The Humphrey Fellowship Program offers accomplished young and mid-career professionals with proven leadership potential 10 months of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and substantive professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts. Professionals with at least 5 years of professional experience in the relevant field beyond their Master’s studies can apply. Humphrey Fellows pursue tailored study programs at participating host institutions and Fellows have the flexibility to pursue a self-directed, individualized program.
Human and Institutional Capacity
Rights and Freedoms
Sustainable Lands
Thriving Communities
More information about the fields of study can be found in the attached PDF document.
The living expenses are calculated based on the living costs estimated for the specific location of the host institution
International economy class airfare via the most direct route from home of the grantee to the authorized destination in the U.S.
J-1 visa sponsorship for grantee and J-2 visa for dependents
Professional development allowance
Settling-in allowance
Book and supply allowance
Other allowances (computer subsidy, in-bound travel allowance, Global Leadership Forum allowance and per diem, return travel allowance)
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges covering basic healthcare (supplemental private insurance highly recommended)
The Commission helps grantees to prepare for their stay in the U.S. while the Institute of International Education (IIE) provides on-going support over the course of the grant
English language training prior to the Fellowship, if needed
Candidates are required to submit an online application. At this point, there is no need to send any documents to the Commission. Successful candidates are notified and requested to send original copies of the documents submitted online together with official English translations.
Application must include: 2 letters of recommendation (1 must be from the current employer), TOEFL score report, and transcripts of records. Applicants with a strong interest in the program can request a voucher from the Fulbright Commission for the TOEFL test, which will allow them to take the test free of charge. If you are interested in a voucher or consultation, please contact the Program Coordinator at silvia@fulbright.sk.
2025/2026 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Application FormThe application deadline for academic year 2025/2026 is August 15, 2024. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview on 27 August 2024. The interview time will be announced after the application deadline.
Application cycle is open.
Application deadline. Applications are reviewed by the Commission to check whether they are complete and meet all required formalities and eligibility criteria. The most qualified candidates will be invited to a personal interview scheduled for August 27, 2024.
Successful candidates are notified of their nomination by the Commission. The final stage of the selection process is made by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Nominee applications are reviewed by the U.S. Department of State. Nominees are notified of their selection status.
Administrative steps to process visa applications and departure for the U.S. are taken.
Pre-Departure Orientation is hosted by the Commission.
Visa interviews are conducted for grantees who depart for the U.S. and start their grant in the fall.
For FAQ, please visit the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program website
Program, year, host institution:
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, 2019-2020, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
Current position:
Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, Center for Treatment of Drug Dependencies Bratislava; Doctoral candidate, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava
Testimonial:
“I considered it a cliché what I often heard before and at the beginning of the program that it is a life-changing experience. Over time, I realized that it was true. The program allowed me to progress as a professional and as a human as well. I would indulge such an experience to as many people as possible..”
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, 2019-2020
Program, year, host institution:
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2017-2018 Boston University, Questrom School of Business Finance and Economic Development
Current position:
Development Manager, Nadácia DEDO/Foundation DEDO
Testimonial:
„My Humphrey year influenced everything, what I have been doing since my reentry to Slovakia. Not only that I found an answer to a solution for homelessness, but I also learned innovative approaches and steps to end homelessness. And I have decided to apply it all in Slovakia.“
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program 2017-2018
Program, year, host institution:
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, 2018-2019, Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Nashville, TN
Current position:
Assistant professor at the Department of British and American Studies, Faculty of Arts of the UPJŠ in Košice. Deputy chair for pedagogical work, Manager of language testing center
Testimonial:
“Studying and conducting research at a prestigious American University and in the leading think tank RAND Corporation allowed me to analyze the interconnections between students theoretical training and the application of their knowledge and skills in real labor market conditions. My goal is to incorporate this knowledge and experiences into our educational programs and prepare graduates to work in the challenging environment of the 21st century.”
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, 2018-2019