The U.S. Department of the Treasury is recruiting candidates for its International Affairs Junior Fellowship 2027–2029, a highly selective, fixed two-year program designed for new college graduates interested in international economic policy, finance, public policy, international relations, and related fields.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to work within Treasury’s Office of International Affairs (IA) and contribute to issues that shape U.S. international economic policy. Junior Fellows can gain exposure to international financial and economic developments, policy analysis, government decision-making, and bilateral and multilateral engagement involving major international institutions and forums.

Unlike a conventional entry-level position focused on a single function, the Junior Fellowship is structured to provide fellows with exposure to multiple policy issues and opportunities to develop practical analytical, policy, and professional skills. Fellows may contribute to policy proposals, analytical studies, international economic and financial analysis, and preparations for high-level meetings involving organizations and forums such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, G7, and G20.

The program is particularly relevant for recent undergraduate graduates who want to build careers in government, international economic policy, public policy, international relations, finance, or related areas.

Application deadline: October 31, 2026

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About the U.S. Treasury International Affairs Junior Fellowship

The International Affairs Junior Fellowship is a highly selective, two-year program within the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of International Affairs.

The program is designed specifically for new college graduates and offers fellows the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the development and implementation of international economic policy for the United States.

During the two-year appointment, Junior Fellows can expect to work on a variety of assignments and policy questions rather than being limited to one narrow area of responsibility. This can include examining international economic and financial developments, developing policy proposals, conducting analytical research, and supporting senior Treasury officials in international engagements.

The program can therefore serve as a strong early-career pathway for graduates who want to understand how international economic policy is developed within the U.S. government.

According to the program description, previous fellows have gone on to pursue diverse career and academic paths, including:

• Employment with the U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Other positions within the U.S. government
• Careers in the private sector
• Graduate education
• Law
• Public policy
• International relations
• Finance and business

This makes the fellowship potentially valuable not only as a two-year professional experience but also as a foundation for longer-term careers in international affairs and economic policy.

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What Do International Affairs Junior Fellows Do?

Junior Fellows are exposed to multiple policy issues and are given opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and professional capabilities through practical work.

Their responsibilities typically include several areas of policy and analytical work.

1. Developing Policy Proposals

Fellows may contribute to the development of policy proposals relating to international economic and financial issues.

This can involve understanding a policy problem, reviewing relevant information and developments, analyzing potential approaches, and contributing to recommendations or proposals for consideration by Treasury officials.

For graduates interested in public policy, this provides exposure to how policy ideas are developed in a major U.S. government department.

2. Analyzing International Economic and Financial Developments

Another important component of the fellowship is monitoring and analyzing international economic and financial developments.

This may require fellows to follow developments affecting international economies and financial systems and assess their implications for U.S. economic policy and international engagement.

Such experience can be particularly relevant for individuals interested in:

• International economics
• Global finance
• Macroeconomic policy
• Financial policy
• International development
• Global economic relations
• Public policy

3. Conducting Analytical Studies

Junior Fellows may also conduct analytical studies as part of their responsibilities.

This gives participants an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world policy questions and develop skills in research, analysis, evidence assessment, and policy-oriented writing.

4. Supporting Bilateral and Multilateral Meetings

Fellows can support bilateral and multilateral meetings involving senior Treasury officials.

The program specifically highlights engagements involving major international institutions and forums, including:

• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• World Bank
• G7
• G20

Junior Fellows often participate in these meetings and may have opportunities to travel abroad.

This component can provide valuable exposure to international economic diplomacy and the practical processes involved in high-level government engagement.

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Where Are Junior Fellows Placed?

Junior Fellows are placed in either a regional office or a functional office within Treasury’s Office of International Affairs.

The two types of offices provide exposure to different aspects of international economic policy.

Regional Offices

Regional offices oversee Treasury’s engagement with counterpart finance ministries and treasuries around the world.

Working in a regional office can therefore provide exposure to U.S. economic relationships with specific countries or regions and the policy issues associated with those relationships.

Depending on their assignment, fellows may gain experience understanding:

• International economic relationships
• Government-to-government engagement
• Economic policy developments in other countries
• Regional economic issues
• Engagement with foreign finance ministries and treasuries
• Bilateral policy discussions

Functional Offices

Functional offices focus on engagement with international financial institutions and broader Treasury policy issues.

The program identifies areas including:

• International financial institutions
• International trade
• Export credits
• Foreign exchange

Functional assignments can therefore provide fellows with exposure to policy questions that extend across individual countries or regions.

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A Unique Opportunity to Work in International Economic Policy

For graduates interested in international affairs, the fellowship provides an opportunity to move beyond classroom learning and gain practical experience in U.S. international economic policy.

