Paul D. Coverdell Fellowships

Amount:
Full-Tuition
Deadline:
August 1, 2025
Awards Available: Varies

Scholarship Description

When you’re ready to attend graduate school, we can help you continue your unique service journey. The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program is a graduate fellowship program that offers financial assistance to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs).

Scholarship Details

  • Financial aid includes tuition reduction, full scholarships, stipends, or assistantships
  • Internships provide professional experience and opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings
  • Support underserved U.S. communities through locally prioritized projects
  • Over 200 programs available at more than 120 university partners
  • May extend federal job noncompetitive eligibility status up to three years after service

Eligibility Criteria

  • Lifetime eligibility for RPCVs who:
    • Complete the full two-year Peace Corps service or are granted “completion of service” status
    • Are medically separated
    • Receive "interrupted service" status due to circumstances beyond their control
    • Complete 12 months of Peace Corps Response or Advancing Health Professionals service within 24 months
  • Exception: The 12-month requirement was waived for Peace Corps Response Volunteers evacuated in March 2020 due to COVID-19
  • Volunteers who resign or are administratively separated are not eligible unless they earned eligibility from a previous Peace Corps tour

Application Process

  1. Review the list of participating universities and choose programs of interest
  2. Contact program coordinators at selected universities for specific application information
  3. Follow the application instructions and deadlines provided by each university
  4. Take any required standardized tests, such as the GRE or NTE, prior to service or before returning to the U.S., if needed
  5. Keep a signed copy of your description of service (DOS) for submission with your application

All fellows complete internships in the U.S., allowing them to continue to collaborate with communities on locally prioritized projects, to expand upon skills they gained as Volunteers, and to meet Peace Corps’ Third Goal.

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