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Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship

About the Award

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa who are currently living in their home countries or residing in Australia to undertake a fully funded, ten-month, non-degree professional development program in the United States.

This prestigious program supports participants to enhance their leadership capabilities, expand their professional networks, and deepen their understanding of policy and practice in their fields. Through tailored placements at selected US universities, Fellows engage in academic coursework, professional affiliations, leadership development, and collaboration with US counterparts.

Established in 1978 to honor the legacy of US Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, this program aims to foster global collaboration through mutual exchange and professional enrichment. It is part of the broader family of Fulbright Exchange Programs. The program is funded by the US Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Fields of Study

Humphrey Fellows are selected based on their field of professional focus, rather than geographic region. Applicants are encouraged to select a field that aligns with their career experience and goals. The program’s eligible fields are grouped into four thematic categories:

Human and Institutional Capacity

Economic Policy and Finance
Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration
Technology Policy and Management

Rights and Freedoms

Communications and Journalism
Law and Human Rights

Sustainable Lands

Agriculture and Rural Development
Natural Resources and Environmental Policy
Urban and Regional Planning

Thriving Communities

Public Health Policy and Management
Substance Abuse Education and Policy*
Educational Administration, Planning, and Policy

*Note on Substance Abuse Education and Policy field: ECA cooperates with the National Institute on Drug Abuse which provides some co-funding to work with Humphrey Fellows specifically in the field of substance abuse. Candidates must have either a research background in the field or demonstrated ability to learn the results and policy implications of current research. The candidates should be recruited and ranked together with candidates in other Humphrey program fields of study and must complete the supplementary field-specific page of the application for this topic area.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online. You will be asked to provide:

Completed application form
English-language proficiency test results (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Two letters of recommendation (including one from your current supervisor)
Academic transcripts and degree certificates (with English translations)
Curriculum vitae
Proof of identity (passport or government-issued ID)

Eligibility

General Criteria

Must a citizen of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, or Samoa (dual citizenship with Australia is acceptable)

Must not currently hold US permanent residency or citizenship, or be receiving another U.S. government-funded scholarship.

Must be currently residing in Australia or one of the above Pacific Island nations.

Must have at least five years of full-time professional experience after completing their undergraduate degree.

Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Must be working in the public or non-profit sectors, including NGOs or in education.

Must currently employed, with employer support for leave to undertake the program.

Award Criteria

Must demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to public or community service

Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) or equivalent

Must be proficient in English (minimum scores - TOEFL iBT: 71, IELTS: 6.0, Duolingo: 115)

Must have clear alignment between their professional goals and the Humphrey Program focus areas.

Have readiness to engage in meaningful exchange and collaboration with US counterparts.

Benefits

Monthly Stipend:

For a maximum of 10 months.

International Travel Allowance:

Round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar’s home city and the city of the host institution.

Pre-academic English Language Training:

If required

Program Tuition and Fees:

Fully covered for the duration of the program.

Supplementary Funds:

For professional activities such as field trips or conferences

Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE):

A limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy.

Note: The program does not provide funding for dependents. Fellows must be able to participate for the full duration of the fellowship and should plan to bring additional personal funds for incidental expenses.