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What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship?
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright exchange, advances American interests by bringing influential professionals from priority countries to the United States to build strategic partnerships that advance shared interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Through graduate-level study and professional experiences at U.S. host universities and organizations, Humphrey Fellows gain practical insight into how American policies are developed and implemented, working alongside U.S. experts in their fields.
The Humphrey Fellowship uses a cohort model focused on specific fields of study, with groups of Fellows placed in multinational cohorts at host universities around the United States. Fellows develop leadership and policy expertise through tailored academic coursework and professional affiliations with U.S. organizations.
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.
Program Description
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright exchange, was established in 1978 to advance U.S. foreign policy goals through the exchange of mid-career professionals representing over 100 eligible countries from all world regions. Over 7,100 Fellows representing 177 countries have participated in the program since its inception.
Humphrey Fellows and alumni develop expertise in fields critical to U.S. foreign policy and gain direct experience with American institutions, standards, and perspectives. They use this knowledge to shape national policy, promote stability, and foster long-term cooperation with the United States. A recent evaluation found that 61 percent of Humphrey alumni return home and work in government in some capacity. Additionally, 46 percent of alumni report having developed national policies, created national programs, served as national trainers, and/or advised government officials on legislation in their home countries.
During their fellowship, Humphrey Fellows participate in non-degree study at approximately eight host campuses across the United States and complete at least six weeks of a professional affiliation at a U.S.-based private sector, governmental, non-governmental, or international organization. Through their academic and professional experiences, Fellows gain knowledge about the United States, deepen their professional expertise and experience in fields of strategic importance to the United States, and expand their networks to include U.S. counterparts. Fellowship alumni serve as critical interlocutors to help achieve U.S. foreign policy goals, strengthen bilateral relationships, and advance U.S. interests.
Please visit the Humphrey Fellowship Program website (www.humphreyfellowship.org ) for more information about eligible program fields.
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.
Although Fellows will spend time in an academic setting and take classes at a U.S. university, the Humphrey Fellowship Program is designated as a non-degree program by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Humphrey Fellows cannot transfer from non-degree status to degree status under any circumstances during their program. This program is not designed for applicants wishing to complete a degree or pursue research within traditional academic disciplines. Degree-seeking candidates should contact the local EducationUSA advising center and/or other relevant programs and services.
Leadership and Professional Development: The professional component of the Humphrey Fellowship Program differentiates it from other exchange programs. Each Fellow, with the host university’s assistance, develops a plan carefully geared to their training needs, including both academic work and professional experiences. 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.
Community Engagement: An important aspect of the Humphrey Fellowship Program is the Fellow’s role as a resource at the university and in the community in increasing international understanding. Interest in a broad range of activities both on-campus and off makes the most rewarding year for Fellows.
Fields of Study
The 2027-2028 Humphrey Fellowship fields of study have been consolidated into six main fields:
Communications and Journalism
Humphrey Fellows strengthen information integrity and U.S. influence in the global media space by their work in media and communications, including investigative and responsible journalism, national broadcasting, digital media, and public relations. They uphold individual freedoms in the digital age, manage strategic communications, promote free expression, and advance transparent media to strengthen information integrity and support open public debate.
Law and Governance
Humphrey Fellows advance rules-based systems that support U.S. security interests by working as attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders, advancing the rule of law, strengthening security frameworks, and supporting fair and accountable justice systems. They work to combat transnational crime and trafficking, fight corruption, ensure accountability for violations on personal freedoms, and promote transparent and effective governance.
Natural Resources Policy
Humphrey Fellows drive policies that support energy independence, resource security, and economic resilience. Their work spans critical minerals, energy systems, water, and agriculture—ensuring reliable supply chains, strengthening food security, and reducing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by strategic competitors. This work directly supports U.S. economic strength and global stability.
Public and Economic Policy
Humphrey Fellows address critical public and economic policy challenges in multiple disciplines across local, regional, and national levels that drive economic growth, workforce development, and market expansion aligned with U.S. interests. They work in fields such as trade and investment, workforce development, education policy and administration, fiscal and monetary policy, public-private partnerships, and public sector management. Fellows design and implement evidence-informed policies that promote economic growth and security, strengthen institutions, and support effective domestic and foreign policy decision-making.
Public Health Policy and Management
Humphrey Fellows develop self-reliant and resilient local health systems in global health by addressing public health challenges, including preventing infectious disease outbreaks, through policy development, service delivery, surveillance, and institutional preparedness. Fellows serve as health policymakers, physicians, clinical managers, health educators, and practitioners, shaping policies that manage public health risks in ways that protect American lives and economic stability.
Technology Policy and Management
Humphrey Fellows develop and implement strategies and policies to manage the societal, economic, and security impacts of emerging and established technologies to ensure the United States and its partners lead in this area while protecting against misuse by adversaries. They work on issues such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, biotechnology and health technologies, and technology’s role in urban planning, transportation, and workforce transformation.
Eligibility
The Humphrey Fellowship Program is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of professionals who will make contributions to their communities as well as their professional fields.
Fellows are selected through a competitive process based on their potential for leadership and commitment to public service in both the public and private sector. Appropriate candidates are individuals working in either the public or private sector with demonstrated leadership ability and a demonstrated commitment to public service.
Prospective fellows:
Have a minimum of five years full-time professional experience post undergraduate degree (prior to August 2026) in the relevant field
Be interested in the policy aspects of their field of specialization
Be at a point in their careers to fully benefit from this professional development program
Be policy makers, managers, and/or administrators, not technicians or researchers
Have achieved positions of significant responsibility at the national, regional, or local level and show clear promise to assume greater future leadership roles
Please note that candidates must have completed a university degree program requiring at least four years of full-time study to qualify for participation in U.S. graduate study programs. There should be evidence that the candidate’s academic background is sufficiently strong, both in terms of the type of academic preparation and the level of achievement, to enable the individual to successfully undertake graduate-level study at a major U.S. university.
