What is the Humphrey Program and who are Humphrey Fellows?
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a Fulbright exchange activity sponsored by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Humphrey Fellows are young and mid-career professionals from designated countries placed at U.S. universities for 10- months of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development and professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts. Fellows design and implement individualized programs to acquire career-related knowledge, interact with colleagues and gain professional expertise. These experiences are supplemented by university classes, field trips and site visits, and special workshops and seminars. Humphrey Fellows are J-1 visa holders and receive a maintenance stipend for housing, meals and incidentals, an allowance for professional development activities, and accident/sickness health benefits coverage meeting the J-visa requirements. The program is classified as a non-degree program by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Fellows cannot transfer from non-degree status to degree status under any circumstances.
The Humphrey Program aims to:
- Establish and enhance long-lasting productive partnerships and relationships between U.S. citizens and individuals from other parts of the world
- Develop leaders whose knowledge and skills have been informed by exposure to American values, models and ideas–leaders who will have a multiplier effect on their societies
- Expand and improve the range of international exchange and training programs
- Increase U.S. citizens knowledge and understanding of international issues and of other cultures and societies.
Program Fields:
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 Policy
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 protecting 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.
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- A minimum of five years of full-time, professional experience
- A limited or no prior experience in the United States
- A demonstrated leadership quality
- A record of public service in the community
- proficiency in English
Individuals in the following circumstances are Ineligible to apply for the Humphrey Fellowship:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States, or their spouses
- Individuals currently participating in academic, training, or research programs in the United States
- Teachers or University Professors
- Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored by the U.S. government for a period of more than six weeks in the last five years.
- Individuals who are employees or close family members or dependents of employees of MACECE, the MACECE board, the US Embassy or the US Department of State or its cooperating agencies are ineligible to apply for the program.
- Payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university
- Pre-academic English language training, if required
- A maintenance (living) allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance
- Accident and sickness coverage
- A book allowance
- A one-time computer subsidy
- Economy class air travel (international travel to and from the U.S. for the Program and domestic travel to required program events)
- A Professional Development allowance for professional activities, such as field trips, professional visits and conferences
Humphrey Fellowships is a very competitive program for professional candidates from either the public or the private sectors. Fellows are selected by the binational Commission in Morocco on the basis of their overall record, their potential for future leadership in Morocco, and their commitment to public service. Final approval of candidates recommended by the Commission and the independent panels in Washington, D.C. is provided by the Fulbright Scholarship Board.
- Online Application Form
- Two letters of recommendation (One Academic and One Professional)
- All Diplomas
- All Transcripts
- Work Certificate
- Authorization from your employer to participate in the Humphrey Fellowship (for Public Sector Employees).
- Valid English proficiency test scores:
- Duolingo: 100
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL: 72
Please note that plagiarism and AI will not be tolerated on any application and is grounds for disqualification.
- Announcement: April/May
- Application deadline: July 31st
- Interviews: August
- Program in the US.: August – June
Note:
Prospective Fulbright participants should be aware that public health conditions, availability of consular services and travel, as well as U.S. institutional operating status and policies may affect their ability to travel to the U.S. and participate in academic programs.
I worked part-time in a professional position while I was in graduate school. Does that qualify me for the Humphrey Fellowship Program?
Candidates for the Humphrey Program should have at least five years of full-time experience in their professional field and should be at a point in their careers to fully benefit from this mid-career program. Candidates with only part-time work experience may not be considered eligible.
May I bring my family with me?
Fellows may choose to apply to have their family join them shortly after they have arrived in the U.S. Careful consideration should be given to bringing one’s family, however, as the Humphrey Program is very demanding, and Fellows spend considerable time away from their host campus. The Humphrey Program also does not provide an additional maintenance allowance for dependents. Fellows must show proof of financial support, adequate insurance coverage for their dependents that meets U.S. State Department requirements, and childcare plans before they may be approved to apply for J-2 visa(s) for their dependents. Not all countries permit Humphrey Fellows to bring their dependents during their Fellowship year. Please check with the Fulbright Commission for specific policies.
May I choose the university I will go to?
Fellows are not able to choose which university they will attend. Rather, they are assigned in diverse groups of 7-15 to the most appropriate host institution based on their area of interest and professional field.
What is the timeline of the Program?
Nominations must be submitted to the Institute of International Education office in Washington, DC by October 1. Fellowships are announced in March the following year and Humphrey Fellows start their program in the U.S. between April and September of the same year, depending on the amount of English language training required. The Program ends the following June. Fellows with inadequate TOEFL scores may be required to attend intensive English language training before the start of their Fellowship.
If I’m not selected this year, may I reapply?
Participants generally may reapply for the Program; however, please consult the Fulbright Commission for specific guidelines about doing so.
Is the Humphrey Program a degree-granting program?
The Humphrey Program is a non-degree program. Participants may complete academic coursework at their host university to update their academic and professional knowledge in their field, but they do not receive an academic degree as a result of their participation in the Program.