Hubert Humphrey Fellowship 2026 in USA
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship 2026 is a special fellowship program in the USA. This fellowship is a great opportunity for applicants who have reached a certain point in their career and now want to learn more and do something big for the betterment of their country. This fellowship program is for those who:
- Have been working for a few years: That is, you have completed your studies and have a good work experience of 8 to 18 years in your field (this is called "Mid-career professionals". In simple words, you have come a long way in your job).
- Are a leader in your field or want to be: You have the quality that you want to do something good for your country or your community.
- Do not want to go for a degree: This fellowship is not to get you a Masters or PhD degree. This is a special program of only 10 to 12 months in which you study a little in the United States and also see how things work there, so that you can improve in your field.
It is not exactly for young and young students like the Knight Hennessy Scholarship. It is for those who have already advanced a little in their careers and now want to learn more and make new connections so that they can return to their country and do better.
Also Check: Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2026-27 in USA
What Will You Get from the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship? (Benefits)
This scholarship is completely free (Fully Funded), meaning that most of your expenses will be borne by the US government itself:
- Full Tuition Fees: You will have the full fee of the courses taught at any university, absolutely free.
- Living Stipend: You will get a good amount of money every month for living expenses (such as rent, food, etc.).
- Travel Expenses: Airfare to and from the United States.
- Health Insurance: Your health will be insured in the US, meaning that if you get sick, the cost of treatment will be covered by the scholarship.
- Book Expenses: You will also get money to buy textbooks and supplies.
- Development Money: You will also get some extra money for your professional development, such as if you have to attend a workshop or conference.
- Special Training (Internship): You may also get a 6-week job learning opportunity (internship) in American institutions.
- English Preparation (if needed): If your English is a little low, some people may also be given 20 to 25 weeks of English language training first.
Who Can Apply? (Requirements)
Here are the special requirements for those applying:
Your Nationality
You must be an eligible citizen and reside in an eligible country at the time of application or when you are selected.
Experience
You should have 8 to 18 years of solid work experience in your field (neither too new nor too old).
Education
You should have at least 16 years of education, i.e. 4 years of bachelor's degree or 2 years of bachelor's plus master's degree.
English Language
You should be fluent in both spoken and written English.
Promise to Return
You must promise to return after the fellowship and serve your country. And have a guarantee of returning to your old job (i.e. your organization should write that we will hire you back).
Leadership Potential
You have the passion to lead others and do something good for society.
No Prior Experience in the US
You have not obtained a degree from the US in the last 7 years and have not worked or resided in the US for a long time in the last 5 years.
Not a Dual Citizen
If you have dual nationality you cannot apply.
Not a University Teacher or Researcher
If you only teach or do research at a university and do not have management work experience, you cannot apply. This fellowship is mostly for those who have practical work experience, i.e. those who work in the field.
Also Check: University of Bonn International Fellowship Program 2026
Key Areas of the Fellowship (Your Field Should Be One of Them)
This fellowship is for people from various fields, such as:
- Public Policy
- Environmental & Climate Change Policy
- Education
- Public Health
- Journalism
- Agriculture and Rural Development
- Human Rights and Law
- Technology Policy
- Economic Development
- Urban and Regional Planning, etc. (You will need to check your field in detail on their website)
How to Apply?
The entire application process is done online and is done through USEFP.
Visit the USEFP Website
Go to the USEFP website: Look for the “Humphrey Fellowship” section there.
Fill the Online Form
There you will find an online application form that you will need to fill in completely.
Prepare the Necessary Documents
You will need to prepare these documents:
- Your CV (Biodata): A detailed CV highlighting your work and achievements.
- Transcripts of All Your Previous Degrees: To verify your academic credentials.
- Your Personal Essays: You will need to write some essays that describe your thinking, leadership, and your goals.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation: Get letters from people who know you well and can speak to your leadership and work skills. These letters will be sent directly by your recommenders.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency: Such as Duolingo Test, or IELTS/TOEFL scores (if available).
- Employer's Guarantee: A statement from your employer that they will hire you back after the fellowship.
Also Check: Study in Germany for Free Without IELTS Complete Guide
Apply Online
Upload all documents online and submit them before the deadline.
Interview
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview by USEFP or the US Embassy.
Important Dates (For 2026)
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2025. (This date is very important, be sure to apply before then!)
- Interview: Early September 2025 (if you are invited for an interview).
- Decision Announcement: Will be announced in February 2026.
- Fellowship Start Time: Late 2026 or early 2027.
Some Easy Tips for Success
- Start Preparing on Time: The application process is very long and difficult. Start early so that you don’t miss anything.
- Show Experience and Leadership: Describe your work experience and leadership qualities very clearly in your application.
- Pay Special Attention to the Essays: In your personal essays, explain why you want this fellowship and what good you will do for your country when you return. This section is very important.
- Letters of Recommendation: Get letters from people who can describe your work and qualities very well. Give them all the information on time and also remind them.
- Staying in Your Field: This is an opportunity to increase your expertise especially in your own field.
- Return to Work Guarantee: A letter from your current employer stating that you will be hired back after the fellowship.