The Humphrey Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for professionals in leadership roles, committed to public service and the development of their countries. Fellows engage in academic studies and gain practical professional experience to enhance their skills and broaden their knowledge across various fields.

The Humphrey fellows undertake master's-level work directly related to their professional needs and fields of interest but it does not result in the awarding of a degree. They are assigned in clusters of 8-15 to the institution offering the most appropriate program in their area of interest. These clusters are balanced geographically, permitting interaction among fellows from various countries. The host universities are chosen for their excellence in the Humphrey fields and for the resources and support they offer Humphrey fellows. Programs arranged for the Humphrey fellows will begin in August 2027. Programs include academic course work at the master's level, and place considerable emphasis on activities such as seminars, special projects, field trips, attendance at professional meetings and conferences, networking with professional counterparts, and professional affiliations with appropriate organizations. These activities provide fellows with practical experience in their fields outside the university setting. Each fellow designs his/her individual program with the Humphrey coordinator’s assistance.

Program Components:

• Non-Degree Academic Study: Humphrey fellows pursue intensive study programs at participating U.S. host institutions. U.S. campuses are selected through a competitive process based on their ability to offer institutional and professional resources for cohorts of Fellows in designated fields of study. Humphrey fellows may not request placement at any particular university. Each campus has at least one designated faculty coordinator for academic and administrative support. In addition, faculty advisors assist Fellows in pursuing balanced academic and professional programs. Humphrey fellows cannot transfer from non-degree status to degree status under any circumstances during their program.
• Leadership and Professional Development: Professional enrichment activities include visits to relevant industries, think tanks, and professional organizations; conferences; and a professional affiliation placement. The professional affiliation provides firsthand exposure to a U.S. work environment on a full-time basis for a minimum period of six weeks. Early in the academic year, each Fellow develops (in coordination with the faculty advisor) a detailed plan of practical professional activities geared to program objectives.

During their Humphrey year, fellows are expected to be resourceful, display initiative, and network with U.S. organizations and professionals.

The program is designed for young and mid-career professionals with leadership potential who are committed to public service. Applicants should have relevant professional experience and the potential for professional advancement. Women and candidates from minority and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates should demonstrate the required experience, skills, and commitment while also indicating how they can benefit from this program in ways that they have not experienced previously and are not likely to experience without the Humphrey program.

Candidates should be proficient in both written and spoken English and will be required to take internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).

In addition to the General Prerequisites, the applicant:

• Must have completed an equivalent of a U.S. 4-year bachelor’s or undergraduate degree. Applicants must either possess a four-year bachelor's degree or a completed master's degree; or a full-time postgraduate diploma, if the bachelor's degree is of less than four years' duration;
• Must have at least five years of full-time professional experience prior to August 2026 and be eligible for leave;
• Have management or policy responsibilities, including for those who are university teachers and/or teachers of English as a foreign language.
• Should have demonstrated leadership qualities;
• Should have a record of public service in the community; and
• Must give an undertaking to return to India on completion of the fellowship.

Candidates meeting any of the following descriptions will be rendered technically ineligible to participate in the Humphrey Program:

• Individuals with less than five years of full-time professional experience prior to August 2026.
• University teachers with no management or policy responsibilities, except for teachers of English as a foreign language and specialists in substance abuse prevention and treatment.
• Individuals who have attended a graduate school in the United States for one academic year or more.
• Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status.
• Have participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Local employees of U.S. Missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State, or the former U.S. Agency for International Development, including temporary employees and contractors, and members of their families, as well as individuals who work for or are otherwise associated with an organization that is responsible for nominating or selecting individuals for participation in any ECA exchange program.
• Candidates with an English language assessment (TOEFL/Duolingo/IELTS) score lower than 72/100/6.0. However, English language test scores are not required at the application stage. Shortlisted nominees will be asked to take an approved test on or before October 1, 2026, and test vouchers will be provided to cover the fee.

Previous Experience in the United States or Third Country

• Previous experience in the United States is not necessarily a disqualifying factor provided the number of years spent in the United States has not been substantial (more than three years), and the candidate has been back in their home country and employed at a level of professional responsibility for at least four years.
• A candidate with recent third-country experience, especially in developed countries, may have a less compelling need for the Humphrey Fellowship Program than one without significant professional opportunity abroad. If a candidate has had recent professional or study experience in another developed country, the Nomination Committee Report should clearly explain why this experience did not address their need for professional training and leadership development.

The fellowship provides tuition and fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges per U.S. Government guidelines, a modest allowance for books and supplies, round-trip international air travel to the host institution, and allowances for professional activities such as field trips, professional visits, and conferences. These fellowships do not provide an allowance for dependents, and the stipend provided under the grant is not sufficient to support family members. The program will involve a number of activities where it will be difficult to include dependents.

• Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey
• Please carefully review the Hubert H Humphrey Applicant Instructions before starting your online application.
• If employed, please upload the Employer’s Endorsement Form on the online application.

Note:

• In case of central or state government employees, the signed copy of employer’s endorsement form should be forwarded through the cadre controlling authority. In case of employed candidates, the employer's comments in the employer’s endorsement form must indicate that leave will be granted for the fellowship. Please upload a scanned copy of the employer’s endorsement on your online application.
• Applicants are advised to invite two referees through their online application portal and request them to submit their recommendations online as per the guidelines given in the applicant instructions. Referee(s) should complete confidential report of reference by the application deadline.

Timeline and Placement Process

Visit https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/ for more details on Humphrey Fellowship Program.

For any queries contact: ffsp@usief.org.in

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 9, 2026, 23:59:59 hrs (IST)