Hubert Humphrey Fellowships 2026 for International Students

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright Exchange established in 1978 to honor the late U.S. Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, is a prestigious, fully funded, non-degree program designed for mid-career professionals from designated countries. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the program offers international students a 10-month opportunity in the United States to enhance leadership skills, engage in professional development, and foster mutual understanding through academic study and collaboration with U.S. counterparts. Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and funded by the U.S. Department of State, it aims to address global challenges in fields like public policy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Program Overview

• Duration: 10 months (August 2026 to June 2027).
• Structure: Combines non-degree graduate-level coursework at U.S. host universities with professional enrichment activities, including internships, field trips, workshops, and networking.
• Objective: Develops leadership and policy expertise through tailored academic programs and professional affiliations, fostering lasting ties between U.S. and international professionals.
• Host Universities: Fellows are placed in groups of 7-15 at one of 13 selected U.S. universities (e.g., UC Davis, University of Minnesota, Boston University), chosen for their excellence in relevant fields. Fellows cannot choose their host institution.

Eligible Fields of Study

The program supports professionals in fields critical to societal and institutional advancement, including:

• Agricultural and Rural Development
• Communications/Journalism
• Economic Development
• Educational Administration, Planning, and Policy
• Finance and Banking
• Law and Human Rights
• Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change
• Public Health Policy and Management
• Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration
• Substance Abuse Education, Treatment, and Prevention
• Technology Policy and Management
• Urban and Regional Planning
• Humphrey/National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Fellowships for substance abuse research.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026-2027 Humphrey Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be citizens of eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, East Asia and Pacific, South and Central Asia, or the Western Hemisphere.
• Hold an undergraduate (first university or Bachelor’s) degree.
• Have at least five years of full-time professional experience in their field (prior to August 2026).
• Have limited or no prior experience in the United States.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and a record of public service.
• Be proficient in English (TOEFL or equivalent required for finalists; pre-academic English training available for select candidates).
• Additional Notes:
  • University teachers or researchers without management responsibilities are ineligible, except in substance abuse education/policy.
  • Employees of U.S. Missions or their immediate families are ineligible until one year after employment termination.

Benefits

The Humphrey Fellowship is fully funded, covering:

• 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 insurance.
• A book allowance.
• A one-time computer subsidy.
• Air travel (international to/from the U.S. and domestic for program events).
• A professional development allowance for activities like field trips, professional visits, and conferences.
• Costs for standardized tests (e.g., TOEFL) and J-1 visa assistance.
  Note: The fellowship does not cover expenses for accompanying family members, who require prior approval and must have adequate personal funds for living expenses and health insurance.

Application Process

• How to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the IIE website (https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey). Candidates must contact the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section or Binational Fulbright Commission in their home country for specific requirements and deadlines.
• Required Documents:
  • Complete online application with detailed responses to all questions.
  • Two letters of reference in English (one from the current employer).
  • Official transcripts in English for Bachelor’s degree, listing courses and grades.
  • Employer’s Authorization Form (if employed).
• Deadlines: Vary by country, typically May to September 2025. Nominations must be submitted to IIE by October 1, 2025.

Selection Process:

• Screening: Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility by U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions.
  • Evaluation: Eligible applications are assessed based on leadership potential, public service commitment, and professional experience.
  • Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel, often including Embassy officials and Humphrey alumni.
  • Final Approval: The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) in Washington, D.C., makes the final selection.
  • Placement: IIE assigns fellows to host universities based on their field and needs.
• Tips: Applicants should provide a compelling narrative showcasing leadership, community impact, and how the fellowship will enhance their professional goals. Ensure all documents are official and in English.

Key Dates for 2026-2027

• Application Period: May to September 2025 (varies by country).
• Nomination Deadline: October 1, 2025 (by Embassies/Commissions to IIE).
• Pre-Departure Orientation: July to August 2026.
• Program Start: August 2026.
• Program End: June 2027.

Impact and Alumni Network

• Approximately 150-200 fellowships are awarded annually to candidates from 162 countries, with over 6,600 alumni since 1978.
• Alumni have held influential roles as heads of state, supreme court justices, and leaders in government, NGOs, and international organizations. Many have introduced policies, programs, and innovative practices in their home countries.
• Example: A Humphrey Fellow from the Philippines, as President of the Humphrey Alumni Association, has worked on human trafficking initiatives, including building rehabilitation centers and training programs.

Additional Information

• English Language Training: A 12-week intensive pre-academic English program is offered for candidates needing language support.
• Professional Affiliations: Fellows engage in a minimum 6-week professional placement for hands-on U.S. work experience.
• Networking: The program fosters connections with U.S. professionals and a global network of fellows, enhancing long-term collaboration.
• Ineligibility: Candidates with significant U.S. experience (over three years) or recent professional/study experience in other developed countries must justify the need for the Humphrey Fellowship.

Contact and Resources

• Contact: Reach out to the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy or Binational Fulbright Commission in your country. For general inquiries, contact IIE at 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, or email [email protected].
• Social Media: Follow the Humphrey Fellowship Program on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HumphreyFellowship) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/HumphreyFellowship) for updates and alumni stories.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a transformative opportunity for mid-career professionals to develop leadership skills, gain global perspectives, and drive positive change in their communities. Interested applicants should verify country-specific requirements and apply early to meet local deadlines.