The program sits at the intersection of several disciplines, including:

• Economics
• Finance
• International relations
• Public policy
• International economic policy
• Government
• Global financial affairs

This multidisciplinary nature means that candidates do not necessarily need to pursue a narrowly defined career path within economics. Applicants with relevant academic preparation and interests in related policy fields may also be well positioned for the program.

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International Exposure and Potential Travel

One of the distinctive aspects of the Junior Fellowship is the opportunity to engage with international issues and, potentially, international meetings.

The program states that Junior Fellows may participate in meetings involving international institutions and major multilateral forums and may have opportunities to travel abroad.

However, international travel should not be understood as an automatic component of every fellow’s experience. The opportunity will depend on the fellow’s office, duties, assignments, and program requirements.

The international exposure can nevertheless be particularly valuable for graduates seeking careers in:

• International organizations
• Government
• Diplomacy
• International development
• Global finance
• Economic policy
• International relations

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Who Should Consider Applying?

The program is particularly suited to recent college graduates who are interested in understanding and contributing to international economic policy.

Strong candidates may have academic backgrounds or relevant coursework in:

• Economics
• Public policy
• Finance
• International relations
• Related fields

The Treasury specifically notes that strong candidates will have recently received, or will soon receive, a bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework in these areas.

The program also states that, because of its structure, preference is given to undergraduates.

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International Affairs Junior Fellowship Eligibility and Qualifications

The formal qualifications are particularly important for applicants to understand before preparing an application.

Candidates should meet the following key requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree

Candidates should have recently received, or be close to receiving, a bachelor’s degree.

Relevant coursework may include:

• Economics
• Public policy
• Finance
• International relations
• Related disciplines

Preference for Undergraduates

The program explicitly states that preference is given to undergraduates because of the structure of the Junior Fellowship.

This means candidates should carefully consider how their educational stage aligns with the program before applying.

Relevant Experience

Applicants must also demonstrate 52 weeks, or 2,080 hours, of relevant paid or unpaid experience.

Importantly, this experience does not have to come exclusively from conventional employment.

The application instructions specifically allow relevant experience to include:

• Paid employment
• Unpaid work
• Volunteer experience
• Extracurricular activities
• Work-study experience
• Other professional or extracurricular activities relevant to the duties described by the program

This makes it important for applicants to review their entire background rather than considering only formal full-time jobs.

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How to Document the Required 52 Weeks of Experience

One of the most important aspects of the application is demonstrating the required 52 weeks (2,080 hours) of relevant experience.

Applicants are instructed to provide sufficient detail in their resumes to demonstrate this experience.

The resume should explain the duties performed in each relevant professional or extracurricular activity.

Candidates should include:

• The position or activity
• The organization or setting
• The period during which the activity took place
• The number of hours per week
• The duties performed
• How the duties relate to the fellowship

For example, the application guidance gives the format of specifying dates and weekly hours, such as:

June 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025, 30 hours per week

Applicants should therefore avoid simply listing an organization and job title without describing what they actually did.

The purpose is to make it possible for reviewers to determine whether the applicant has the relevant experience required by the program.

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Resume Requirements

The Treasury provides specific instructions regarding the resume.

Maximum Length: Two Pages

The resume should not exceed two pages.

This is particularly important because candidates need to demonstrate the required 52 weeks of experience while remaining within the two-page limit.

Applicants should therefore prioritize:

• Relevant responsibilities
• Analytical experience
• Policy-related activities
• Research
• International affairs exposure
• Economics or finance-related experience
• Public policy experience
• Government or nonprofit experience
• Relevant volunteer activities
• Relevant extracurricular activities

Rather than merely listing responsibilities, candidates should explain the work they performed and demonstrate its relevance to the Junior Fellowship.

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Application Documents Required

Candidates must submit several materials by email.

The application package should include:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. One recommendation letter
4. Transcript(s) demonstrating academic qualifications and career potential

These documents should be sent to:

IAFellows@treasury.gov

The application deadline is October 31, 2026.

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Additional Information Required in the Application Email

In addition to submitting the required documents, candidates must provide specific information in their application email.

Applicants must:

1. Indicate Their Desired Start Date

Candidates should state when they would ideally like to begin the fellowship.

2. Confirm U.S. Citizenship

Candidates must confirm that they hold U.S. citizenship and must be able to provide documentation proving their citizenship.

3. Note Veterans’ Preference

Candidates should indicate whether they are eligible for veterans’ preference, if applicable.

4. Demonstrate the Required Experience

The submitted resume must demonstrate the required 52 weeks (2,080 hours) of relevant paid or unpaid work, volunteer, or extracurricular experience.

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What Happens After You Apply?

