Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowships
Open call for mid-career professionals on managerial or expert positions
July 1, 2026
Get ahead – sign up for a free info session and learn how to maximize your competitive advantage.
Elite institutions in the USA
Annual grant
Excellent English language skills
Advantage for new candidates
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-career professionals from around the world to the United States for a 10-month non-degree academic and professional experience focused on leadership development, professional collaboration, and public service.
Humphrey Fellows are placed in multinational thematic cohorts at U.S. host universities, where they gain skills to promote economic growth, strengthen governance, foster long-term cooperation with the United States, and address shared global and security challenges.
Through academic study, professional development activities, and direct engagement with American institutions and organizations, Fellows deepen their expertise in fields of strategic importance and expand their international professional networks.
A recent program evaluation found that more than 60 percent of Humphrey alumni work in foreign government positions, while more than 45 percent report introducing policy changes in their home countries.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Non-Degree Academic Study
Humphrey Fellows pursue individualized non-degree study programs at participating U.S. host institutions. Fellows are placed at approximately eight U.S. host campuses selected through a competitive process based on institutional strengths in designated fields of study.
Humphrey Fellows may not request placement at a particular university.
Each campus provides academic and administrative support through designated faculty coordinators and advisors who assist Fellows in designing balanced academic and professional programs.
Although Fellows participate in university coursework and academic activities, the Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program and fellows may not transfer from non-degree to degree status during the program.
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Leadership and Professional Development
Professional enrichment activities include:
- professional conferences
- visits to relevant industries and organizations
- leadership workshops
- networking opportunities
- professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts
Each Fellow also completes a professional affiliation in a U.S.-based private sector, governmental, non-governmental, or international organization for a minimum of six weeks.
Early in the academic year, Fellows develop individualized professional plans in coordination with faculty advisors.
FIELDS OF STUDY
The program fields of study are:
Communications and Journalism
Humphrey Fellows work in media and communications, including investigative journalism, broadcasting, digital media, strategic communications, and public relations. Fellows promote information integrity, free expression, and transparent media practices.
Law and Governance
Humphrey Fellows work as attorneys, judges, policymakers, law enforcement officials, and civil society leaders to strengthen the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and effective governance.
Natural Resources Policy
Humphrey Fellows address issues related to energy systems, water, agriculture, food security, and resource management to strengthen economic resilience and sustainable development.
Public and Economic Policy
Humphrey Fellows work in areas such as public administration, trade and investment, education policy, workforce development, public-private partnerships, and fiscal policy. Fellows design and implement evidence-informed policies that support economic growth and institutional effectiveness.
Public Health Policy and Management
Humphrey Fellows develop resilient health systems and address public health challenges through policy development, health administration, disease prevention, institutional preparedness, and public health management.
Technology Policy and Management
Humphrey Fellows work on issues such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital governance, telecommunications, biotechnology, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, addressing the societal and economic impacts of technological change.
Eligibility Requirements
More information
Candidates must:
- Be Bulgarian citizens;
- Hold a first university degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree;
- Have at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond attainment of the undergraduate degree prior to August 2026;
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to public service;
- Hold management or policy responsibilities (including university faculty and teachers of English as a foreign language);
- Be eligible to hold a valid Bulgarian passport;
- Demonstrate English language proficiency with minimum scores equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- Duolingo English Test: 100
- IELTS: 6.0
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Preference is generally given to candidates who:
- Have not attended graduate school in the United States for one academic year or longer;
- Have not participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs within the last three years;
- Have limited prior professional experience in developed third countries.
Previous experience in the United States is not automatically disqualifying, provided that:
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- the total period spent in the U.S. has not exceeded three years; and
- the candidate has returned to Bulgaria and worked professionally for at least four years.
Ineligibility
The following candidates are ineligible:
More information
- Recent university graduates, even if they hold significant positions;
- University teachers or academic researchers without management responsibilities;
- Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status;
- Applicants unable to obtain a valid passport;
- Candidates whose English test scores are below the required minimum;
- Employees of U.S. Missions abroad and certain affiliated organizations involved in nomination or selection processes, including their family members.
Application materials
Applicants must submit:
More information
- Online application form;
- Two letters of recommendation;
- Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts;
- Valid English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo);
- Additional supporting documents as requested.
The application deadline for the 2027–28 academic year is July 1, 2026.
Interview dates are fixed and cannot be rescheduled.
Why should you apply
You get funding for your tuition
Qualification opportunity from an elite university in the USA
Educational and cultural exchange
Networking opportunities with top experts in your area of expertise
Career growth prospects
Rada Kaneva
Program Officer
0879 918 212
rkaneva@fulbright.bg
12 Vitosha Blvd., Sofia
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