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). USAID Foreign Service Officers advance U.S. foreign policy interests and support human dignity, working on global challenges including poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict, and violent extremism.

The Payne Fellowship offers generous benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, and provides a unique pathway to the USAID Foreign Service. It includes a 10-week domestic internship in Washington, DC and a 10-week overseas internship at a USAID Mission. Applicants apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S. universities simultaneously with their application to the Payne Program.

At the conclusion of two years of study, Payne Fellows are 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. Upon successful completion of the Payne Program and USAID entry requirements, Fellows receive an appointment to the USAID Foreign Service, with a required five years of service.

The Payne Fellowship encourages the application of individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service as well as those with financial need. Candidates can be graduating seniors or college graduates with strong academic records and a desire to promote positive change in the world.