The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-career professionals from around the world to the United States for ten months of graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional engagement. It is one of the U.S. government’s flagship exchange programs, building lasting connections between American institutions and the next generation of public leaders globally.
About the Humphrey Fellowship Program
Part of the Fulbright exchange family and administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Institute of International Education (IIE), the program places approximately 200 fellows annually at 18 participating U.S. universities from August 2027 through June 2028. Fellows design their own program combining coursework, independent study, and a professional affiliation of at least six weeks with a U.S. organization in their field. The program is non-degree granting and focused entirely on professional and leadership development.
Funding Size
- Full tuition and university fees covered
- Monthly living allowance
- International airfare to and from the United States
- Health insurance for the fellow
- Books and professional development activity support
- No financial support provided for accompanying dependents
Who Can Apply
- Citizens of and currently residing in an eligible country at the time of application
- Mid-career professionals with at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond their first university degree, prior to August 2026
- Holders of a four-year bachelor’s degree or completed master’s degree
- Individuals with management or policy responsibilities, including university faculty
- Fluent in English; shortlisted candidates will be required to sit the TOEFL iBT (test vouchers provided)
- Individuals who studied in the U.S. for one academic year or longer within the past seven years are generally not eligible
Geographic Eligibility
- Open to citizens of eligible countries worldwide
- Applications are submitted through the U.S. Embassy in the applicant’s home country
- Each country manages its own deadline and selection process
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Sector or Thematic Focus
- Public policy and public administration
- Communications and journalism
- Economic development and finance
- Technology policy and natural resources
- Public health, education, and law
- Any professional field with relevance to national development and public service
Application Process
Applications are submitted online at apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey through the U.S. Embassy in the applicant’s home country. Deadlines vary by country, generally falling between late June and mid-August 2026. Shortlisted candidates proceed to interviews, followed by an English language assessment. Final candidates are notified in early 2027.
Required Materials
- Completed online application with essay responses addressing professional goals and program intentions
- Official academic transcripts
- Two letters of reference
- English language proficiency evidence (TOEFL required at shortlist stage)
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Key Dates
- Application deadline: 15 August 2026
- Program start: August 2027
- Program end: June 2028
Selection Notes
- Fellows are selected on leadership potential, commitment to public service, and capacity to benefit from a self-directed program
- Candidates under 30 must clearly demonstrate the maturity required for an independent, flexible program of study
- Applicants should contact their nearest U.S. Embassy for country-specific deadlines and requirements