Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program: Graduate Funding for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program offers Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) a unique pathway to continue their service while pursuing graduate degrees, professional certificates, and advanced training across the United States. Designed to recognise the global experience, adaptability, and community-driven skills that Volunteers gain abroad, the program provides financial assistance and hands-on professional opportunities that strengthen careers and support underserved communities.

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About the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

The Coverdell Fellows Program is an educational fellowship that supports RPCVs seeking to deepen their impact through further study. Fellows receive a combination of tuition reductions, scholarships, stipends, assistantships, or other forms of financial aid. Beyond academic support, the program keeps RPCVs connected to the Peace Corps mission by placing them in internships in the United States that address locally identified needs.

This blend of education, service, and professional advancement makes the program one of the most valuable benefits available to Volunteers after returning home.

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Why Become a Coverdell Fellow?

Financial Support

Partner universities offer fellows a range of benefits, from partial tuition reductions to full scholarships and paid assistantships. This makes advanced education more affordable and accessible for RPCVs across different fields.

Hands-On Service

Each Fellow completes an internship with a U.S.-based organisation, strengthening their applied skills while serving local communities. These internships align with Peace Corps values, ensuring that participants continue to support community priorities.

Professional Development

Fellows build leadership skills, gain practical workplace experience, and expand their networks. Many institutions integrate internships with coursework, offering meaningful opportunities to connect learning with real-world problem-solving.

Extending the Peace Corps Mission

By sharing their international experiences in classrooms and local communities, Fellows help fulfil the Peace Corps’ third goal: to promote a better understanding of other peoples among Americans.

Choice and Flexibility

With more than 150 partner universities across the United States, RPCVs can pursue degrees in social work, public health, education, international affairs, environmental studies, and many more disciplines.

Federal Hiring Advantage

RPCVs may qualify for extended noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs—up to three years after service, depending on agency discretion—if they enrol soon after returning.

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Eligibility Criteria

RPCVs maintain lifetime eligibility for the Coverdell Fellows Program if they meet one of the following:

• Completed a full Peace Corps tour or received completion of service status.

• Were medically separated.

• Received interrupted service due to circumstances beyond their control.

• Completed at least 12 months of Peace Corps Response or Advancing Health Professionals service within a 24-month period.

Volunteers who resigned or were administratively separated are not eligible unless they previously earned eligibility through earlier service.

Questions about eligibility can be directed to the Peace Corps Office of University Programs.

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How to Apply

Applications to the Coverdell Fellows Program are handled directly by partner universities. The Peace Corps does not manage or decide individual admissions.

Prospective applicants should:

• Contact coordinators at participating universities.

• Request detailed program and application information.

• Follow each school’s deadlines, requirements, and instructions carefully.

• Prepare necessary materials such as transcripts, test scores (if required), and a signed Description of Service (DOS).

Many universities allow RPCVs to apply online, even while still abroad.

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Application Deadline

Because each partner institution manages its own application cycle, deadlines vary by program. RPCVs should check the specific due dates for every university they plan to apply to.

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Why This Program Matters

For RPCVs, the Coverdell Fellows Program is more than an academic opportunity—it is a chance to build on global service, strengthen local communities, and gain meaningful professional experience. Whether through public health work, educational initiatives, or community development, Fellows continue to advance the core principles of the Peace Corps while preparing for impactful careers.

Application can be accessed from here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.