US DEPARTMENT OF STATE / BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
full
- Fully FundedProgram type
- U.S. universitiesHost country
- Non-degree (~10 months)Format
- Mid-career professionalsAudience
- ~5+ yrs experienceRequirement
- Embassy / Fulbright routeApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€60k
Max amount
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
Designated Humphrey countries (varies by year)
Country
US Department of State / Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Provider
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate-level study and professional development. Part of the Fulbright family of exchanges, it is funded by the U.S. Department of State and has operated since 1978. Fellows do not earn a degree; instead they undertake a tailored ~10-month program at a host U.S. university — combining coursework, leadership development, and a professional affiliation/practicum in their field — building expertise and U.S. professional networks. Around 100–200 Fellows participate each year across fields like public health, education, law, economic development, and public policy. Applicants apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in their home country, and selection is competitive, focusing on leadership, a record of public service, and the potential to drive change at home after the fellowship.
What's covered
- Program & tuition costs — Payment of tuition/affiliation costs for the non-degree program at the host university.
- Living allowance — A monthly maintenance (living) allowance for the program period.
- Airfare — Round-trip international travel to and from the United States.
- Health benefits — Accident and sickness benefit coverage (ASPE).
- Professional development — Funding for a professional affiliation/practicum, books, and program-related travel.
- English / enrichment — Pre-academic English training where needed and enrichment activities.
How to apply
Apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country during the application window; each country sets its own process and deadline.
- Check your country — Confirm your country participates and find your Fulbright Commission / U.S. Embassy Humphrey page.
- Prepare your application — Draft your statement of purpose, leadership/public-service record, and professional goals.
- Submit online — Apply via the online Humphrey application by your country's deadline.
- Interview — Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Commission/Embassy.
- National & central review — Nominated candidates are reviewed centrally and matched to a host university.
- Placement & pre-academic — Selected Fellows are placed at a host institution and complete any pre-academic English before the program.
Eligibility
CountryCitizen of a country designated to participate (varies by year and region).
ExperienceAt least ~5 years of full-time professional experience at the time of application.
DegreeAn undergraduate (first university) degree.
Public serviceA record of public service and demonstrated leadership potential.
English & no recent US studyLimited or no prior U.S. experience; English proficiency (training provided where needed).
This is a non-degree program — Fellows do not earn a U.S. degree. Apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country.
Eligible countries
Designated Humphrey countries (varies by year)
Deadlines
2027–28 program (typical)2026-10-01
Selection
Selection is handled by the Fulbright Commission / U.S. Embassy and central review, focusing on leadership, a substantive record of public service, professional accomplishment, and the potential to make a difference on return home. Because it is non-degree, the emphasis is on professional impact rather than academic credentials alone.
Verified sources
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programhumphreyfellowship.orgofficial
About the provider
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), as part of the Fulbright Program. Named for the former U.S. Vice President, it has since 1978 brought mid-career leaders from around the world to the U.S. to strengthen their expertise and professional networks.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship?
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A U.S. Department of State program (part of the Fulbright family) that brings accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries to the U.S. for a ~10-month, non-degree program of study and professional development.
Is it a degree program?
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No — Humphrey is non-degree. Fellows undertake graduate-level coursework, leadership development, and a professional affiliation/practicum, but do not earn a U.S. degree.
Who is eligible?
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Mid-career professionals from designated countries with an undergraduate degree, at least ~5 years of professional experience, a public-service record, and leadership potential.
What does it cover?
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Program/tuition costs, a monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, accident/sickness benefits, professional-development funding, and pre-academic English training where needed.
How do I apply?
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Through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country, which runs its own process and deadline. You cannot apply directly to a U.S. university.
When is the deadline?
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It varies by country, commonly from mid-year through ~October for a program beginning the following August. Check your country's Fulbright/Embassy Humphrey page.
How much experience do I need?
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At least ~5 years of full-time professional experience at application — Humphrey targets established mid-career professionals, not recent graduates.
Which fields are eligible?
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Public-service fields such as public health, education, law and human rights, economic development, public policy, and agricultural/rural development.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive — selection emphasises leadership, public-service impact, and potential to drive change at home, assessed through application review and interview.
Can I choose my host university?
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No — Fellows are placed at a host U.S. institution (often in a cluster of Fellows) based on field and fit; you do not select the university yourself.
Is there a return-home requirement?
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Yes — like other Fulbright exchanges, Humphrey Fellows are subject to the J-1 two-year home-residency requirement and are expected to apply their experience at home.
What is the professional affiliation?
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A practicum/affiliation with a relevant U.S. organisation during the year, letting Fellows gain hands-on professional experience alongside their academic program.