The U.S. Mission Uganda has opened applications for the 2026 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. This initiative aims to strengthen leadership and foster connections with the United States by bringing mid-career government officials and emerging leaders from priority countries to the U.S. for a non-degree academic study and professional experience.
The program is designed for professionals working at policy levels who have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to public service. Participants will spend ten months, from August 2026 to June 2027, at leading U.S. universities, engaging in self-designed programs that include independent study, coursework, and internships relevant to their expertise.
Applications are due by June 30, 2025.
Eligible fields for this fellowship span several categories:
- Human and Institutional Capacity includes economic policy and finance, public policy analysis and administration, as well as technology policy and management.
- Rights and Freedoms cover communications and journalism alongside law and human rights.
- Sustainable Lands involves agricultural development, environmental policy, urban planning.
- Thriving Communities focuses on public health policy, substance abuse education, educational administration.
Applicants must meet specific criteria: holding a Bachelor's Degree; having five years of substantial professional experience; being mid-career professionals with leadership qualities; possessing management or policy responsibilities; fluency in English is required.
The application process requires submission via https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey by June 30, 2025. Applications should outline the applicant's intended coursework, research plans, internship goals aligned with their professional objectives. Supporting documents such as certificates, transcripts, recommendation letters must be uploaded online.
Final nominees will need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A local selection panel reviews all applications before final selections are made by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Awards are announced around March/April each year for fellowships starting in August/September.
The fellowship covers round-trip international travel costs for grantees along with a monthly maintenance allowance including funding for books and professional activities. It also covers tuition fees at universities along with limited accident insurance.
Typically one or two fellowships are awarded annually to Ugandans under this program due to its popularity; only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
For more information or inquiries contact The Public Diplomacy Section at U.S. Mission Uganda via email kampalaexchanges@state.gov
Application deadline is June 30, 2025.