The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times — poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict, and violent extremism – the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and reflect the American people’s compassion and support of human dignity. The Payne Fellowship, which provides up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, is a unique pathway to the USAID Foreign Service.
OPPORTUNITY AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Aim | To attract individuals interested in careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). |
| Rewards | Up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities. |
| Number of Fellowships | Up to thirty fellowships each year. |
| Annual Fellowship Value | Up to $52,000 annually. |
| Tuition and Fees | Up to $24,000 per year for a two-year master’s degree at a U.S. institution. |
| Stipend | $18,000 per academic year for room, board, books, and other education-related expenses. |
| Summer Placement Stipend | Up to $10,000 per year for stipend, housing, transportation, and related expenses. |
| Post-Graduation Expectation | Earn a degree in international development or a related field and be appointed as Foreign Service Officers with USAID. |
| Orientation | At Howard University in May, shortly after selection. |
| Internships | Washington, D.C. Internship after selection and before first-year graduate study; Overseas Internship during summer between first and second years. |
| Internship Support | Stipends, housing, and transportation for both internships. |
| Eligible Fields | International affairs, development, economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration, foreign languages, agriculture, environmental sciences, urban planning. (Law degrees not accepted.) |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens aged 18-55, seeking admission to graduate school for Fall 2025 at a U.S. university, undergraduate seniors graduating by May 2025 or college graduates, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. |
| Application Components | Online application, background information, personal statement, financial need statement, letters of recommendation, proof of U.S. citizenship, Student Aid Report (SAR), official financial aid statement, official transcripts. |
| Application Deadline | October 24, 2024. |
Fact About USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program
- Elite Pathway to Global Impact: The Payne Fellowship is your gateway to a career in the USAID Foreign Service, putting you on the front lines of tackling the world’s most urgent issues, from climate change to conflict resolution.
- Generous Financial Support: With up to $104,000 in benefits over two years, the fellowship covers tuition, fees, stipends, and professional development, making it one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities available.
- Global Internship Opportunities: Fellows enjoy two incredible internships—one in Washington, D.C., and another at a USAID Mission abroad—offering hands-on experience in international development.
- Prestigious Orientation: New Payne Fellows attend an exclusive orientation at Howard University, gaining insights into international development careers and networking with top professionals in the field.
- Diverse Academic Focus: The fellowship supports a wide range of graduate fields, including international affairs, economics, environmental sciences, public policy, and more, reflecting the multifaceted nature of USAID’s mission.
- High Selectivity: Up to thirty fellowships are awarded annually, making it a highly competitive and prestigious program for future leaders in international development.
- Immediate Career Placement: Upon completing the program, fellows who meet all requirements are appointed as Foreign Service Officers, directly contributing to U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian efforts.
- Support for Future Leaders: The fellowship targets outstanding individuals who demonstrate a commitment to addressing global challenges, preparing them to make significant impacts on the world stage.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The fellowship not only covers educational expenses but also provides a summer placement stipend, ensuring fellows can fully engage in their studies and internships without financial worries.
- Inclusive Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens aged 18-55, the program welcomes a diverse range of applicants, from recent graduates to mid-career professionals seeking to make a difference.
- Rigorous Application Process: The application includes a personal statement, financial need statement, letters of recommendation, and more, ensuring that only the most dedicated and qualified candidates are selected.
- Commitment to Diversity: The fellowship values geographic, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, aiming to build a cohort of fellows that reflects the richness of American society.
Rewards For 2025 The USAID Payne International Development Fellowship Program
The Payne Fellowship Program offers up to thirty fellowships each year, valued at up to $52,000 annually, for a two-year graduate program. The fellowship includes:
- Tuition and Fees: Up to $24,000 per year towards tuition and mandatory fees for a two-year master’s degree at a U.S. institution.
- Stipend: $18,000 per academic year for room, board, books, and other education-related expenses.
- Summer Placement Stipend: Up to $10,000 per year for stipend, housing, transportation, and related expenses for summer placements.
Upon completion of the two-year program, Payne Fellows are expected to earn a degree in international development or a related field relevant to USAID Foreign Service work. Graduates who meet the program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will be appointed as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
New Payne Fellows will attend an orientation at Howard University in May, shortly after their selection. The orientation aims to familiarize Fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and enhance their understanding of international development careers.
Placements For 2025 The USAID Payne International Development Fellowship Program
Payne Fellows will complete two internships:
- Washington, D.C. Internship: This internship, focused on international issues, takes place the summer after selection and before the first year of graduate study.
- Overseas Internship: This internship, in a USAID Mission abroad, occurs during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study.
The program provides stipends, housing, and transportation for both internships.
Curriculum For 2025 The USAID Payne International Development Fellowship Program
Fellows must pursue graduate degrees in fields such as international affairs, development, economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration, foreign languages, agriculture, environmental sciences, or urban planning. Law degrees are not accepted. Applicants must apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S. universities simultaneously with their application to the Payne Program.
Eligibility Requirements For 2025 The USAID Payne International Development Fellowship Program
- U.S. citizens
- Aged 18-55
- Seeking admission to graduate school for Fall 2025 at a U.S. university
- Undergraduate seniors graduating by May 2025 or college graduates
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
How To Apply For 2025 The USAID Payne International Development Fellowship Program
Online Application
A complete application includes:
- Background Information: Name, contact details, international travel history.
- Personal Statement: Up to 600 words discussing reasons for applying, interest in foreign affairs, commitment to a USAID Foreign Service career, and relevant experiences.
- Financial Need Statement: Up to 400 words explaining financial need, including:
- Financial assistance received during undergraduate studies
- Overall education-related debt
- Plans to fund graduate school independently
- Letters of Recommendation:
- One from a faculty member (or professional acquaintance if graduated over two years ago)
- One from a community leader or individual commenting on non-academic accomplishments and potential as a USAID Foreign Service Officer
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Birth certificate, Certificate of U.S. citizenship, or U.S. passport (uploaded as PDF).
- Student Aid Report (SAR): From FAFSA. Required if financial aid was received during the most recent academic year, otherwise, complete FAFSA for 2024-2025.
- Official Financial Aid Statement: From senior year, if financial aid was received (uploaded as PDF).
- Official Transcripts: From all colleges and universities attended. An official transcript is preferred, but a student copy in official format is acceptable (uploaded as PDF). An official transcript in a sealed envelope is required if selected for an interview.
- Application Deadline is October 24, 2024