Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, offering Romanian mid-career professionals the opportunity to undertake a 10-month non-degree professional fellowship at a leading U.S. university. The program combines graduate-level academic study, leadership development, and professional engagement, enabling participants to strengthen their expertise while building lasting international networks.
Introduction
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a prestigious professional exchange initiative that supports experienced professionals with strong leadership potential and a commitment to public service. Rather than awarding an academic degree, the fellowship provides advanced professional development through academic coursework, leadership activities, and collaboration with U.S. institutions and professionals.
Eligible Fields
The fellowship supports professional development in the following areas:
- Communications and Journalism
- Law and Governance
- Natural Resources Policy
- Public and Economic Policy
- Public Health Policy and Management
- Technology Policy and Management
Funding Information
Successful fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- International round-trip travel
- Tuition and university fees
- Monthly maintenance allowance
- Books and professional activity expenses
- Accident and sickness insurance
- J-1 visa sponsorship and administration
The fellowship lasts 10 months.
The program does not provide financial support for accompanying dependents.
Program Objectives
The fellowship aims to strengthen the leadership capacity of mid-career professionals who are committed to public service. Participants undertake a self-designed, non-degree academic and professional program that combines university-based learning with practical engagement alongside U.S. professionals.
The program encourages knowledge exchange, professional networking, leadership development, and international collaboration while enabling fellows to apply new knowledge and skills within their home institutions and communities.
Participants receive a certificate from the U.S. Government, although the fellowship does not lead to an academic degree.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be Romanian citizens.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
- Have at least five years of full-time professional experience gained after completing their first undergraduate degree and before August 2026.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and a strong commitment to public service.
- Hold management or policy-related responsibilities.
- Demonstrate English-language proficiency.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Hold U.S. permanent resident (Green Card) status.
- Hold dual Romanian-U.S. citizenship.
- Have attended a U.S. graduate school for one academic year or longer.
- Have participated in a U.S. Government-sponsored exchange program within the three years preceding the application deadline.
Applicants whose primary role is academic or instructional must also demonstrate management or policy responsibilities.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Humphrey Fellowship provides experienced professionals with access to world-class academic resources, leadership training, and professional networks without requiring enrollment in a degree program.
The fellowship helps participants:
- Enhance leadership and policy-making skills.
- Build international professional networks.
- Exchange knowledge with U.S. experts.
- Strengthen institutional and public service capacity in Romania.
- Gain practical experience applicable to their professional careers.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the online application and prepare all required supporting documents.
The application must include:
- Two letters of reference.
- One recommendation from the applicant’s immediate supervisor or current employer.
- Official Bachelor’s degree transcript and diploma with English translations.
- Diplomas for any Master’s or Doctoral degrees, if applicable.
Reference letters should be written in English or accompanied by English translations.
Although a TOEFL score is not required during the initial application stage, shortlisted finalists must submit their TOEFL results by 12 October 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in September 2026. Final nominations are reviewed in the United States by independent review committees and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board before fellowship recipients are announced in Spring 2027.
Application Tips
- Demonstrate clear evidence of leadership and public service.
- Highlight management or policy-related responsibilities.
- Submit complete and professionally prepared supporting documents.
- Request reference letters well before the deadline.
- Prepare early for the TOEFL examination if shortlisted.
- Clearly explain how the fellowship aligns with your long-term professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can the fellowship be used to earn a Master’s degree?
No. The Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree professional development program.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship runs for 10 months.
Is English test certification required when applying?
No. TOEFL is only required for shortlisted finalists.
Who can provide recommendation letters?
Applicants must submit two references, including one from their immediate supervisor or current employer.
Are family members financially supported?
No. The fellowship does not provide funding for accompanying dependents.
Can applicants with previous U.S. study experience apply?
Applicants should have limited prior U.S. experience and must not have attended a U.S. graduate school for one academic year or longer.
When will the final results be announced?
Fellowship awards for the 2027–2028 academic year are expected to be announced in Spring 2027.
Conclusion
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers Romanian mid-career professionals a valuable opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their international networks, and enhance their professional expertise through a fully funded, non-degree fellowship at leading U.S. universities. The program supports individuals committed to public service and equips them with the knowledge and experience needed to drive positive change in their institutions and communities.
For more information, visit Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission.
