Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is fully funded. It covers payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university, a monthly maintenance (living) allowance including a one-time settling-in allowance, accident and sickness coverage, a book allowance, a one-time computer subsidy, and round-trip international airfare to and from the U.S. (including domestic travel for required program events). It also provides a Professional Development allowance for activities such as field trips, professional visits, and conferences. (Estimated total value of $55,000 USD, converted at approximately 95 INR/USD = 5,225,000 INR.)
Inclusions
- **Nationality &
Residency:** Be a citizen of an eligible country and currently residing there at the time of application
Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status are ineligible. - **
Professional
Experience:** Be a mid-career professional with a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience prior to August 2026 (for the 2026-2027 program year), acquired after completing their first university degree
Candidates with only part-time work experience may not be considered eligible. - **
Educational
Qualification:** Hold an undergraduate (first university or Bachelor's) degree, typically a four-year degree, or a completed Master's degree. - **Leadership &
Public
Service:** Demonstrate leadership qualities and a strong record of public service in the community
The program targets individuals committed to public service in either the public or third sector. - **U.S
Experience:** Have limited or no prior experience in the United States
Generally, this means no more than six months of U.S. experience during the five years prior to August 2026, and not having attended a graduate school in the U.S. for one academic year or more during the seven years prior to August 2026. - **
English
Proficiency:** Possess demonstrated English language ability
Shortlisted candidates are required to sit for the TOEFL iBT (test vouchers typically provided), with specific minimum scores often specified by individual countries (e.g., minimum 71 on TOEFL iBT or 6.0 on IELTS for some, though TOEFL is usually mandatory for finalists). - **
Career
Stage:** Be at a point in their careers to fully benefit from a mid-career professional development program
While there's no age limit, the program typically targets professionals aged 30-50. - **
Commitment to
Return:** Demonstrate a commitment to returning to their home country after completing the program and a clear vision of how the fellowship experience will benefit their country and home institution. - **
Ineligible
Candidates:** Recent university graduates (even with significant positions) and university teachers/academic researchers without management or policy responsibilities (except for specialists in English as a Foreign Language or Substance Abuse Prevention/Treatment) are generally ineligible.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Postgraduate
Must be enrolled in Postgraduate.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
The selection process involves several stages: Applicants submit an online application through the U.S
Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their home country
After an initial review, eligible candidates are nominated for further consideration
Shortlisted candidates proceed to in-person interviews conducted by a selection committee comprising Embassy representatives and scholars
An English language assessment (TOEFL iBT) is required for finalists, with test vouchers provided
Final candidate approval is determined by the J
William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
Fellows are selected based on their leadership potential, demonstrated commitment to public service, and capacity to fully benefit from a self-directed, non-degree academic and professional program.
Renewal Policy
The Hubert H
Humphrey Fellowship Program is a one-year, non-degree academic and professional development program
As such, there are no conditions for renewal in subsequent years
Fellows receive a certificate of participation upon successful completion
Participants may generally reapply for the program in future cycles, but they should consult the U.S
Embassy or Fulbright Commission in their country for specific guidelines regarding reapplication.
Application Process
- 1**Learn Application Requirements
** Visit the official program website (humphreyfellowship.org) or your local U.S. Embassy/Fulbright Commission website to review the Call for Proposals and FAQ, confirming eligibility and country-specific deadlines. Deadlines vary by country, generally falling between late June and mid-August 2026 for the 2027-2028 program cycle, or prior to August 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- 2**Create Account
** Register on the online application portal (apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey). Your email address will be your username; ensure you record your password in a secure location.
- 3**Complete Online Application
** Fill out all sections of the application form. It is recommended to draft your essay responses (e.g., professional goals, public service commitment, challenge statement) in a separate document and then paste them into the online text boxes to avoid losing work.
- 4**Upload Required Documents
** Submit official academic transcripts (with certified English translations if originals are not in English), your most recent Resume/CV, and a scan of your passport (if required by your specific country). Diplomas are only needed if transcripts do not show degree attainment.
- 5**Secure Letters of Reference
** Arrange for two letters of reference, one of which must be from your current employer, to be submitted. These should ideally be submitted directly by the recommenders through the online system or as per country-specific instructions.
- 6**English Proficiency Test
** While some countries may accept IELTS for initial application, if you are shortlisted as a finalist, you will be required to take the TOEFL iBT exam (test vouchers are typically provided by the program).
- 7**Review and Submit
** Thoroughly review your entire application for any errors or omissions before the final submission.
- 8**Interviews
** Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview with a selection committee.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
15 August 2026
Application deadlines for the 2027-2028 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program vary by country, generally falling between late June and mid-August 2026. The latest general deadline indicated is August 15, 2026. For instance, the deadline for Ethiopia is July 19, 2026, for Croatia it is July 31, 2026, and for India (USIEF) it is July 9, 2026. Applicants should consult their local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission for country-specific deadlines.
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.Is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship a degree-granting program?
No, the Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program. Participants engage in graduate-level academic coursework and professional development activities, but they do not earn an academic degree. Upon successful completion, Fellows receive a certificate of participation from the U.S. Department of State.
Q.Can I choose which U.S. university I will attend as a Humphrey Fellow?
No, Humphrey Fellows are not able to choose their host university. Instead, they are assigned by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to the most appropriate host institution from a selected list of U.S. universities. Placements are determined based on the Fellow's professional field and area of interest.
Q.Does the fellowship provide financial support for dependents (family members)?
The Humphrey Program does not provide an additional maintenance allowance or financial support for accompanying dependents (spouse or children). While Fellows may apply to bring their family on J-2 visas after arriving in the U.S., they must provide proof of sufficient financial support, adequate health insurance coverage for their dependents, and childcare plans, all at their own expense. Country-specific policies may also apply regarding dependents.
Q.What level of English language proficiency is required for the program?
Applicants must demonstrate strong English language ability. While some U.S. Embassies/Fulbright Commissions may accept IELTS scores for initial application, shortlisted candidates for the Humphrey Fellowship are typically required to take the TOEFL iBT exam. Test vouchers are usually provided for finalists. Specific minimum scores (e.g., TOEFL iBT score of 71) may be specified by individual nominating countries.
Help & Contact Support
Official Support
Need Application Help?
If you have trouble applying, you can check your eligibility or browse our step-by-step application guides.
Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official US Department of State website before final submission.
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