Fellowship
RFG provides fellowships, including tuition subsidies, for U.S.-based international affairs graduate students
RFG has a proud legacy of supporting graduate students through fellowships at leading schools of global policy and international affairs. Partner institutions distribute fellowship funds directly to students, covering tuition and related expenses while also promoting the Robertson Foundation for Government and its mission. Selection is led by the partner schools, with RFG participating as a collaborative voice in the process.
Robertson Fellows will be future leaders—globally engaged public servants dedicated to advancing diplomacy, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting peace and freedom around the world.
Meet our 2025 – 2026 Fellows
The RFG Fellows are among the most promising students from some of America's leading schools of public service, policy and administration.
Fellowship Benefits
RFG Fellows share in a collegial cohort experience and participate in professional development programming during their master’s degree studies and beyond.
The fellowship significantly impacts career trajectories and expands circles of influence through academic support for full-time, in person graduate degrees and career-long professional development and networking opportunities.
By supporting academic fellowships and professional advancement, RFG enables fellows to emerge from graduate school with lower to no financial burden so that they may pursue public service careers with complete dedication. Fellows also gain life-long access to the RFG alumni network.
Commitment
Recipients of the fellowship commit to serving with a government entity (local, state, federal, international) or nonprofit organization for a minimum of three years within the first seven years after completion of their graduate degree.
Application & Eligibility
The RFG Fellowship program funds U.S. citizens for master’s degrees in international relations, policy, and related fields at designated universities in the U.S. Individuals interested in the RFG Fellowship must apply to one or more of RFG’s partner schools. Each school has its own application process and admission requirements for general acceptance. When applying, potential candidates should indicate in their application that they would like to be considered for the Robertson Foundation for Government Fellowship. During the admissions review process, a potential candidate will be evaluated for receiving the RFG Fellowship.
RFG’s current partner universities and their on-campus contacts are:
Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Cory J. Meyers, Director of Enrollment Management
Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government & Public Service
Matthew Upton, Assistant Dean, Graduate Career & Student Services
University of California, San Diego, School of Global Policy and Strategy
Sonja Steinbrech, Director of Degree Program Enrollment
University of Maryland, School of Public Policy
Bryan Kempton, Director, Career Services & Alumni Relations
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