The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program enhances leadership among international professionals who collaborate to address local and global challenges and foster change for our collective good.
Through academic study and professional development with U.S. counterparts, this growing global network shares best practices and builds expertise in fields of critical importance to advance societal and institutional capacity, promote human rights and freedoms, ensure sustainable environments, and develop thriving communities.
Description Details of the Program
The Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright Exchange, builds connections between U.S. and international professionals to advance solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from developing technology policy, to protecting human rights, and strengthening global health security.
Program History
The Humphrey Fellowship is a ten-month program that combines academic coursework, professional experiences, and networking opportunities. Unlike a traditional degree program, the fellowship focuses on practical skills and leadership development rather than obtaining a formal degree. Fellows are placed at selected U.S. universities that offer tailored study and training in their respective fields.
The program was established in 1978 to honor Hubert H. Humphrey, the 38th Vice President of the United States and a strong advocate for global cooperation and human rights. Since its inception, over 6,000 fellows from more than 160 countries have participated in the program, strengthening ties between the U.S. and the global community.
Eligibility Criteria for The Hubert H. Humphrey Program
To be eligible for The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country.
- Have a minimum of five years of professional experience.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to public service.
- Possess a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- Have the capacity to take full advantage of a self-defined program of independent non-degree study at a leading U.S. university.
Humphrey Fellowship Components
The Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program. It is designed to provide broad professional enrichment through a combination of activities tailored to each Humphrey Fellow’s interests.
- Global Leadership Forum.
- Humphrey Seminar.
- Professional Development.
- Academic Enrichment.
Benefits of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Humphrey Fellowship provides a fully funded experience, which covers the following;
- Tuition and fees at the host university.
- Living stipend and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Round-trip airfare.
- Professional development funds (for conferences, training, or field trips).
- Mentorship, networking events, and workshops to refine their leadership skills and build international partnerships.
The Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive, involving;
- Application submission through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in the applicant’s home country.
- Review and shortlisting by a national selection panel.
- Final selection by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the U.S. Department of State.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Fields of Study
The Humphrey Fellowship covers various fields that align with public service and development. They include;
- Sustainable Development (Agriculture, Climate Change, Urban Planning).
- Democratic Institution Building (Public Policy, Law, Human Rights).
- Education (Education Policy, Administration, and Planning).
- Public Health (HIV/AIDS Policy, Health Management, Substance Abuse Education).
- Technology and Communications.
Application Deadline: The application deadlines for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program vary by country and are determined by the respective U.S. Embassies or Binational Fulbright Commissions. In Nigeria, the U.S. Mission typically announces the call for applications in the first half of the year, with deadlines often falling between June and July.