Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows & Scholars Scholarship Program (2026)

Scholarship Description

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Public Service Fellows & Scholars Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative designed to support highly talented graduate students committed to careers in public service. The program offers two distinct pathways: the Public Service Fellows – Scholarship Program for students pursuing the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR), and the Public Service Scholars – Scholarship Program for experienced mid-career professionals pursuing the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP).

Johns Hopkins SAIS, located in Washington DC, is one of the world's leading schools of international relations and public policy. The school prepares students to address complex global challenges through rigorous academic training, practical experience, and engagement with policymakers and practitioners.

The Public Service Fellows Program provides a 100% tuition scholarship for the MAIR program, while the Public Service Scholars Program offers a 50% tuition scholarship for the MIPP program. Both programs include curated programming, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a community of public service leaders.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington DC, USA. The Washington DC campus places students at the heart of American and international policy-making, with access to government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations.

Scholarship Deadline

Applicants must apply simultaneously for admission to Johns Hopkins SAIS and the Public Service Scholarship program. Deadlines align with the standard SAIS admission deadlines for the fall intake.

Host Institution

Johns Hopkins University – School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), located in Washington DC. Johns Hopkins is America's first research university (founded in 1876) and SAIS is consistently ranked among the world's top schools for international relations and public policy.

Level and Fields of Study

Public Service Fellows – Scholarship Program:

• Level: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) – full-time
• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
• Scholarship: 100% tuition scholarship, renewable for the second year (subject to GPA 3.4+)

Public Service Scholars – Scholarship Program:

• Level: Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) – full-time or part-time (minimum 2 courses/semester)
• Duration: Program duration varies; scholarship applicable for the duration of the MIPP program
• Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition scholarship
• Note: Only open to Fall applicants

Fields of study: International relations, public policy, diplomacy, international development, human rights, national security, environmental policy, gender policy, social justice, and related fields.

Target Group

Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply. The program values diversity of experiences and welcomes applications from students of various socioeconomic backgrounds, first-generation students, all genders, and members of minority groups historically underrepresented in public service.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Public Service Fellows (MAIR):

• Amount: 100% tuition scholarship
• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), renewable for the second year if GPA 3.4+ is maintained
• Additional: Curated programming, lectures, seminars, mentorship, networking opportunities

Public Service Scholars (MIPP):

• Amount: Up to 50% tuition scholarship
• Duration: Applicable for the duration of the MIPP program
• Additional: Curated and exclusive programming, guest speakers, alumni engagement

Both programs include:

• Curated programming featuring policy leaders and public service practitioners
• Guidance from the Office of Global Careers on public service career paths
• Social and volunteer activities to build community among cohort members
• Opportunities to engage with guest speakers and alumni leading change in their sectors

Scholarship Eligibility

Public Service Fellows (MAIR) eligibility:

• Citizens of all countries are eligible.
• Must be admitted to the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program on the Washington DC campus.
• Proven leadership, academic aptitude, and dedication to public service through demonstrated experience and/or prior academic coursework.
• Special consideration for applicants who demonstrate financial need.
• Must maintain full-time student status and cumulative GPA of 3.4+ to renew the scholarship.
• Scholarship awards cannot be deferred and cannot be used for academic exchange or dual degree programs.

Public Service Scholars (MIPP) eligibility:

• Citizens of all countries are eligible.
• Must be admitted to the Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) program on the Washington DC campus in the fall semester.
• Open to full-time and part-time students (part-time must take at least two courses per semester).
• Proven leadership, academic aptitude, and dedication to public service through demonstrated professional experience.
• Special consideration for applicants who demonstrate financial need.
• Must maintain cumulative GPA of 3.4+ to retain the scholarship.
• Scholarship awards cannot be deferred.

Application Procedure

For both Fellows (MAIR) and Scholars (MIPP):

1. Apply for admission – Submit your application to the MAIR or MIPP program at Johns Hopkins SAIS (Washington DC campus) through the official SAIS application portal.
2. Indicate scholarship interest – On the application form, mark "Yes" indicating interest in being considered for institutional aid.
3. Select Public Service Award – Also mark "Yes" indicating interest in being considered for a "Public Service Award."
4. Complete required additional forms – You will be prompted to complete and submit:
   • Application for Financial Assistance – Submit the financial aid application form.
   • Scholarship essay – Write a compelling essay demonstrating your commitment to public service, leadership, and academic aptitude.
5. Submit FAFSA (US citizens and Permanent Residents only) – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov using Johns Hopkins SAIS school code: E00474.
6. Application review – The SAIS admissions and scholarship committees review applications holistically, considering academic achievement, leadership, public service commitment, and financial need.
7. Scholarship decision – Successful applicants receive a scholarship offer alongside their admission decision.
8. Acceptance and enrolment – Accept your admission and scholarship offer. Fellows and Scholars participate in curated programming and activities throughout their studies.

Important notes for Fellows (MAIR):

• Scholarship is renewable for the second year if full-time status and GPA 3.4+ are maintained.
• Must participate in at least one admissions recruitment activity per semester.
• Must complete program surveys each semester and an Employment Outcomes Survey prior to graduating.
• Scholarship awards do not extend beyond four semesters. Awards may not be deferred or transferred to another campus, or used for academic exchange or dual degree programs.

Important notes for Scholars (MIPP):

• Must begin the MIPP program in the fall semester.
• Part-time students must take at least two courses per semester.
• Must maintain GPA 3.4+ to retain the scholarship.
• Must participate in at least one admissions recruitment activity per semester or serve as a mentor to a Public Service Fellow.
• Must complete program surveys and an Employment Outcomes Survey prior to graduating.

Official Website & Application Links

Johns Hopkins SAIS – Public Service Scholarships Official Page

MAIR Application Portal: Available via the Johns Hopkins SAIS website admissions section.

MIPP Application Portal: Available via the Johns Hopkins SAIS website admissions section.

FAFSA School Code: E00474 (for US citizens and Permanent Residents)