Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2028, USA (Fully Funded Non-Degree Fellowship)
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2028 is a prestigious fully funded U.S. government fellowship designed for mid-career professionals from around the world. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education, this program offers a 10-month non-degree academic and professional experience at leading universities across the United States.
Unlike traditional scholarships, the Humphrey Fellowship focuses on leadership development, policy engagement, and professional collaboration, making it ideal for experienced professionals seeking career advancement rather than academic degrees.
Degree Level
- Non-degree Fellowship Program
- Duration: 10 months
- Study Location: Approximately 13 host universities in the United States
Available Subjects
The fellowship is offered across multiple professional fields:
Human & Institutional Capacity
- Economic Development
- Finance and Banking
- Public Policy Analysis
- Technology Policy and Management
Rights & Freedoms
- Journalism and Communications
- Law and Human Rights
Sustainable Lands
- Environmental Policy
- Natural Resource Management
- Urban and Regional Planning
Thriving Communities
- Public Health Policy
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Educational Administration
Benefits
Financial Coverage
- Full tuition and university fees
- Monthly living allowance
- One-time settling-in allowance
- Book and academic supplies allowance
Travel & Insurance
- Round-trip international airfare
- Health and accident insurance
- Domestic travel for conferences and professional activities
Professional Development
- Graduate-level coursework
- Professional affiliation (minimum 6 weeks)
- Leadership training and networking events
- Participation in Global Leadership Forum
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of eligible countries (Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Pacific regions)
- Apply through:
- U.S. Embassy (Public Affairs Section), or
- Binational Fulbright Commission in their home country
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (first university degree)
- Have a minimum of 5 years of full-time professional experience
- Demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to public service
- Have limited prior experience in the United States
- Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
Not Eligible:
- Recent graduates or current students
- Applicants with extensive recent U.S. experience
Application Procedure
The application process is country-specific:
Step-by-step guide:
- Check eligibility through your country’s U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission
- Prepare required documents:
- Completed application form
- Essays in English
- Two recommendation letters (one from employer)
- Official academic transcripts
- Submit application through the official channel
- Undergo national selection process
- Final review by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
- Receive final selection notification
Application Timeline
- Application opens: May – August 2026 (varies by country)
- Program start: August 2027
- Selection announcement: Spring 2027
Why Choose the Humphrey Fellowship?
The Humphrey Fellowship stands out from traditional scholarships because it is designed for professionals, not students.
Key advantages include:
- Fully funded U.S. fellowship experience
- No academic degree requirement
- Strong focus on leadership and policy impact
- Access to U.S. institutions and networks
- Global alumni network across 140+ countries
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is best suited for:
- Mid-career professionals (5–15 years experience)
- Policy makers, journalists, public servants, NGO leaders
- Individuals seeking international exposure and leadership training
- Professionals committed to returning home and contributing to development
