Looking to enhance your leadership and professional skills in the United States? The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is now open for applications! This fully funded, non-degree program is tailored for mid-career professionals from around the world who are committed to effecting positive change in their home countries.
In this guide, you’ll find key information about the program’s benefits, eligibility requirements, fields of study, and step-by-step application instructions.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished professionals from designated countries to the U.S. for a year of academic enrichment, leadership development, and professional collaboration. Unlike traditional degree programs, the Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program focused on knowledge exchange, policy study, and capacity building.
The fellowship is designed to:
Develop future leaders by exposing fellows to U.S. models, institutions, and values.
Foster mutual understanding through professional and cultural exchange.
Build sustainable partnerships between U.S. citizens and international professionals.
Strengthen global networks for democratic governance, innovation, and development.
Level of Study: Professional (Non-degree)
Host Institutions: Designated U.S. universities
Study Destination: United States
Program Duration: 10–12 months
Number of Fellowships: Approximately 200 annually
Application Deadline: Before October 1, 2025 (Deadlines vary by country—check with your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission)
Fellows participate in a wide range of disciplines relevant to national development:
Educational Administration, Planning & Policy
Higher Education Administration
Public Health Policy & Management
Agricultural & Rural Development
Communications/Journalism
Law & Human Rights
Finance & Banking
Technology Policy & Management
Public Policy Analysis & Administration
HIV/AIDS Policy & Prevention
Substance Abuse Education, Treatment & Prevention
Trafficking in Persons Policy & Prevention
Environmental Policy & Climate Change
Urban & Regional Planning
Human Resource Management
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Economic Development
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship is fully funded and includes:
Full tuition and fees at the host U.S. university
Monthly living stipend and a settling-in allowance
Accident and health insurance
Pre-academic English training (if required)
Book and study materials allowance
One-time computer subsidy
Round-trip airfare (international and domestic)
Professional Development allowance (for conferences, workshops, and field trips)
To be considered for the Humphrey Fellowship, applicants must:
Be a citizen of an eligible country in Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, South and Central Asia, and Western Hemisphere.
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Have a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience
Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to public service
Have limited or no prior experience in the United States
Be proficient in English
Be eligible for a J-1 visa
📌 Important: Specific eligibility requirements and deadlines vary by country. Applicants must apply through the U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Section, or Fulbright Commission in their home country.
Follow these steps to apply:
Check Your Country’s Requirements
Visit the official Humphrey Fellowship Program website and select your country to view the local application process and deadlines.
Contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Office
Reach out to your country’s designated authority (usually the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission) to confirm application procedures and required documents.
Prepare and Submit Your Application
Required documents typically include:
Application form (online or PDF)
Personal statement and professional goals
Academic transcripts and degrees
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
Letters of recommendation
Undergo Interviews and Screening
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews and must meet all eligibility and visa requirements.