Master of Arts in International Relations Funding Opportunities

One of the most generous and prestigious scholarship opportunities for graduate study at the Maxwell School, the Robertson Fellowship covers full tuition for two-year dual degree master's programs that prepare students for work in the federal government: public administration/international affairs; public administration/economics or international affairs/economics.

Successful applicants receive full tuition, a living stipend of $20,000 per year, health insurance and summer internship assistance. In turn, Robertson Fellows are required to work for the U.S. federal government for 3 of the first 7 years after graduation. Fellows must have proficiency in a foreign language upon graduation. 

To apply, submit a 250 word statement outlining how your career and academic goals align with the Robertson Fellowship appended to your personal statement in the online application.

Each year, this endowed fund provides full tuition plus a stipend to up to three students who are nationals of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela or any other South American/Andean countries and who intend to return to their home countries to work in the public or nonprofit sector.

These funds are available to students in most graduate programs on campus (not available online), including executive graduate professional programs. Only one graduate degree will be supported per student; therefore, dual degree applicants are not eligible.

Admitted students who meet the criteria and apply by the February 1 deadline will be considered. No separate application is necessary.

Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who were selected as Truman Scholars

Award:  at least 50% tuition scholarship with admission and consideration for all other forms of merit-based funding

Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who have successfully completed a PPIA Junior Summer Institute program

Award: at least 50% tuition scholarship with admission and consideration for all other forms of merit-based funding; plus an application fee waiver

Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who are designated RPCVs

Award: at least 50% tuition scholarship with admission and consideration for all other forms of merit-based funding; plus application fee waiver

Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who successfully completed a Fulbright Scholarship program outside of the U.S. or who were evacuated before the completion of their program due to COVID-19

Award:  50% tuition scholarship with admission and consideration for all other merit-based awards; plus application fee waiver

Eligible Degrees: 

• Fellows must enroll in the residential Master of Public Administration and M.A. in International Relations dual degree program (58 credits, 24 months).

• Enrollment in a two-year academic program is a requirement in order to complete the fellowship requirements.

• Finalists can do the dual degree or choose any of the following single degree program options and still retain the 60% Maxwell scholarship:

1. M.A. in International Relations (40 credits, 16 months).
2. M.A. in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications (43 credits, 18 months).
3. Master of Public Administration (40 credits, 12- or 18-months)

Eligible Degrees: 

• Fellows must enroll in the residential Master of Public Administration and M.A. in International Relations dual degree program (58 credits, 24 months).

• Enrollment in a two-year academic program is a requirement in order to complete the fellowship requirements.

• Finalists can do the dual degree or choose any of the following single degree program options and still retain the 60% Maxwell scholarship:

1. M.A. in International Relations (40 credits, 16 months).
2. M.A. in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications (43 credits, 18 months).
3. Master of Public Administration (40 credits, 12- or 18-months)

Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who are Teach for America / Teach For All program alumni, or accepted candidates for the TFA/TFAll programs

Award:  30% tuition scholarship with admission and consideration for all other forms of merit-based funding; application fee waiver; two-year deferral for any admitted TFA/TFAll program candidate so that they might participate in the program before attending Maxwell

Eligibility: M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree programs, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who have completed internships/fellowships via CBCF.  A letter of support attesting to the successful completion of the CBCF internship will be required for the official administration of this award.

Award: at least 30% of tuition for single or dual degree, as well as consideration for further merit-based cash scholarships

Eligibility: M.A. in international relations, M.P.A./M.A. in international relations dual degree programs, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who have completed internships/fellowships via CHCI. A letter of support attesting to the successful completion of the CHCI internship will be required for the official administration of this award.

Award: at least 30% of tuition for single or dual degree, and as well as consideration for further merit-based cash scholarships

Eligibility: M.P.A., M.A. in international relations, and M.A. in public diplomacy and global communications students who are USJETTA alumni

Award:  at least 30% tuition scholarship with admission and consideration for all other forms of merit-based funding

This initiative is designed to promote excellence and diversity in the USAID Foreign Service. The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship seeks outstanding young people interested in careers in international development as USAID Foreign Service Officers. The Payne Fellowship Program provides benefits valued at up to $90,000 over two years to fund a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at USAID missions overseas, and provides professional development and support activities. Fellows who successfully complete the program become USAID Foreign Service Officers. The program is funded by USAID and managed by Howard University. 

Syracuse University is a participating institution in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. Once admitted to a program, departments will internally nominate all scholars for the graduate fellowship. Announcements of these awards will be made by the McNair Fellowship selection committee in mid-spring. To be competitive for these limited graduate fellowships, McNair Scholars should be careful to include a letter of recommendation from their primary mentor with their application.

Application Fee Waivers:  The application fee is automatically waived for all McNair Scholars who note their status on their application.  

Graduate students admitted to the Public Administration and International Affairs Department and who are planning on being at Syracuse University for two years may be eligible for participation in the Army ROTC program for graduate students. While this program offers much more than funding, participation may have financial benefits. Please visit Syracuse University's ROTC website for more information.

As a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you have earned educational benefits. We are pleased that you are considering our programs and Syracuse University as you plan your future. Please visit Syracuse University's Veteran and Military Affairs website for more information.

Active duty U.S. military and veterans do not have to pay an application fee. The application fee is automatically waived at time of application. A fee waiver code is not required.