Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
Applications are invited for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a 10-month non-degree academic and professional development opportunity for mid-career professionals from Kosovo. The fellowship combines graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional engagement in the United States to strengthen leadership capacity and promote international cooperation.
About the Program
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides experienced professionals with opportunities to enhance their expertise, expand professional networks, and develop leadership skills through academic and practical experiences.
The programme focuses on:
- Leadership development
- Professional capacity building
- Graduate-level coursework
- Professional engagement in the United States
- Policy development
- Institutional strengthening
- International cooperation
- Professional networking
- Cross-cultural exchange
- Knowledge sharing
Programme fields include:
- Communications and journalism
- Law and governance
- Natural resources policy
- Public and economic policy
- Public health policy and management
- Technology policy and management
The fellowship aims to develop leaders who can contribute to positive change within their institutions and communities.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Strengthen leadership capabilities
- Enhance professional expertise
- Promote policy innovation
- Support institutional development
- Encourage international collaboration
- Expand professional networks
- Improve management and leadership skills
- Foster mutual understanding between countries
- Develop future leaders in key sectors
- Strengthen long-term cooperation between Kosovo and the United States
Participants are expected to apply their learning to benefit their home institutions and communities.
Fellowship Components
The fellowship includes:
- Graduate-level academic coursework
- Leadership development activities
- Conferences and seminars
- Site visits
- Think tank engagement
- Professional networking opportunities
- A minimum six-week professional affiliation
- Cultural enrichment activities
- Professional exchange experiences
- A Washington, D.C. seminar
The programme combines academic learning with practical professional experience.
Funding Information
The fellowship provides support for:
- Tuition and university fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Books and supplies allowance
- Computer subsidy
- Round-trip international travel
- Domestic travel within the United States
- Participation in the Washington, D.C. seminar
- Professional activities and conferences
Please note:
- Expenses for dependents are not covered under the fellowship.
- Any dependent-related costs must be self-funded.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of Kosovo
- Be residents of Kosovo
- Hold a four-year bachelor’s degree
- Have at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond the bachelor’s degree by August 2026
- Be currently employed in Kosovo
- Hold management or policy responsibilities
- Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
- Meet the minimum TOEFL iBT score requirement of 71 if selected as a finalist
Limited exceptions may apply for certain researchers.
Ineligible Applicants
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Recent graduates
- Academics without management responsibilities
- Dual U.S. citizens
- U.S. permanent residents
- Individuals who completed a U.S. graduate programme of one year or more
- Individuals who participated in a U.S. government exchange programme within the previous three years
- Certain individuals affiliated with the U.S. government
Applicants should carefully review all eligibility requirements before applying.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit:
- Completed application forms
- Essays written in English
- Two reference letters
- One reference letter from the current employer
- Official academic transcripts
- Supporting documentation as required
In addition:
- Finalists may be required to take the TOEFL if needed.
- Applications should clearly demonstrate leadership potential and professional achievements.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Leadership potential
- Professional experience
- Academic qualifications
- English language proficiency
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Demonstrated commitment to public service
- Potential for professional impact
- Suitability for the fellowship experience
Selection is highly competitive.
Home Residency Requirement
Successful fellows are required to:
- Return to Kosovo after completing the fellowship.
- Reside in Kosovo for a minimum of two years following the programme.
This requirement aims to ensure that participants apply their acquired knowledge and skills within their home country.
Expected Outcomes
Participation in the fellowship should contribute to:
- Enhanced leadership capabilities
- Stronger professional expertise
- Expanded international networks
- Improved policy and management skills
- Institutional strengthening
- Greater international cooperation
- Increased professional confidence
- Broader perspectives on leadership and governance
- Positive contributions to Kosovo’s development
- Long-term professional impact
The programme encourages fellows to become leaders and agents of change in their respective fields.
Why This Program Matters
Mid-career professionals play a vital role in shaping institutions, policies, and communities. Access to international learning experiences can strengthen leadership abilities, promote innovation, and foster lasting partnerships that benefit both individuals and society.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides professionals from Kosovo with a unique opportunity to gain advanced knowledge, expand their global perspectives, and return home equipped to contribute to sustainable development and institutional progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?
- It is a 10-month non-degree academic and professional development programme in the United States for mid-career professionals from Kosovo.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
- Citizens and residents of Kosovo who hold a four-year bachelor’s degree, have at least five years of relevant professional experience, and meet the eligibility requirements.
Which fields are covered under the programme?
- Communications and journalism, law and governance, natural resources policy, public and economic policy, public health policy and management, and technology policy and management.
What expenses are covered by the fellowship?
- The fellowship covers tuition and fees, a monthly stipend, books and supplies allowance, computer subsidy, international and domestic travel, and support for professional activities.
Is an English language test required?
- Finalists must demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to achieve a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 71.
Can dependents be supported through the fellowship?
- No. Expenses related to dependents are not covered and must be self-funded.
Is there a requirement to return to Kosovo after the fellowship?
- Yes. Fellows must return to Kosovo and remain there for at least two years following programme completion.
Conclusion
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program offers experienced professionals from Kosovo an exceptional opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional expertise, and engage in meaningful exchange in the United States. Through academic study, professional affiliations, and international collaboration, the fellowship prepares participants to drive positive change and contribute to the development of their institutions and communities upon their return home.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Kosovo.
