Pursuing an international post-graduate opportunity is one of the most impactful ways to gain professional experience, expand your global network, and develop a deep understanding of different cultures and fields of work.
Not to mention, living abroad in your twenties is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences one can have… few things catalyze personal growth as much as getting to know yourself outside of the environment that has defined you, having experiences that truly are once-in-a-lifetime, and coming of age in a foreign place that challenges you.
In this blog post, I break down some of the best international post-graduate opportunities available, detailing what each program offers and how you can apply. Whether you want to conduct research, work in international development, gain experience in diplomacy, or immerse yourself in a new language, there are fellowships, scholarships, and young professional programs designed to support you.
Many of these are fully funded, meaning that if you’re willing to put in the effort to apply, you could find yourself launching your career in a new country without any financial burden.
10 International Post-Grad Opportunities
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Princeton in Asia, Africa, or Latin America
- The Boren Scholarship
- The Critical Language Scholarship
- OECD Young Associates Program
- United Nations Junior Professional Officer Programme
- African Development Bank Young Professionals Program
- NATO Young Professionals Programme
- Schwartzmann Scholarship
- Fellowships for Post-Grad Study in the UK
Fulbright Student Program
The Fulbright Program is an international academic exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. With a mission of fostering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, the program funds Americans to spend one year abroad while also supporting foreign students coming to the U.S. I, for example, am spending my Fulbright year in Brazil, but I have friends in countries ranging from France to Uzbekistan to Mongolia.
There are many different types of Fulbright grants—some are specifically for teachers, others for mid-career professionals, and others for PhD researchers. However, the one I will focus on here is the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which funds students and young professionals to spend a year researching, studying, or teaching English in a foreign country.
I personally hold a Fulbright Study/Research Grant, which means I am spending my year in Brazil conducting an independent research project, assisting with an ongoing study by a local research collective, and taking classes at a Brazilian university. Meanwhile, my friends who received English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards spend their time teaching English at various levels—some work with young children, while others teach adults.
In my opinion, Fulbright is one of the best possible opportunities for young people seeking international experience because you get to design your own experience. I chose the country and city I am living in, selected the university I am affiliated with, and determined the focus of my project and how to carry it out. You would be hard-pressed to find another opportunity as flexible and self-directed as the Fulbright.
Particularly for young professionals with future academic or career aspirations, this year serves as an incredible launchpad. It allows you to gain work experience abroad, become fluent in a new language, and truly set yourself apart on future applications—because, depending on your project, you may be doing something that no one else has done.The application for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program opens every spring and closes in October. Deadlines for other Fulbright grants vary, so be sure to check the official Fulbright website for details.
Princeton in Africa, Asia, or Latin America
These programs, funded by Princeton University, match participants with organizations across Africa, Asia, or Latin America. One of the most exciting aspects of these fellowships is the diversity of placements—you could work in finance in a major city, contribute to humanitarian efforts in a remote town, or focus on public health in a hospital.
When I was awarded Princeton in Africa (PiAf) in 2023, I had to choose between working with the International Rescue Committee in Kenya, a venture capital firm in Ghana, or a human rights organization in South Africa. Similarly, one of my pre-med friends had options for public health projects in Zimbabwe or Botswana.
Each of these programs—Princeton in Africa (PiAf), Princeton in Asia (PiA), and Princeton in Latin America (PiLA)—is distinct, and you must apply to them separately. This distinction makes sense because someone who is a strong candidate for one may not necessarily be competitive for the others. Factors like prior regional experience, language proficiency, and alignment with host organizations play a crucial role in selection.
Take me, for example: while I was selected for Princeton in Africa, I don’t think I would have been chosen for Princeton in Asia. As an African Studies major who has lived and studied in multiple countries on the continent and speaks almost every major lingua franca of Sub-Saharan Africa (English, French, Swahili, and Portuguese), I had strong regional experience. However, I have almost no professional background in Asia and no knowledge of Asian languages, making me a weaker candidate for PiA.
When deciding which of these programs to apply for, take stock of your interests, skills, and experience.The application cycles for PiAf, PiA, and PiLA open in late summer (around August) and close toward the end of fall.
The Boren Scholarship/Fellowship
Like Fulbright, the Boren is funded by the U.S. government, but it is entirely focused on language study. The program provides funding for up to a year of immersive language learning in a country where the target language is spoken.
While Boren Scholars can study almost any language, the program has a list of preferred languages, which tend to be those that fewer Americans speak. This includes all indigenous African languages, many Central Asian languages, languages that are structurally very different from English (such as Arabic and Mandarin), and even some Romance languages like Portuguese.
For example, while completing my Fulbright in Brazil, I have met a few Boren Scholars who are here for the year specifically to improve their Portuguese.
One major advantage of the Boren is that prior knowledge of the language is not required. Many of the other opportunities I’ve mentioned require applicants to already have some proficiency in the local language, but with Boren, you can apply even as a complete beginner. This makes it an incredible opportunity for anyone who has always wanted to learn another language but hasn’t yet had the chance. One important note: Boren Scholars are required to work for the U.S. government within three years of completing their scholarship. If you’re considering a career in diplomacy, national security, or international affairs, this service requirement could be a great stepping stone.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
Similar to the Boren, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) funds students to pursue intensive language study abroad. However, unlike Boren, CLS offers shorter-term programs, typically during the summer. Additionally, because the CLS does not have a government service requirement, it truly is an excellent alternative to the Boren for those seeking immersive language experiences without a long-term commitment.
