The Humphrey Fellowship Program 2023–2024 is now accepting applications. In order to advance solutions to the most urgent global challenges, such as combating climate change, protecting human rights, expanding access to education, and constructing global health security, the Humphrey Fellowship Programme, a Fulbright Exchange, forges relationships between U.S. and foreign leaders.
In 1978, the Humphrey Fellowship Program was established in memory of the late vice president and senator Hubert H. Humphrey. In order to build a program that encompassed the principles of democracy, social fairness, and a desire to aid the developing world, President Jimmy Carter announced the creation of the Humphrey Fellowship Programme in Venezuela. The first Humphrey Fellows came in the US in 1979, bringing with them 27 mid-career professionals from 24 to 11 U.S universities.
Fellowship Components:
- Professional Affiliation: A core component of the Humphrey Fellowship Programme is a
six-week Professional Affiliation (PA) experience that allows Fellows to collaborate with U.S.-
based organizations, share best practices and knowledge with U.S. professionals, and apply
their classroom learning to real-world settings. Humphrey Fellows serve an essential role at
U.S. organizations while forming connections and impact that last long beyond their
Fellowship year. - Humphrey Seminar: The Humphrey Seminar is a required course where Humphrey Fellows
develop their individual programme goals and plan. It focuses on broad programmatic
objectives, including an increased understanding of U.S. society and culture, professional
networking, and leadership development. - Global Leadership Forum: The Global Leadership Forum provides an opportunity for all
Humphrey Fellows to participate in activities that enhance their leadership and professional
skills; develop their understanding of social, cultural, and political processes and institutions;
foster cross-sector collaboration between the cohort; and leverage the resources and
networks available to them in our nation’s capital. - Professional Development: The Humphrey Fellowship provides development
opportunities to contribute to Humphrey Fellows’ professional growth and help them build
partnerships that can take their work to the next level. - Academic Enrichment: Humphrey Fellows are placed in cohorts at one of 13 Humphrey
host universities based on the host university’s impact areas and the Fellows’ professional
expertise. Humphrey Fellows partake in an educational experience where they learn from
renowned faculty without the expectation of meeting specific degree or diploma
requirements.
Funding:
The Humphrey Fellowship Programme is a Fulbright exchange activity funded by the U.S. Department of
State and administered by the Institute of International Education.
The Fellowship includes:
- Payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university
- Pre-academic English language training, if required
- A maintenance (living) allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance
- Accident and sickness coverage
- A book allowance
- A one-time computer subsidy
- Air travel (international travel to and from the U.S. for the Program and domestic travel to
required program events) - A Professional Development allowance for professional activities, such as field trips,
professional visits, and conferences
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country.
- Have an undergraduate (first university or Bachelor’s) degree.
- Have a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience .
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service in the community.
- Limited experience in the United States.
- Demonstrated English language ability.
Application:
Interested applicants must apply through the U.S. Embassy (Public Affairs Section) or Binational Fulbright
Commission in their country. Application deadlines vary by country.
Applications must contain:
- Complete answers to all questions; essay responses in English must thoroughly address the
prompt. - Two letters of reference in English; one must be from the applicant’s current employer.
- Official transcripts in English: Ensure all transcripts uploaded by the applicant are official,
valid documents. Transcripts must list courses taken and grades received. Diplomas need
only be uploaded if the transcript does not show proof that the degree was obtained.
