

US Foreign Service Fellowships
Funding Your Graduate Studies with a Foreign Service Fellowship
Since 1992, the Foreign Service across major federal agencies (such as USAID and the State Department) has actively worked to diversify its workforce by attracting underrepresented talent through fellowship programs.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship →
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program →
USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship →
Although the specifics of each fellowship vary, the basic structure of each program is as follows:
- Financial assistance for a two-year graduate program related to international affairs (including SIPA)
- Two summer practicums, one domestic and one abroad
- Mentoring and other professional development opportunities
- Five-year work commitment
- Contractual obligation to fulfill the requirements laid out in the fellowship agreement
These fellowships are the culmination of efforts by individuals in the Foreign Service who recognize that there is an urgent need to have a diplomatic corps that reflects America’s diversity. At Columbia SIPA, Foreign Service fellows are valued members of the SIPA community. Once you receive an acceptance from one of the fellowships and SIPA, you can work with our financial aid office to manage funding and payment details.
Funding Consideration
To be considered for funding, applicants must apply for the Master of International Affairs (MIA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA):
- Applicants must mark “Yes” on the MIA or MPA application form indicating interest in being considered for institutional aid
- Applicants must submit a completed application to the MIA or MPA program by the Fellowship Consideration deadline, December 20.
- Applicants must be selected (externally) for one of the diplomatic fellowships (Rangel, Pickering, Payne)
To find out more about opportunities for Pickering, Rangel and Payne fellowships at SIPA, please contact [email protected].

SIPA Student Stories

Leigh Mante MIA ’24
USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellow
Environment Foreign Service Officer, USAID
“The Payne Fellowship has granted me a wonderful community of peers and future colleagues as well as a supportive network of individuals willing to provide guidance and advice about post-graduate school work-life balance and career trajectories.”

Akaysha Palmer MPA ’24
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow
Foreign Service Officer, US State Department
“The Foreign Service is a unique career opportunity. As a fellow, you are supported financially through graduate studies, gain a cohort of new people, and are given the chance to learn more about and address global issues.”

Angel Ornelas MIA ’24
USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellow
C3 Foreign Service Officer, USAID
“[As a fellow], I learned the important role international aid plays in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Colombia. USAID has helped Colombian communities advance LGBTQ+ rights throughout Colombia. Moving forward, I hope to continue supporting community-led efforts at advancing LGBTQ+ rights.”