Harold W. Rosenthal Fellowship in International Relations
Harold W. Rosenthal Fellowship in International Relations
The Rosenthal Fellowship is part of the Partnership’s Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program. Rosenthal Fellows will join Future Leaders interns for shared programming, including the program kickoff, closing and professional development opportunities. They will also participate in Rosenthal-specific development and cohort activities.
The Rosenthal Fellowship is only offered in the summer alongside the Future Leaders in Public Service summer cohort.
Rosenthal Fellowship Placements
- Apply directly to internship positions in federal, state or local government agencies, as well as in congressional offices. If you secure an internship independently, please consult with the Future Leaders team before accepting the position.
- Get matched to select opportunities in federal and state government, with assistance from the Future Leaders team.
Rosenthal Fellowship Funding
Accepted candidates whose universities are not Rosenthal program partners will receive a stipend directly through the Rosenthal Fellowship.
Summer 2026 Timeline
- September 29, 2025: Applications for the summer 2026 cohort open.
- December 5, 2025: Application closes.
- January 31, 2026: Applicants are notified of eligibility status. Finalists will receive instructions on next steps.
- February – mid-April, 2026: Virtual interviews conducted.
- February – May 2026: Background check process begins.
- May 2026: Virtual Orientation.
- May 26 – June 15, 2026: Internship Begins.
- July 31 – September 4, 2026: Internship Ends.
Fellowship end date is dependent on each student’s schedule and agreed upon with their supervisor.
Program Eligibility
- U.S. citizens at the time of application submission
- Currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution with one year remaining in an international relations or international affairs graduate program. Undergraduates are not eligible for this opportunity.
- Able to demonstrate superior academic achievement and have a GPA above 2.5.
Program Benefits
- A 10-12-week summer internship at a congressional or executive branch office if an internship placement is needed
- A stipend of $5,000 if funding is not secured from an outside source and the position is full time (a minimum of 32 hours/week)
- Professional development sessions, including orientation and networking events throughout the summer
FAQs – Harold W. Rosenthal Fellowship in International Relations
Who is eligible for the Rosenthal Fellowship?
U.S. citizens at the time of application submission who are currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution with one year remaining in an international relations or international affairs graduate program. Undergraduates are not eligible for this opportunity. Candidates must demonstrate superior academic achievement and have a GPA above 2.5.
How do I submit my reference letter?
Optional reference letters may be uploaded directly through the application portal or emailed to internships@ourpublicservice.org with the applicant’s name referenced in the subject line.
All reference letters must be emailed by Dec. 5, 2025, by 11:59 pm EST.
How much is the stipend?
The Rosenthal program stipend is $5,000. Fellows funded through their university may receive a different amount, as stipend levels vary by institution. Candidates may be funded either directly by the Rosenthal Fellowship or through their university.
If I apply to Future Leaders, am I also able to apply to the Rosenthal Fellowship concurrently?
Applicants may only apply to one of the Future Leaders program cohorts:
– Future Leaders Summer 2026
– Rosenthal Fellowship
If multiple applications are received from the same candidate, the Partnership will reach out to the candidate and ask that they select one cohort.
Are all fellowship opportunities based in the Washington, D.C., area?
In-person internship opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area, as well as other U.S. states, are available. In-person opportunities outside of Washington, D.C., will be announced once confirmed.
Can my fellowship be fully remote?
Fully remote internship options for Rosenthal Fellowships may be limited, as more government internship opportunities are now offered in person or hybrid only. Government agencies will ultimately decide if an internship opportunity can be offered on a fully remote basis.
Who are the participating agencies?
For fellows who want assistance matching with an agency, the Future Leaders team will share potential partners after candidates have been accepted into the program.
Past partner agencies include:
– Department of Defense
– Defense Security Cooperation Agency
– Department of Health and Human Services
– Department of the Treasury
– Office of the United States Trade Representative
– United States Trade and Development Agency
Can I choose my agency placement?
The Rosenthal Fellowship offers two concurrent pathways to placement following acceptance into the program:
Apply directly to internship positionsin federal, state or local government agencies, as well as in congressional offices. If you secure an internship independently, please consult with the Future Leaders team before accepting the position.
Get matched to select opportunitiesthrough the Future Leaders team, which will help connect accepted candidates with available state and federal placements.
Does the Rosenthal Fellowship provide housing?
The Partnership for Public Service does not provide housing for the Rosenthal Fellowship.
