Skip to content


Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship

Return to Fellowship Search

The Payne Fellowship provides funding for graduate studies and internships, as well as mentoring and professional development activities, for individuals interested in becoming USAID Foreign Service Officers. Participants who successfully complete the program receive appointments as USAID Foreign Service Officers. Candidates can be graduating seniors or college graduates with strong academic records and a desire to promote positive change in the world. The award offers approximately $90,000 over two years for tuition and internships, and USAID employment.

Award / Eligibility Details:

The Payne Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. Candidates are graduating seniors or university graduates who are seeking to attend graduate programs relevant to USAID, including international development, public administration, public policy, public health, etc. Candidates must hold U.S. citizenship; have a GPA of at least 3.2; and preparing to start a two-year graduate program in an area of relevance at a U.S. university in fall of the year of application. Candidates should have an interest in international development, commitment to public service, strong academic background.

Deadline: Late January each year

Academic Level: Graduate, Post-Undergraduate

Type/Purpose: Graduate School Funding, Internship

Field of Study: Public Affairs / Policy, Social Sciences

Location: United States

Citizenship eligibility: US Citizen

Special Circumstances: Underrepresented Group

For more information: http://www.paynefellows.org/?areaid=2&contentid=941