutional aid
  2. Applicants must also mark “Yes” indicating interest in being considered for a “Public Service Award”
  3. Applicants will be prompted to complete and submit:
a) Application for Financial assistance
b) Scholarship essay
  1. US Citizens and Permanent Residents must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (enter Johns Hopkins SAIS school code: E00474)

SAIS Was the Perfect Fit


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Information Sessions

Join us for information sessions hosted by our Admissions representatives and current students. Our team will be providing insight on program offerings, the student experience, and financial aid and career opportunities.

The link to attend will be provided upon registration for each session.

Public Service Information Sessions