Applicants must be U.S. citizens to be considered for the program. Professional foreign language capabilities may be required for some fellowships. Ability to receive a national security clearance. Successful applications must meet all technical criteria for the DFP and be submitted in a complete manner.
Application demonstrates appropriate language and cross-cultural skills.
Applicant has appropriate academic and professional background and experience. Initial stipends are intended to be wage-neutral to the fellow, providing neither financial gain nor loss from previous wages. Individual stipends are based primarily on the fellow s documented salary history, education and experience, and are awarded within a fixed range for each fellowship level. The minimum stipend for each level takes into account the situation of fellows who were full-time students and thus have little or no relevant salary history, and often reflects a significant increase. Democracy Fellowships are not considered US Government employment and fellows do not receive civil service or foreign service employment or retirement benefits.