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Practitioner Course FAQs

I have not received a decision about my application for a course. When will I find out?

Course instructors must review your application and CV/resume before making their final decision regarding your application. This process may take several weeks, but if you have immediate concerns, please email academy@usip.org. Note: You do not need to apply to take an online course. Follow the directions on each online course page to participate.

What is the tuition?

The tuition for on-campus courses is $1250 for four- and five-day courses, $895 for three-day courses, and $695 for two-day courses. The tuition for pilot courses is $195. Instructor-led online courses cost $345. The SENSE simulation is currently free of charge. Tuition includes the registration fee. Tuition is due ten business days prior to the beginning of the course to reserve your place. Participants are responsible for lodging and travel, including visas.

How do I pay the course fee?

Once the instructor accepts or denies your application, you will receive an email with further instructions, including the following payment information:

  • In the acceptance email, you will find a link that enables you to pay by credit card through PayPal.
  • If you would like to pay by check, please send your check—payable to "USIP”—to:

Office of Finance
United States Institute of Peace
2301 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
**Please include the name of your course on the check.

Where are the courses held?

On-campus courses are held in our headquarters building, located at 2301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037. Please read this important information about visiting us.

I need a visa to attend a course. How do I obtain one?

Please email academy@usip.org with a request for an invitation letter to join the course. Once it has been emailed to you, it should be provided to the U.S. embassy at which you apply for a visa. Please note that you will need a tourist (B or B1) visa; because our courses are not a university program, a more complicated visa process for study in the United States is not necessary. Note also that we are not able to influence the decisions of U.S. embassies. 

What experience do I need to attend a practitioner course?

Course participants should have relevant experience in their field, except for online courses, which are open to everyone. We will review all submitted applications. The instructor will make the final decision.

I cannot afford to pay the tuition. May I apply for a scholarship?

Limited financial aid may be available for highly qualified applicants who can demonstrate financial need. Some applicants may automatically qualify for a scholarship during the application process. You may submit your scholarship request to academy@usip.org with a short description of your need. We are fully committed to having a diverse group of participants to enhance the learning environment and recognize that not all organizations have training budgets. Therefore, we encourage all to apply.  Note that the tuition reflects the actual cost of running the courses and will enable us to maintain the highest quality of instruction for our participants.