Want to spend 10 months in the U.S. sharpening your leadership skills, living stipend guaranteed, and all expenses covered? The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a fully funded, non-degree program designed for experienced professionals—covering everything from airfare to housing. Let’s break down what you need to know to apply.
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Why This Fellowship Is Worth It
- Full tuition at a top U.S. university
- Monthly living stipend, plus settling-in allowance
- International and domestic airfare covered
- Insurance, book/machine allowance, and professional development funds
- A six-week Professional Affiliation placement at a U.S. organization
- Leadership training and network building in Washington D.C. & beyond
Who Is Eligible?
You’re eligible if you:
Your Score
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- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Have at least 5 years of full-time professional experience by August 2026
- Are between 32–45 years old (depending on country rules)
- Demonstrate leadership skills and public service commitment
- Have limited or no prior experience in the U.S.
- Can show strong English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
- Are a citizen or resident of an eligible country (check region list)
- Obtain official endorsement and support from your current employer confirming time off for the Fellowship year
Note: University lecturers or researchers may be ineligible unless they currently hold leadership or policy roles
What Subjects Are Covered?
Eligible areas include policy-focused and development-oriented fields like:
- Economic Development / Finance & Banking
- Public Policy / Administrative Reform
- Technology & Innovation Policy
- Journalism, Law & Human Rights
- Agricultural / Rural Development, Environment
- Urban & Regional Planning
- Public Health Policy, Education and Substance Abuse Prevention eqopp.com+15humphreyfellowship.org+15Doctors Online Ethiopia+15daadscholarship.com+3careeroppotunities+3Opportunities Corners+3daadscholarship.com+4Opportunities Pedia+4ferct.com+4
Application Timeline & Process
- Application window: opens May–June 2025 (varies by country), closes by 31 July 2025 Doctors Online Ethiopia+1ferct.com+1
- Apply online via IIE’s portal—do not send paper applications humphreyfellowship.org+5Doctors Online Ethiopia+5careeroppotunities+5
- Your national Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy is responsible for initial screening and nomination
- Shortlisted candidates may attend interviews in September 2025
- Final decisions are expected by early 2026, with the program starting in August–September 2026 Doctors Online Ethiopia+7eqopp.com+7humphreyfellowship.org+7daadscholarship.com+1ferct.com+1
Real Example
Imagine Kamaal, a public health policy manager from Kenya, with 8 years’ experience and a leadership role in HIV prevention programs. He applies through the Kenyan Fulbright Commission, is shortlisted, passes the interview, and becomes a Humphrey Fellow—spending 2026–27 in the U.S. studying at a top university and interning at a health policy think tank.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing your country’s deadline (country-level cutoff may differ)
- Submitting incomplete essays or missing employer support letters
- Applying without checking if you’ve spent significant time in the U.S. already
- Ignoring age or leadership role requirements
- Assuming your university profile qualifies—you need explicit management or policy responsibility eqopp.comferct.com
FAQ
Do I need a degree?
Yes—a bachelor’s or equivalent is required.
Is living support included?
Yes—a monthly stipend, insurance, and travel allowances are provided daadscholarship.comGlobal South Opportunities+3publichealthupdate.com+3careeroppotunities+3.
Does the fellowship offer a degree?
No—it’s a non-degree professional development program.
Can I bring family members?
Only after the first program month—and you’ll need to prove you can support them eqopp.com+10publichealthupdate.com+10thesamal.com+10Reddit.
Application Checklist
- [ ] Verified eligibility in your country (age, years experience, field)
- [ ] CV, leadership and work samples prepared
- [ ] Two letters of recommendation (including one employer reference)
- [ ] English proficiency test score (if required)
- [ ] Employer letter confirming leave for fellowship year
- [ ] Essays and form responses completed in English
- [ ] Submitted to IIE portal via your U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission
Why You Should Apply
This is not just a professional development trip—it’s a transformational experience. You’ll join a global network of Fellows, enhance leadership skills, and return home with real-world experience and expanded impact in your field. If you meet the criteria, don’t wait—start your application now and open doors to change.
For more details or to begin your application:
👉 Visit the official Humphrey Fellowship site: How to apply & eligibility
