The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office leads the UK's diplomatic, development and consular work across more than 165 countries and territories, formed through the merger of the former Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. Its recruitment follows standard Civil Service Success Profiles, but the flagship Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream has genuinely distinct eligibility rules worth knowing before you apply.
FCDO Uses Success Profiles
FCDO recruitment, including the Fast Stream, is assessed against Civil Service Success Profiles, typically covering Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical elements depending on the role. The sift stage generally focuses your Statement of Suitability on the specific Behaviours named in the advert, so tailor each application rather than reusing one generic statement.
The Diplomatic and Development Fast Stream
This is FCDO's flagship graduate route, and it runs differently from most other Fast Stream schemes in one important way: it's a five-year programme, rather than the roughly three years typical elsewhere. Candidates typically spend the first two years based in the UK, including placements in both London and Glasgow, before an overseas placement from years three to five. A separate Diplomatic and Development Economics stream exists for candidates with a stronger economics background, feeding into economic analysis and policy roles across FCDO's diplomacy and development work.
Standard Entry Requirements
The Diplomatic and Development scheme typically asks for a 2:2 degree or equivalent in any subject, with no specific subject requirement. The Diplomatic and Development Economics scheme asks for a 2:1 or postgraduate degree in an economics-related subject instead. Existing civil servants can apply to some schemes without holding a degree.
Diversity Internship Routes
FCDO runs diversity-focused internship programmes, including the Summer Diversity Internship Programme and Early Diversity Internship Programme, designed to widen access to the department. These are structured placements rather than simple work experience, and can provide a more direct route into the Fast Stream for candidates who complete them successfully, alongside FCDO Services industrial placements for more technical routes.
Training and Development
Successful candidates get access to the Diplomatic Academy, covering diplomatic tradecraft and language training, alongside core Fast Stream leadership development. If you're aiming for an overseas posting later in the scheme, language capability built up through the Academy is a genuine asset, though it isn't usually a requirement to join.
Whatever stage of FCDO recruitment you're at, the Behaviours element still rewards a clearly structured STAR example over a broad narrative. See our STAR method guide and interview questions and answers guide for the structure that scores well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FCDO use Success Profiles?
Yes, including the Fast Stream, typically covering Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical elements depending on the role.
How long is the FCDO Diplomatic Fast Stream?
Five years, longer than most other Fast Stream routes: roughly two years UK-based, including London and Glasgow, followed by an overseas placement in years three to five.
Who is eligible for the FCDO Diplomatic Fast Stream?
Typically a 2:2 degree or equivalent in any subject, or a 2:1/postgraduate degree in economics for the Economics stream. Unlike many Civil Service roles, it specifically requires British citizenship and UK residency for at least 5 of the previous 10 years.
Does FCDO offer internships below the Fast Stream?
Yes, including the Summer Diversity Internship Programme and Early Diversity Internship Programme, which can provide an accelerated route into the Fast Stream for successful participants.