Candidates should be proficient in both written and spoken English and must have an English language assessment (TOEFL/Duolingo/IELTS) score of 72/100/6.0 equivalent or higher.
Candidates must understand that the program is non-degree granting; be aware that they cannot transfer to degree status in any program, and therefore will not be able to become degree candidates after arriving in the United States; and realize that they have a commitment to return home after the Fellowship for at least two years to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired to assist their communities and their country.
Candidates should have both the need to participate in the program and the potential to benefit from it. Accordingly, they should demonstrate the required experience, skills, and commitment while also indicating how they can benefit from this program in ways they have not experienced previously and are not likely to experience without the Humphrey Fellowship. Applicants with distinguished records but no compelling need for the Humphrey experience are not appropriate candidates.
Candidates should be currently employed and have the support of their employers; they should discuss their training plans with their supervisors to make sure they will be able to obtain a leave of absence for a period of 10 months. Continuation of salary support is particularly important for Fellows who must support dependents whether at home or in the United States.
Personal Qualities for Success
During their year, Fellows are expected to be resourceful, display initiative, and be able to network diplomatically with U.S. organizations and professionals. Outgoing, self-directed, and confident individuals can take best advantage of the program. Persons needing substantial guidance and assistance will not fare well. Fellows will be placed in an environment where they must accept responsibility for the design and implementation of their own programs.
To be eligible, applicants MUST:
Be a Mongolian citizen currently living in Mongolia; individuals must hold a passport (or be eligible to hold a passport)
Have a first university degree (equivalent of a 4-year bachelor’s or undergraduate degree)
Have at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond attainment of a first university/undergraduate degree prior to August 2026
Have management or policy responsibilities, including for those who are university teachers and/or teachers of English as a foreign language. Exceptions are made for scientists/researchers applying in the field of substance abuse education and policy
Have an English language assessment (TOEFL/Duolingo/IELTS) score of 72/100/6.0 equivalent or higher
Preference and Recommendations:
Preference will be given to candidates with limited or no prior experience in the United States
Candidates should not have attended a graduate school in the United States for one academic year or more
Candidates should not have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs within the last three years prior to the submission of their application
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.
The following are INELIGIBLE to apply:
Recent university graduates (even if they have significant positions)
University teachers or academic researchers with no management responsibilities (except in the fields of Substance Abuse Education and Policy)
Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status
Individuals who are not qualified to hold a valid passport as a citizen of Mongolia
U.S. Government employees, 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
How to Apply
Candidates must submit a complete online application form at https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey
The online application REQUIRES the following:
Program plan: Provide details of what the applicant hopes to accomplish through participation in the program. The candidate’s program plan, career goals, and personal statements must be clear, explicit, and well thought out. The candidate’s stated objectives should be consistent with the overarching goals of the Humphrey Fellowship Program and should focus on how the program will enable them to contribute professionally to the development of their country.
Recommendation letters: Attach letters of recommendation from two people who can attest to your academic and professional abilities. One of the letters must be from your current employer. Recommendations must be in English or include an English translation along with the original letter. Recommendation letters submitted separately from the online application will not be accepted.
Official transcripts in English: Transcripts must list courses taken and grades received for undergraduate (first university or bachelor’s) degree. Diplomas are required for all other higher education degrees (master’s and doctoral), no transcripts are needed. Diplomas need only be uploaded for the undergraduate degree if the transcript does not show proof that the degree was obtained. Transcripts not in English should include an English translation.
Things to remember when completing the application:
Applications must be completed in English in electronic format while thoroughly addressing the prompts.
All questions on the application form must be answered. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in the candidate being technically ineligible for the program and may not move forward in the technical review process.
Essays must be your own work reflecting your original thoughts. Other people’s works/ideas used anywhere in the application must be properly noted.
Some U.S. universities and colleges have developed and published policies on the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on applications for admission or affiliation with their institution. Some institutions may scan applications for the use of language produced by GenAI. While individual institutional policies range widely and policy responses from U.S. universities will continue to evolve, copying language/content produced by GenAI directly into your application may negatively impact admission or affiliation decisions.
Please note any word or character limits for essay portions of the application and keep your answers within the limit.
For more detailed information on the application process, please visit the website at https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/how-to-apply/eligibility/ .
If you have additional questions regarding the application process, please contact Alumni@usembassy.mn.
Selection Process
All U.S. government scholarship programs are merit-based. We also consider a candidate’s ability to be a cultural ambassador and their ability and motivation to give back to the community. Final decisions are made based on candidates’ overall strengths as represented by the application and interview.
Awards are dependent on the availability of funds.
The main steps for selection for the Humphrey program are:
Technical Screening: This is the initial review to verify applications. During technical screening, we check two main things:
If applications and required supplemental documents are complete
If applicants meet all the eligibility requirements
Application Review: After technical screening, all complete and eligible applications are reviewed by an application review committee.
Interview: The top candidates based on the recommendations of the application review committee are invited for an in-person interview. A panel consisting of representatives of the U.S. Embassy and relevant professionals selected by the embassy interview recommended candidates and select finalists to be nominated to Washington for approval.
TOEFL Test: Program finalists take TOEFL tests if they do not have a current score. All nominees must complete TOEFL testing no later than September 2026.
Final Selection: U.S.-based independent review panels conduct a rigorous and highly competitive final review of the nominees according to their fields of study. Finalists are selected through a global, merit-based competition. There are no pre-set country allocations in the Humphrey Fellowship Program. Finalists approved by the Humphrey Program Office in Washington are officially declared Humphrey Fellows.
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