Deadline: 28-Jul-2026
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, administered by the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, provides experienced professionals with a fully funded opportunity to undertake academic and professional development in the United States. The fellowship strengthens leadership skills, policy expertise, and international partnerships while supporting long-term cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States.
Selected Fellows receive comprehensive financial support, participate in professional affiliations with U.S. organizations, and gain access to high-level networking, training, and leadership development opportunities in key policy sectors.
Program Overview
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is an international professional exchange program designed for mid-career professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential, public service commitment, and significant professional achievements.
The fellowship combines academic study, professional development, policy engagement, and networking opportunities to help participants strengthen their expertise while building lasting relationships with American institutions and professionals.
The program supports U.S. foreign policy goals by fostering mutual understanding, institutional cooperation, and professional collaboration between the United States and participating countries.
Fellowship Objectives
The program aims to:
- Develop future leaders in public policy and professional sectors.
- Strengthen institutional and policy-making capacity.
- Promote international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
- Enhance leadership and management skills.
- Build long-term professional networks.
- Support evidence-based policy development.
- Foster partnerships between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States.
- Encourage public service and civic engagement.
Fellowship Fields of Study
Applicants may apply in one of the following focus areas:
- Communications and Journalism
- Law and Governance
- Natural Resources Policy
- Public and Economic Policy
- Public Health Policy and Management
- Technology Policy and Management
Participants are expected to have professional experience directly related to their chosen field.
Key Components of the Fellowship
Academic and Professional Development
The fellowship combines academic learning with practical professional experience.
Participants engage in:
- Non-degree academic study at U.S. universities.
- Leadership development activities.
- Policy discussions and seminars.
- Professional skills enhancement.
- Cross-cultural exchange experiences.
- Networking with experts and decision-makers.
Professional Affiliation Program
A core element of the Humphrey Fellowship is the professional affiliation component.
Each Fellow completes:
- A full-time professional affiliation.
- Placement with a U.S.-based organization.
- A minimum duration of six weeks.
- Practical exposure to U.S. professional practices.
- Opportunities to develop specialized expertise.
- Professional networking and partnership building.
Professional Engagement Activities
Fellows participate in:
- Industry visits.
- Conferences and workshops.
- Professional networking events.
- Leadership development sessions.
- Institutional exchange activities.
- Sector-specific training opportunities.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Fellows receive comprehensive financial and program support.
Benefits include:
- Round-trip international airfare.
- Travel support for required U.S. workshops and seminars.
- Tuition and university fees.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Settling-in allowance.
- Book and educational supplies allowance.
- Computer subsidy allowance.
- Professional development funding.
- Limited accident and sickness coverage.
- Pre-departure orientation.
- Pre-academic program orientation.
The fellowship is designed to allow participants to focus fully on academic and professional development during their stay in the United States.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements listed below.
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Qualified to hold a valid passport.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- A first university degree.
- An academic qualification equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must have:
- At least five years of full-time professional experience.
- Professional experience obtained after completion of university studies.
- Responsibilities involving management, leadership, policy development, or decision-making.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Show commitment to public service.
- Have limited previous experience in the United States.
- Possess sufficient English-language proficiency.
- Be eligible for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.
- Commit to returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina for at least two years after the fellowship.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The program does not accept applications from:
- U.S. citizens.
- U.S. permanent residents.
- Recent university graduates without substantial professional experience.
- University teachers without management responsibilities.
- Researchers without management or policy-related duties.
- Individuals who have completed one academic year or more of graduate study in the United States.
- Participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs within the previous three years.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Humphrey Fellowship is one of the most prestigious international professional development programs supported by the U.S. government.
The program helps participants:
- Gain international policy exposure.
- Learn global best practices.
- Strengthen leadership capabilities.
- Build international professional networks.
- Improve institutional effectiveness.
- Contribute to national development priorities.
- Promote international cooperation and diplomacy.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the fellowship contributes to stronger institutions, policy innovation, and enhanced collaboration with global partners.
How the Fellowship Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Eligible professionals submit applications demonstrating their leadership experience, professional achievements, and commitment to public service.
Step 2: Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Professional accomplishments.
- Leadership potential.
- Public service record.
- Academic background.
- English-language ability.
- Potential impact after returning home.
Step 3: Placement at a U.S. University
Selected Fellows are assigned to participating U.S. universities that align with their professional field and development objectives.
Step 4: Academic and Professional Activities
Participants engage in:
- University-based learning.
- Policy discussions.
- Leadership development programs.
- Professional networking opportunities.
Step 5: Professional Affiliation
Fellows complete a minimum six-week professional placement with a relevant U.S. organization.
Step 6: Return and Knowledge Transfer
After completing the fellowship, participants return to Bosnia and Herzegovina and apply their newly acquired knowledge, skills, and networks to support local development and institutional improvement.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate a strong record of professional achievement.
- Highlight leadership experience and responsibilities.
- Show commitment to public service and community impact.
- Clearly explain career goals and development objectives.
- Demonstrate how the fellowship will benefit Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Provide evidence of policy, management, or institutional contributions.
- Present a realistic plan for applying acquired knowledge after returning home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without sufficient professional experience.
- Failing to demonstrate leadership responsibilities.
- Providing vague career development goals.
- Underestimating the importance of public service contributions.
- Submitting incomplete application materials.
- Ignoring English-language proficiency requirements.
- Failing to explain long-term impact and knowledge transfer plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Humphrey Fellowship a degree program?
No. The Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree professional development program that combines academic study with professional experience.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience after completing their university education.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including travel, tuition, living expenses, professional development funding, and other allowances.
How long is the professional affiliation component?
Each Fellow completes a full-time professional affiliation lasting at least six weeks with a U.S.-based organization.
Can recent university graduates apply?
No. The program is intended for experienced mid-career professionals and is not open to recent graduates.
Is prior experience in the United States allowed?
Applicants should have limited prior experience in the United States. Extensive previous academic experience in the United States may affect eligibility.
Must Fellows return to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the program?
Yes. Participants must commit to returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a minimum of two years after completing the fellowship.
Conclusion
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers outstanding mid-career professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina a fully funded opportunity to develop leadership skills, strengthen policy expertise, and build international partnerships in the United States. Through academic enrichment, professional affiliations, and extensive networking opportunities, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, experience, and global connections needed to contribute to institutional development, public service, and long-term cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.