Open Call for Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Serbia)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2027–28 is a fully funded U.S. exchange fellowship for Serbian professionals to develop leadership skills in fields such as public policy, journalism, law, public health, technology, and governance. It includes academic study in the United States and a professional affiliation with U.S. institutions, aiming to strengthen leadership capacity, international cooperation, and policy expertise.

What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2027–28 is a prestigious non-degree leadership development program administered by the United States.

It is supported through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Serbia and is designed for mid-career professionals seeking advanced training and international exposure.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The program aims to:

• Strengthen leadership and professional skills
• Promote knowledge exchange between countries
• Support international cooperation and understanding
• Enhance expertise in public service and policy-related fields
• Build long-term professional networks with U.S. institutions

Key Fields of Study

The fellowship supports professionals working in:

Communications and Media

• Journalism and investigative reporting
• Digital media and public relations

Governance and Law

• Rule of law and legal reform
• Anti-corruption and governance systems
• Public administration

Public and Economic Policy

• Economic development
• Workforce and labour policy
• Public policy design and implementation

Public Health Policy

• Healthcare systems management
• Public health leadership

Technology and Innovation Policy

• Cybersecurity and AI governance
• Biotechnology and telecommunications
• Agriculture and energy systems
• Technology policy and digital transformation

Program Structure

The fellowship includes:

Academic Component

• Non-degree study at U.S. universities
• Coursework tailored to professional field

Professional Affiliation

• At least 6 weeks of practical placement
• Hosted in government, NGOs, private sector, or international organizations

Additional Support

• Leadership development training
• Networking with U.S. professionals
• Possible pre-academic English language training

Funding and Benefits

The program is fully funded and covers:

• Tuition and academic program costs
• Living and travel expenses in the United States
• Professional affiliation placement
• Academic and leadership training activities
• English language preparation (if required)

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

• Citizens of Serbia
• Professionals in relevant fields
• Applicants eligible for a U.S. visa

Academic requirements

• Undergraduate degree equivalent to a 4-year bachelor’s degree

Professional experience

• Minimum 5 years of full-time professional experience (by August 2027)
• Demonstrated leadership responsibility
• Commitment to public service

Language requirement

• Strong written and spoken English proficiency

Preferred candidates

• Professionals with limited or no recent U.S. experience
• Candidates without exposure to developed third countries

Who is NOT eligible?

• Recent university graduates without sufficient experience
• Academic staff without management responsibilities
• Individuals with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Applicants with weak English proficiency

Selection Priorities

Preference is given to candidates who:

• Demonstrate strong leadership potential
• Show commitment to public and community service
• Have relevant mid-career professional experience
• Contribute to strategic national or global policy areas

How the Fellowship Works

1. Applications are submitted through the U.S. Embassy in Serbia
2. Candidates are screened for eligibility and leadership potential
3. Selected applicants are placed in U.S. host universities
4. Fellows complete academic coursework and professional affiliation
5. Participants return to Serbia with enhanced leadership capacity

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without sufficient professional experience
• Weak English language preparation
• Lack of clear leadership examples
• Incomplete demonstration of public service commitment
• Missing eligibility requirements (degree or citizenship)

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight leadership roles in your career
• Demonstrate measurable impact in your field
• Clearly explain commitment to public service
• Show relevance to one of the key policy areas
• Strengthen English communication skills

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply for the fellowship?
  • Serbian citizens with a bachelor’s degree
  • Professionals with at least 5 years of experience
  • Individuals in relevant public policy or leadership fields
• Is the fellowship fully funded?
  • Yes
  • It covers academic, travel, living, and program expenses
• What fields are included?
  • Journalism, law, governance, public health
  • Technology policy, cybersecurity, AI, and more
  • Public and economic policy
• What is the program structure?
  • Academic coursework at U.S. universities
  • At least 6 weeks of professional placement
• Is English proficiency required?
  • Yes
  • Strong written and spoken English is mandatory
• Who is not eligible?
  • Recent graduates without experience
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Academics without management roles

Conclusion

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2027–28 is a fully funded leadership development opportunity that equips Serbian professionals with advanced skills, international exposure, and policy expertise. Through academic training and professional engagement in the United States, it strengthens global cooperation and builds future leaders in key public and technological sectors.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Serbia.