Deadline: November 4, 2022
Applications for the USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Programme 2023 are now open. The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Programme 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.
Benefits
- The fellowship provides up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2023 for a two-year program at a U.S. university. They can be in the senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by June 2023, 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.
Application
A completed online application includes the following:
- Background Information (e.g., name, contact information, international travel).
- A personal statement (in 600 words or less) that discusses the applicant’s reasons for applying, interest in foreign affairs, commitment to pursue a USAID Foreign Service career and any relevant experience or information.
- A statement (in 400 words or less) from the applicant that discusses his/her need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, including an explanation of:
- The financial assistance received during undergraduate studies
- Overall education-related debt
- Ability/plans to pay for graduate school independently
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a faculty member who is well acquainted with the individual. If you graduated with your post-secondary degree more than two years ago, you can provide a letter from a professional acquaintance in lieu of a faculty member from your program.
- One from a community leader or other individual who can comment on the applicant’s non-academic accomplishments and his/her potential to serve as a USAID Foreign Service Officer.
- Note: In the online application, applicants will identify recommenders, who will be contacted by the program and asked to submit letters electronically. Below is a copy of the recommendation letter for your reference only.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship with a copy of: (choose one)
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship
- U.S. passport
(Note: This should be uploaded in easy to read PDF format. Applicants are required to bring originals to the interview, if selected as a finalist.)
For more information, visit USAID Donald M. Payne Fellowship.
