Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program (US)

If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of the times —  injustice, climate change, health, conflict, and poverty foreign policy interests and reflect the American people’s compassion and support of human dignity.

At the conclusion of two years of study, the Payne Fellow is expected to obtain a degree in international development or another area of relevance to the work of the USAID Foreign Service at a U.S. graduate or professional school approved by the Payne Program. Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Funding Information

• It will provide up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities.
• The Payne Fellowship Program awards up to 30 fellowships valued at up to $52,000 annually for a two-year program.
• The award includes up to $24,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master’s degree at a U.S. institution.
• A $18,000 stipend for each academic year for room, board, books and other education-related expenses.
• And up to $10,000 per year in stipend, housing, transportation, and related expenses for summer placements.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Applicants must be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2025 for a two-year program at a U.S. university. They can be in the senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by May 2025, or they can be college graduates.
• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
• Applicants should carefully review the USAID Foreign Service requirements for medical and security clearances. Participation in the Payne Program is conditional upon successful completion of pre-employment procedures specified by the U.S. Agency for International Development, including background investigations for a security clearance, medical examinations (to include spouse and eligible family members if applicable) and drug tests. Failure to meet medical and security requirements may result in an applicant’s disqualification from the fellowship program and reimbursement to the U.S. government of financial assistance paid in connection with the applicant’s education.

For more information, visit USAID.