Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Guide

About the Humphrey Fellowship Program

The exact application window for the current round is not stated in the details published here, but the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a confirmed, recurring program and this article covers the 2026 cycle. You should confirm the precise deadline on the official website before you begin.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship brings experienced professionals to the United States for one year of non-degree study and professional development. It is a US government exchange program, and it does not lead to an academic degree. Instead, it combines graduate-level coursework with practical work experience.

Who Runs the Program

The Humphrey Fellowship is a US government-funded exchange initiative. Fellows are placed at host universities across the United States, where they take courses and connect with professionals in their field. Because placement is arranged through the program, you do not apply directly to a specific campus at the outset.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

This is a non-degree fellowship, so it sits outside the usual master’s or PhD track. Fellows pursue graduate-level study alongside professional attachments. The program covers a broad range of policy and public-service fields, such as public health, education, law and human rights, economic development, natural resources, and communications. Check the official site for the full list of eligible fields for the current cycle.

Number of Fellowships Available

The number of Humphrey Fellowship awards for the current cycle is not specified in the details available here. Placements are made annually across many participating countries, and the total varies year to year. For an exact figure, confirm with the program or the sponsoring office in your country.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship targets mid-career professionals with a track record of public service and leadership. It is aimed at people who plan to return home and apply what they learn. Applicants generally come from designated countries and are early in their leadership arc, rather than senior officials near the end of a career.

Funding and Benefits

The Humphrey Fellowship is fully funded. As a fellow, you can expect the program to cover:

• Tuition and university fees for the non-degree year
• A monthly living stipend
• International travel to and from the United States
• Health coverage for the fellowship period
• Professional development activities and a related work placement

The fellowship runs for one academic year. Confirm the current benefit amounts on the official website, since figures can change between cycles.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirements vary slightly by country, but the core criteria are consistent:

• An undergraduate (first university) degree
• Several years of full-time professional experience, typically five or more
• A clear record of leadership and public service
• Strong English-language ability, as coursework is in English
• Limited or no prior experience living in the United States
• A commitment to return to your home country after the fellowship

Because eligibility details differ by nominating country, read the country-specific guidance before you apply.

How to Apply for the Humphrey Fellowship

Applications are handled through the official program platform, and in many countries the process runs via the local US embassy or a partner office. For the 2026 application cycle, confirm the exact deadline on the official website, since the closing date is not fixed in the information here and it can differ from country to country.

General steps to follow:

1. Read the eligibility and field requirements for your country
2. Complete the online application form
3. Prepare and upload your supporting documents
4. Submit before the country-specific deadline

Supporting documents usually requested include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• A current CV or resume
• Personal statement or essays
• Letters of reference
• English-language test results, where required

If you miss the deadline for your country, you generally must wait for the next annual cycle. Because the fellowship recruits once a year, plan your documents well ahead. For questions, use the contact channel listed on the official application page.

Official Humphrey Fellowship Website

Apply and read the full country guidance on the official page: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/how-to-apply/.