The United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has announced the opening of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program competition for the 2026-2027 academic year. This Fulbright exchange initiative is designed to enhance leadership and foster ties with the U.S. among mid-career government officials and emerging leaders from select countries.
According to the announcement, "the Humphrey Fellowship uses a cohort model focused on specific fields of study, with groups of Fellows placed in multinational cohorts at host universities around the United States." Participants engage in academic coursework and professional affiliations to develop their leadership and policy expertise.
Applications are being accepted online until July 28, 2025, at 23:59 local time. The program comprises non-degree academic study at participating U.S. institutions and includes professional development activities such as industry visits and skills-building workshops.
Eligible fields of study during the fellowship include economic policy, public health management, law and human rights, among others. English language training is available for candidates requiring additional support.
The fellowship provides various benefits including round-trip air travel, tuition coverage, financial support for living expenses, limited accident insurance, and pre-departure orientation sessions both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the U.S.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in public service, leadership potential, commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress, self-motivation, flexibility, and readiness to engage with diverse cultural experiences.
Eligibility criteria require applicants to be citizens or permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a university degree equivalent to a four-year bachelor's degree. They must have at least five years of full-time professional experience by August 2025.
Candidates should submit complete applications including essays, two letters of reference in English—one from a professional mentor or associate outside their current workplace—and copies of academic transcripts and diplomas. Finalists will need to provide TOEFL scores if selected.
For more information on application procedures or technical issues during submission, candidates can contact bhexc@state.gov using "2026-2027 Humphrey Fellowship Program" as the subject line.