The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program brings mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts.
Program Components
- Academic Study: Humphrey Fellows pursue tailored study programs at participating host institutions, where freedom from the requirements of a degree program gives each Fellow the flexibility to pursue a self-directed, individualized program at a host campus. Approximately 13 U.S. campuses have been selected to host cohorts of Fellows in designated fields of study.
- Leadership and Professional Development: Professional enrichment activities include professional visits, enhancement skills workshops, conferences, training programs, and a professional affiliation (placement). The professional affiliation provides firsthand exposure to a U.S. work environment on a full-time basis for a minimum period of six weeks. Early in the academic year, each Fellow develops, with assistance from the local campus coordinator and faculty advisors, a detailed plan of practical professional activities geared to the Fellow’s Humphrey program objectives.
Please note participation in the Humphrey Fellowship Program does NOT lead to a Master’s degree. This is strictly a professional development opportunity for mid-career professionals that does not lead to an educational degree.
Learn more at: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/frequently-asked-questions
Fields of Study
Communications and Journalism:
Humphrey Fellows strengthen information integrity and U.S. influence in the global media space by their work in
media and communications, including investigative and responsible journalism, national broadcasting, digital
media, and public relations. They uphold individual freedoms in the digital age, manage strategic communications,
promote free expression, and advance transparent media to strengthen information integrity and support open
public debate.
Law and Governance:
Humphrey Fellows advance rules-based systems that support U.S. security interests by working as attorneys,
judges, law enforcement officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders, advancing the rule of law, strengthening
security frameworks, and supporting fair and accountable justice systems. They work to combat transnational
crime and trafficking, fight corruption, ensure accountability for violations on personal freedoms, and promote
transparent and effective governance.
Natural Resources:
Humphrey Fellows drive policies that support energy independence, resource security, and economic resilience.
Their work spans critical minerals, energy systems, water, and agriculture—ensuring reliable supply chains,
strengthening food security, and reducing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by strategic competitors. This work
directly supports U.S. economic strength and global stability.
Public and Economic Policy:
Humphrey Fellows address critical public and economic policy challenges in multiple disciplines across local,
regional, and national levels that drive economic growth, workforce development, and market expansion aligned
with U.S. interests. They work in fields such as trade and investment, workforce development, education policy
and administration, fiscal and monetary policy, public-private partnerships, and public sector management.
Fellows design and implement evidence-informed policies that promote economic growth and security, strengthen
institutions, and support effective domestic and foreign policy decision-making.
Public Health Policy and Management:
Humphrey Fellows develop self-reliant and resilient local health systems in global health by addressing public
health challenges, including preventing infectious disease outbreaks, through policy development, service delivery,
surveillance, and institutional preparedness. Fellows serve as health policymakers, physicians, clinical managers,
health educators, and practitioners, shaping policies that manage public health risks in ways that protect American
lives and economic stability.
Technology Policy and Management:
Humphrey Fellows develop and implement strategies and policies to manage the societal, economic, and security
impacts of emerging and established technologies to ensure the United States and its partners lead in this area
while against misuse by adversaries. They work on issues such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data
governance, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, biotechnology and health technologies, and technology’s
role in urban planning, transportation, and workforce transformation.
Eligibility Requirements for Hubert Humphrey Program:
- Applicants must be Malawian citizens or permanent residents qualified to hold a valid passport issued by Malawi.
- Applicants must have at least an undergraduate university degree or an advanced degree.
- Applicants must have at least five years of substantial professional experience in Malawi in the relevant field and should be interested in the policy aspects of their field of specialization.
- Applicants must have demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service.
- Applicants should have little or no previous experience studying or working in the U.S. Preference will be given to candidates who have not studied overseas at all in the last 5 years.
- Applicants must have management or policy responsibilities
Submit your application here: https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey