External Funding

USAID Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

The 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.

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.

Orientation

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.

Two Summer Placements

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.

Mentoring

Each Fellow will receive mentoring throughout the fellowship and during their early employment at USAID.

Curriculum

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.

Employment/Contractual Obligations

Fellows who complete the Payne Program and meet USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will be appointed as USAID Foreign Service Officers. Each Fellow is committed to a minimum of five years of service as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. Candidates who do not complete the program and service obligation may need to reimburse the fellowship costs.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 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
  • Online Application

Application Requirements:

  • 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

October 24, 2024

All documents should be submitted electronically. If you face challenges submitting electronically, contact program staff for alternative methods. However, electronic submission is strongly encouraged.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact: paynefellows@howard.edu