The selection process does not end with submission of the initial application.

Candidates who pass the first round of screening will be asked to respond to two short essay questions.

This means applicants should be prepared to demonstrate not only their academic and professional qualifications but also their ability to communicate clearly about their interests, experiences, and suitability for the fellowship.

The application materials are expected to be evaluated in December 2026.

Selected Fellows are expected to begin in summer 2027, although an alternative start time may be mutually agreed upon.

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International Affairs Junior Fellowship Timeline

The key timeline for the 2027–2029 recruitment cycle is:

Candidates should not wait until the final day to assemble their materials because the application requires multiple documents, including a recommendation letter and transcript(s).

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National Security Clearance Requirement

An important condition of the fellowship is that candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a national security clearance.

This requirement should be taken seriously by applicants.

A candidate may meet the educational and experience requirements but still need to satisfy the applicable security-clearance requirements to participate in the program.

Applicants should therefore understand that selection for the fellowship is not necessarily the only consideration in determining eligibility to serve in the position.

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Salary and Employment Benefits

Junior Fellows are usually hired at the GS-9 level and receive standard Treasury benefits.

This makes the program distinct from unpaid academic fellowships or many short-term graduate programs.

The fellowship combines:

• A two-year professional appointment
• Work within the U.S. Department of the Treasury
• International economic policy exposure
• Potential international travel
• Professional development
• Standard Treasury benefits
• Experience working with senior officials and international counterparts

For recent graduates, this combination can provide substantial exposure to public-sector economic policymaking.

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Career Opportunities After the Fellowship

The fellowship can provide a strong foundation for a range of future career paths.

According to the Treasury’s description, former fellows have pursued opportunities including employment at Treasury, other U.S. government positions, private-sector careers, and graduate education.

Potential longer-term directions include:

• U.S. government careers
• International economic policy
• Public policy
• International relations
• Finance
• Business
• Law
• Graduate study
• International affairs
• Economic analysis

The fellowship can therefore be viewed as an early-career platform for graduates who want to build expertise in international economic and financial policy.

Apply here

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Information Sessions for Prospective Applicants

The Junior Fellows recruiting committee plans to host three information sessions before the application deadline.

These sessions are intended to help prospective applicants better understand the program and hear directly from current fellows.

The sessions will be led by current Junior Fellows from different International Affairs offices.

Participants will have an opportunity to:

• Ask questions about the Junior Fellowship
• Hear about current fellows’ experiences
• Learn more about working in Treasury International Affairs
• Gain insight into the fellowship from people currently participating in the program

The Treasury states that date and registration information for these sessions will be available on the relevant page in late summer 2026.

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Why the Information Sessions Could Be Valuable

Prospective applicants should consider attending the information sessions if possible.

Because the Junior Fellowship is highly selective, understanding the program from current fellows can help candidates gain a clearer picture of:

• The nature of the work
• Different International Affairs offices
• The experience of working at Treasury
• Potential responsibilities
• The transition from college to government policy work
• The expectations associated with the fellowship

Candidates can also use the opportunity to ask questions before submitting their applications.

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How to Prepare a Strong Application

Although the Treasury sets out the formal application requirements, applicants can strengthen their preparation by making sure every document clearly demonstrates relevance to the fellowship.

1. Tailor Your Resume to International Affairs

A generic graduate resume may not effectively communicate your suitability.

Focus on experiences involving:

• Economic analysis
• Research
• Policy
• Finance
• International affairs
• Government
• Public-sector work
• Data analysis
• Writing
• International organizations
• Development
• Volunteer activities
• Relevant extracurricular activities

2. Clearly Demonstrate the 2,080-Hour Requirement

Do not make the reviewer calculate your experience themselves.

Where appropriate, clearly state:

• Start and end dates
• Hours per week
• Position/activity
• Responsibilities

This is especially important for candidates whose experience is spread across internships, volunteering, extracurricular activities, part-time employment, or work-study.

3. Keep the Resume Within Two Pages

The two-page requirement means candidates need to be selective.

Prioritize experiences that demonstrate capabilities relevant to the responsibilities of an International Affairs Junior Fellow.

4. Make the Cover Letter Specific

The cover letter should explain why the applicant is interested in:

• International economic policy
• The U.S. Department of the Treasury
• International Affairs
• The Junior Fellowship
• The specific skills and experiences they bring

A generic statement about wanting a government job is unlikely to communicate the same level of fit as a carefully targeted application.

5. Prepare for the Essay Stage

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be asked to answer two short essay questions.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to discuss their:

• Academic background
• Professional experience
• Policy interests
• Analytical skills
• International interests
• Motivation for joining Treasury
• Career goals

For more details please visit here

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What Makes This Fellowship Different?