The scholarship covers all expenses, including travel, housing, and program costs, allowing participants to focus entirely on language acquisition and cultural immersion. Languages offered are often those deemed critical by the U.S. government, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese and Swahili and more. CLS applications usually open in early autumn and close in November, and successful applicants begin their language study the following summer.
OECD Young Associates Programme
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offers the Young Associates Programme (YAP), a two-year initiative aimed at recent undergraduates who want to dive into multilateral policy-making and international development. Participants work closely with senior managers across various OECD directorates, assisting with research, drafting reports, and collaborating on policy issues that shape the global economy.
This immersive opportunity is perfect for anyone interested in the intersection of economics, international relations, and development. The program serves as an ideal stepping stone for those looking to move into international policy roles or pursue postgraduate studies in economics or public policy.
What sets the OECD YAP apart is its structured development path, offering participants the chance to contribute to major projects while learning about the inner workings of international organizations. Those selected for the program are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and to be fluent in English or French (preferably both!). The YAP application process opens in November, and successful applicants begin their positions in September of the following year. After two years as young associates in Paris, participants of this program are encouraged to pursue further education at the masters or PhD level.
UN Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme
The United Nations Junior Professional Officer Programme (JPO) recruits and administers JPOs across UN agencies. This program provides young professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in multilateral cooperation and international development within a UN agency. Responsibilities can include project management, research, and policy analysis, often in regions that require urgent intervention. The role offers invaluable experience and networking opportunities that could help shape your future in international relations or development. From UN Women to the UN Refugee Agency to the Environmental Program to Peacekeeping, UN agencies encompass a wide variety of disciplines in the world of international relations and development.
JPOs are sponsored by their governments, so, as a US citizen for example, I would apply through the U.S. JPO program. Vacancies are posted for various candidates here. People from developing countries which do not fund JPO programs may apply for positions in the framework of the Dutch, Belgian and Italian JPO Program.
Applicants are required to have a master’s degree, fluency in at least one official UN language, and be under the age of 32. While this program is highly competitive, it is an excellent way to enter the UN.
African Development Bank Young Professionals Program
Like the OECD, the African Development Bank also has an entry-level program for young professionals. The African Development Bank’s Young Professionals Program is a three-year leadership development initiative designed to cultivate future leaders in international development. Open to highly qualified professionals from AfDB member countries, the program provides hands-on experience through rotational assignments across various departments, allowing participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Bank’s operations.
To be eligible, candidates must be 32 years old or younger, hold a master’s degree in a relevant field, have at least three years of professional experience—preferably in Africa or other developing regions—and be proficient in English or French. The application process is highly competitive, involving an online application, assessments, and multiple interview stages. Those selected gain invaluable exposure to international finance, policy-making, and economic development, positioning them for impactful careers in global development. Upon completion, many Young Professionals transition into permanent roles within the Bank.
NATO Young Professionals Programme
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is a military alliance between countries in Europe and North America. NATO Young Professionals work with NATO’s civilian and military bodies to support peacekeeping and security missions.
Successful candidates are assigned to different NATO bodies for one-year periods, for a total of three NATO bodies over three years. This ensures YPPs have a range of experiences before deciding on which area they would like to pursue a career in, should they wish to work at NATO at the end of their three-year term.
NATO YPP Positions are highly competitive, and applicants are expected to have a master’s degree, fluency in English or French, and at least one year of relevant work or internship experience. Applications for the YPP program open each summer and close the following autumn.
Schwarzman Scholars Programme
The Schwarzman Scholars Programme is a world-renowned, fully funded, one-year master’s degree program designed to prepare young leaders for the global stage. Held at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, this program focuses on global affairs, public policy, economics, and international studies, with a strong emphasis on understanding China’s role in the world.
Schwarzman Scholars get the unique opportunity to study in one of the most dynamic and rapidly changing regions of the world, learning from experts in the field while building a global network of like-minded individuals. The program is highly competitive, with candidates selected for their leadership potential, academic excellence, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Eligibility for the Schwarzman Scholars Program includes a bachelor’s degree, strong academic performance, and being between 18 and 28 years old. The application process opens in April, with deadlines typically in September for U.S. and international applicants. For Chinese applicants, the deadline is usually in May.
Fellowships for Postgraduate Study in the UK
Going to the UK for grad school was among the most popular post-graduate paths for people in my class at Yale. This is because, while many Grad schools in the US do not offer much in terms of financial aid or scholarships, fellowships to study in the UK are abundant– especially for top students coming out of Yale.
Some of the most famous scholarships include the Rhodes, Marshall, and Gates-Cambridge. Others include the Rotary scholarships for students from the US, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth scholarships for students from commonwealth countries. Additionally, the UK schools offer several independent scholarships whether from specific schools and disciplines, colleges, or from the University itself.
Each of these fellowships has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines, so prospective applicants should consult the respective official websites for detailed information.
Each program has its own strengths…
some offer field research opportunities, others provide practical work experiences , and some are ideal for language learning and cultural exchange. But despite their nuances, each opportunity is sure to put you ahead as you work to build a global career.
While these application processes are competitive, the hard work will be worth it as these programs will surely open doors to opportunities you never imagined. No matter which path you take, living; learning; and working beyond your home country will set you apart in any field.
