Open Call: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Botswana)

Deadline: 30-Jul-2026

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a prestigious one-year, non-degree professional fellowship in the United States for accomplished mid-career professionals from Botswana. The program supports leadership development, professional collaboration, and public service through graduate-level study and professional experiences.

The fellowship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, health insurance, and professional development costs, enabling participants to strengthen their leadership skills and contribute to Botswana’s development upon their return.

Overview of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a Fulbright exchange initiative that brings experienced professionals from partner countries to the United States for a one-year, non-degree graduate-level academic and professional development experience.

The fellowship combines academic study, professional networking, leadership development, and practical engagement to strengthen international cooperation and develop future leaders.

Participants are expected to return to their home country after completing the fellowship and apply their new knowledge and skills to benefit their communities and professional sectors.

Programme Objectives

Core Objectives

• Develop leadership and management skills
• Strengthen public service and professional capacity
• Promote international collaboration
• Build long-term partnerships between Botswana and the United States
• Enhance policy development and institutional leadership
• Encourage knowledge sharing across sectors

Professional Development Goals

• Expand professional expertise
• Build international networks
• Improve policy and management capabilities
• Promote innovation and leadership
• Support community and national development

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive comprehensive financial support, including:

Academic Support

• Full tuition and university fees
• Placement at an assigned U.S. host university
• Graduate-level, non-degree academic programme

Financial Support

• Monthly living allowance
• One-time settling-in allowance
• Book allowance
• One-time computer subsidy
• Professional development allowance

Travel Support

• Round-trip international airfare
• Domestic travel for required fellowship activities

Health Coverage

• Accident and sickness insurance during the fellowship

Programme Duration

• One year
• Non-degree graduate-level fellowship

Eligible Fields of Study

Applicants are encouraged to apply in the following fields:

• Communications and Journalism
• Law and Governance
• Natural Resources Policy
• Public and Economic Policy
• Public Health Policy and Management
• Technology Policy and Management

Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

The programme seeks mid-career professionals who:

• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Have a strong commitment to public service
• Work in the public or private sector
• Can benefit from advanced professional development
• Intend to return to Botswana after the fellowship
• Will apply acquired knowledge to strengthen their communities and institutions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of Botswana
• Hold or be eligible to obtain a Botswana passport
• Hold a first university degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree
• Have at least five years of full-time professional experience after completing their undergraduate degree before August 2026
• Hold leadership, management, or policy responsibilities
• Demonstrate commitment to public service
• Show strong potential for career advancement

Eligibility for College Trainers and Instructors

College trainers and instructors are eligible if they:

• Hold at least an undergraduate degree
• Have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
• Work in their target professional field

University teachers and English language instructors must additionally have management or policy responsibilities.

Scientists and researchers applying in substance abuse education and policy may qualify under specific exceptions.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• Duolingo English Test

Minimum equivalent score:

• TOEFL: 72
• IELTS: 6.0
• Equivalent Duolingo score

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Hold U.S. citizenship
• Are U.S. permanent residents
• Have studied in graduate school in the United States for one academic year or longer
• Participated in a U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programme within the previous three years
• Are employees or immediate family members of employees of U.S. Government agencies in Botswana

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Participate fully in academic and professional activities
• Develop a personalized professional learning programme
• Build professional relationships in the United States
• Return to Botswana after the fellowship
• Remain in Botswana for at least two years after completion
• Apply acquired knowledge to public service and national development

Why This Fellowship Matters

Leadership Development

• Strengthens leadership capabilities
• Enhances management skills
• Builds strategic decision-making capacity

Professional Impact

• Expands international professional networks
• Improves policy and governance expertise
• Encourages innovation and institutional development

National Development Impact

• Supports Botswana’s public and private sectors
• Builds future national leaders
• Promotes international cooperation and knowledge exchange

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without five years of professional experience
• Assuming the fellowship leads to a degree programme
• Missing English language requirements
• Applying without leadership or policy responsibilities
• Failing to demonstrate commitment to public service
• Ignoring the requirement to return to Botswana after the fellowship

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight measurable leadership achievements.
• Demonstrate long-term commitment to public service.
• Explain how the fellowship aligns with your professional goals.
• Show how the acquired knowledge will benefit Botswana.
• Provide strong evidence of management or policy experience.
• Prepare thoroughly for English language testing if required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?

It is a one-year, non-degree professional fellowship in the United States for experienced mid-career professionals.

Who can apply?

Eligible citizens of Botswana with leadership experience, a bachelor’s degree, and at least five years of professional experience.

Is the fellowship degree-based?

No. It is a non-degree graduate-level professional development programme.

What expenses are covered?

Tuition, living allowance, travel, health insurance, books, computer subsidy, and professional development expenses.

What professional fields are supported?

Communications, law, governance, public policy, natural resources, public health, and technology policy, among others.

Is English language proficiency required?

Yes. Applicants must meet the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score requirements.

Must fellows return to Botswana?

Yes. Fellows are expected to return home after completing the programme and remain for at least two years while applying the skills gained.

Conclusion

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers experienced professionals in Botswana an exceptional opportunity to enhance their leadership, policy, and management expertise through a fully funded year of academic and professional development in the United States. By investing in future leaders committed to public service, the fellowship strengthens institutions, promotes international collaboration, and contributes to sustainable national development.

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