Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides ten months of graduate-level, non-degree academic study and related professional experience in the United States. Successful Humphrey Fellows are mid-career professionals in the public or private sector with a demonstrated potential for national leadership and commitment to public service. Since 1978, over 4,000 Fellows have been selected from more than 157 countries.

Fields of study include: communication and journalism, agricultural development/agricultural economics, business, economic development, finance and banking, natural resources and environmental management, public health policy/management, and urban/regional planning.

Eligibility Requirements

Liberian citizenship; at least an undergraduate university degree; five or more years of substantial professional experience in Liberia; demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service; little or no previous experience studying or working in the U.S.; and written permission from the employer to participate in the program, should they be selected.

Program Administration

The Humphrey Fellowship program is sponsored by the United States Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in consultation with a national advisory committee composed of representatives from business, education and government. The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in the United States, appointed by presidential authority, has overall responsibility for the final selection of Humphrey Fellows. Humphrey Fellowships include international travel and travel within the U.S. as required, tuition and fees, books, a monthly maintenance stipend, and limited funds for professional development activities such as attendance at conferences, field trips and professional affiliations.

Applications

Applications are accepted online each summer for the following year’s fellows. Following an initial review of these applications, the U.S. Embassy will invite those candidates deemed most highly qualified to appear for a personal interview at their own expense in Monrovia. Applications for a limited number of candidates who are selected from the Liberia interview process will be submitted to Washington, DC, where the final selections are made. Announcements about the final selection will be made the following January or February. Selection is very competitive.

The application period for 2012-2013 Fellowships closed July 11, 2011.