Eligibility Requirements for the Clarke DS Fellowship

The Clarke DS Fellowship, designed as a two-year cohort model, offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships.

To be eligible to apply for the 2027 cohort, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be at least 19 years old and no older than 32 years old when you apply (except for preference-eligible veterans).
  • Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program, or planning to enroll in a full-time master’s degree program, at a U.S.-based accredited institution in a discipline relevant to Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) skills.  DSS Special Agents use a variety of skill sets to protect diplomacy. You’ll be asked on the application how your explain how your field of study supports the needs of DSS.
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in spring 2029 after completing four full-time semesters as a Clarke DS Fellow starting in fall 2027.  (If you are in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree program, please email clarkedsfellowship@twc.edu to see if you are eligible).
  • Hold a minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have valid U.S. driver’s license at the time of the finalists selection.

As a Clarke DS Fellow, you must:

  • Take the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) as a baseline (Clarke DS Fellows and alternates will be required to take the PRT).
  • Receive and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Maintain eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
  • Meet a minimum medical qualification standard, including supplemental physical qualification standards specific to Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents.
  • Pass a Suitability Review.
  • Fulfill the two summer practicum obligations (the first one in the summer after selection, the second one in the summer after your first year of graduate school).
  • Maintain your status as a full-time student (fall and spring semesters) in your approved degree program.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA and stay on the two-year timeline to graduate with your degree.
  • Pass a pre-employment Physical Readiness Test (PRT) prior to graduation.
  • Pass the Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (FSSA) prior to graduation.
  • Agree to a three-year commitment and be prepared to enter the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.
  • Pass the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) by the end of your three-year commitment as a DSS Special Agent.

Once appointed as a DSS Special Agent, you will be required to successfully undergo and pass a rigorous training program, including:

  • Criminal investigative training and certification.
  • Firearm training and qualification.
  • Physical readiness standards and tests.
  • Specialized driving tactics and defensive techniques.
  • Specialized training in the protection of dignitaries, diplomatic facilities and sensitive information.