Several features distinguish the International Affairs Junior Fellowship from a typical graduate recruitment opportunity.

Two-Year Structure

The fellowship is a fixed two-year program, providing more time for fellows to develop substantive professional expertise than a short internship.

International Economic Policy Focus

The program is specifically focused on international economic policy, making it highly relevant to graduates interested in global economic affairs.

Exposure to Major International Institutions

Fellows may support meetings involving organizations and forums such as the IMF, World Bank, G7, and G20.

Regional and Functional Career Exposure

Fellows can be placed in either regional or functional offices, exposing them to different dimensions of international policy.

Potential International Travel

Junior Fellows may have opportunities to participate in meetings and travel abroad depending on their assignments.

Government Experience

The program provides direct experience within the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Potential Long-Term Career Pathways

Former fellows have gone on to careers in Treasury, elsewhere in the U.S. government, the private sector, and graduate education.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Affairs Junior Fellowship?

It is a highly selective, fixed two-year program within the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of International Affairs for new college graduates interested in international economic policy.

How long is the Junior Fellowship?

The program lasts two years, with the current recruitment cycle covering 2027–2029.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 31, 2026.

When will the selected Fellows begin?

Fellows are expected to begin in summer 2027, although an alternative start time may be mutually agreed upon.

What degree is required?

Strong candidates will have recently received, or will soon receive, a bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework.

What subjects are relevant?

The Treasury identifies economics, public policy, finance, international relations, and related fields.

Is preference given to undergraduate students?

Yes. The program specifically states that preference is given to undergraduates due to the structure of the program.

Is previous work experience required?

Candidates must demonstrate 52 weeks (2,080 hours) of relevant paid or unpaid work, volunteer, or extracurricular experience.

Can volunteer or extracurricular experience count?

Yes. The application instructions specifically allow relevant paid or unpaid work, volunteer, and extracurricular experience.

How long can the resume be?

The resume should not exceed two pages.

Is U.S. citizenship required?

Yes. Candidates must confirm that they hold U.S. citizenship and must be able to provide documentation.

Is a security clearance required?

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a national security clearance.

Are Fellows paid?

Junior Fellows are usually hired at the GS-9 level and receive standard Treasury benefits.

Can Fellows travel internationally?

Junior Fellows may have opportunities to travel abroad, depending on their work and assignments.

Will there be interviews or additional selection steps?

Candidates who pass the first screening stage will be asked to respond to two short essay questions.

When are applications evaluated?

The applications are expected to be evaluated in December 2026.

Where should applications be submitted?

Applications should be emailed to IAFellows@treasury.gov.

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Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should ensure they have:

• A cover letter
• A resume of no more than two pages
• One recommendation letter
• Transcript(s)
• Evidence of the required 52 weeks/2,080 hours of relevant experience
• Desired start date included in the email
• Confirmation of U.S. citizenship
• Veterans’ preference information, if applicable
• Detailed descriptions of relevant duties and activities
• Dates and weekly hours for relevant experiences
• Prepared for the possibility of two short essay questions
• Considered their ability to obtain and maintain a national security clearance

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Important Deadline

The deadline to apply for the U.S. Treasury International Affairs Junior Fellowship 2027–2029 is:

October 31, 2026

Applicants should prepare their recommendation letter, transcripts, resume, and cover letter well before the deadline. The requirement to document 52 weeks or 2,080 hours of relevant experience also means candidates should carefully review their past work, volunteer, and extracurricular activities before submitting their application.

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Conclusion

The U.S. Department of the Treasury International Affairs Junior Fellowship 2027–2029 offers recent college graduates an opportunity to begin a career in international economic policy through a structured, two-year professional program.

The fellowship combines analytical work, policy development, international economic research, and exposure to bilateral and multilateral engagements. Junior Fellows may work in regional or functional offices and can gain experience with issues involving international financial institutions, trade, export credits, foreign exchange, and international economic relationships.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for graduates with backgrounds in economics, public policy, finance, international relations, or related fields who want to develop careers in government, international affairs, public policy, finance, or global economic policy.

With placements within the U.S. Treasury’s Office of International Affairs, potential exposure to institutions such as the IMF and World Bank and forums such as the G7 and G20, and the possibility of international travel, the program can provide substantial early-career exposure to international policymaking.

Candidates should pay close attention to the specific application requirements, particularly the two-page resume limit, 52-week/2,080-hour experience requirement, U.S. citizenship requirement, recommendation letter, transcripts, and national security clearance requirement.

For eligible applicants, this is an opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience at one of the United States’ key economic policy institutions while building a foundation for future careers in government, international relations, finance, public policy, or further graduate study.

For more global fellowship opportunities please visit here