Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a special Fulbright initiative that gives mid-career professionals from developing countries, like Pakistan, a chance to boost their leadership skills and tackle global issues. This fully funded, non-degree program lasts ten months and includes graduate-level study and professional growth in the U.S. It creates a great chance for learning, exchanging cultures, and building valuable connections.

The Humphrey Fellowship is a tribute to Hubert H. Humphrey, a former U.S. Senator and Vice President Known for his support of global teamwork and public service. This program is meant for professionals with leadership experience and a dedication to serving their communities. It focuses on creating lasting links between American and international professionals so they can work together on important local and global challenges. After finishing the program, Fellows are expected to head back to Pakistan and use what they've learned to make a positive impact in their organizations and communities.

Programs Offered

The Humphrey Fellowship is all about helping professionals develop their skills in important global areas. It's divided into four main topics:

• Human & Institutional Capacity: This includes Economic Development, Finance & Banking, Public Policy & Administration, Technology Management, and Human Resource Management.
• Rights & Freedoms: This covers Communications/Journalism, Law & Human Rights, International Religious Freedom, and Trafficking in Persons Policy & Prevention.
• Sustainable Lands: Focuses on Agricultural and Rural Development, Natural Resources, Environmental Policy and Climate Change, and Urban and Regional Planning.
• Thriving Communities: This area involves Public Health Policy and Management, Substance Abuse Education/Treatment/Prevention, Educational Planning/Policy, Higher Education Administration, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Benefits

The Humphrey Fellowship is a funded program that provides support to selected Fellows in various ways. Here’s what you can expect:

• Tuition and Fees: Covers all academic costs at the host university in the U.S.
• Airfare: Includes international travel to and from the U.S. for the program.
• Living Stipend: A monthly allowance to help with living expenses, plus a one-time payment for settling in.
• Health Insurance: Covers accidents and sickness during the fellowship.
• Book Allowance: Money to buy textbooks and other academic materials.
• Computer Subsidy: A one-time payment to help with computer needs.
• Professional Development Allowance: Funds for activities like field trips and conferences.
• Pre-academic English Language Training: If necessary, there’s intensive English training before the fellowship starts.
• Visa Assistance: Help with the J-1 visa process.

Eligibility

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is highly competitive, and Pakistani applicants must meet stringent criteria. The eligibility requirements, as administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), are as follows:

• Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must be Pakistani citizens who live and work in Pakistan. They must stay in Pakistan throughout the application and selection process.
• Professional Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible professional/work experience is necessary. This curriculum is designed for professionals in their mid-career years.
• Education: The completion of 16 years of formal education (for example, a four-year Bachelor's degree or a two-year Bachelor's degree combined with a Master's degree).
• Leadership Potential: Proven leadership skills and a strong dedication to public service, whether in the public or private sector.
• English Proficiency: Excellent fluency in both spoken and written English. A Duolingo English Test score report is required with the application. Valid TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores are also acceptable and may be uploaded if available.
• Re-employment assurance:  An assurance that they will be re-employed by their existing employer when they return to Pakistan.
• Commitment to Return: Upon completion of their program, all participants must return to Pakistan and contribute to the development of their home country.

Ineligibility:

• University teachers or researchers with no prior managerial experience or similar obligations.
• Individuals who have completed graduate school in the United States within the last seven years or who have had long-term US experience (more than three years) within the last five years.
• Persons holding dual nationality in the United States and Pakistan, or who have a spouse, parent, or child over the age of 18 who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
  Employees and contractors of the Fulbright organization, the United States Department of State, or USAID, as well as their spouses, children, siblings, dependents, and parents.

How to Apply

Applying for the Humphrey Fellowship in Pakistan is all done online through USEFP. Here’s a simple rundown of what you need to do:

• Check Eligibility: Make sure you read all the eligibility requirements on the USEFP website.
• Find the Application: The application portal usually opens on the USEFP site when it’s time to apply.
• Fill Out the Application: Complete the online application form by adding your personal, academic, and work information.
• Essays: Write clear and engaging essays that respond to the prompts. Make sure to show your leadership skills, talk about your dedication to public service, and explain how the fellowship fits into your career goals. 
• Letters of Reference: Provide two letters of reference in English. One should come from your current employer. 
• Official Transcripts and Degrees: Upload your official transcripts showing your courses and grades, along with your degree certificates.
• English Proficiency Score: You need to submit a valid Duolingo English Test score report. If you have TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores, you can upload those instead.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Make sure to include an updated CV that shows your work experience.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you become a finalist, you'll need to get an NOC from your employer or the government of Pakistan.
• Medical History and Examination Form: Finalists will also need to submit a medical history and examination form.

Important: Application dates vary each year. It is critical to verify the official USEFP website for the exact deadline for the upcoming academic year.

FAQs

1. Does the Humphrey Fellowship give degrees?

Nope, the Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program. Fellows can take classes, but they won’t be getting a degree. It’s mainly about professional growth.

2. Can I bring my family to the U.S. with me?

Yes, you can apply for family members to join you, but you'll need to get approval first. You'll also need to show you can financially support them, have proper health insurance that meets U.S. requirements, and have childcare plans in place. The program is busy, so you'll be away from your host campus a lot.

3. Can I pick my host university?

No, the Institute of International Education (IIE) assigns you to a host university based on your professional field and interests. You’ll typically be placed with a small group of others at schools that fit your needs.

4. What if I'm not chosen this year? Can I apply again?

Yes, you can apply again in the future. Just keep in mind that your application won’t get special treatment.

5. Is there an age limit for applicants?

A: There’s no strict age limit, but the program is aimed at mid-career professionals with around 5-15 years of experience, who are in leadership roles and have a strong commitment to public service.

6. What qualities are they looking for in Humphrey Fellows?

They want strong leadership potential, a commitment to public service, a good plan for how the fellowship will help their home country, good English communication skills, and the ability to adapt to a new culture and school environment.