Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship – 2026/2027 Cycle
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The Humphrey Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded 10-month professional enrichment program in the United States. It targets mid-career professionals from Africa and other regions who have leadership experience and a commitment to public service. It offers non-degree learning opportunities at top U.S. universities.
📆 Application Timeline
- Now open for the 2026–2027 cycle via the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.
- Country deadline: July 31, 2025
- National nominations forwarded to IIE by September.
- Final selection by February; program begins April–September.
🎯 Who Should Apply?
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 5 years of full-time professional experience
- Leadership and public service commitment
- Limited U.S. experience (under 3 years)
- Proficiency in English (pre-academic training if needed)
Apply through your country’s U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section or a Binational Fulbright Commission.
🏛 What the Fellowship Covers
- Full tuition, fees, living stipend, settling-in allowance
- Health coverage, book allowance, laptop grant
- International travel (to/from the U.S. and conferences)
- Professional development allowance
📚 Key Program Components
- Academic Enrichment: Non-degree courses at top U.S. universities
- Professional Affiliation: 6-week placement with U.S. organization
- Humphrey Seminar: U.S. culture, leadership, professional goals
- Global Leadership Forum: Workshops and networking in D.C.
- Development & Engagement: Workshops, conferences, community projects
🎓 Fields of Focus
- Human & Institutional Capacity: Public Policy, Finance
- Rights & Freedoms: Human Rights, Journalism
- Sustainable Lands: Environmental Policy, Urban Planning
- Thriving Communities: Public Health, Education
🤝 Why It Matters
- Builds global networks with U.S. professionals
- Equips leaders to drive change at home
- Strong alumni outcomes in government, NGOs, academia
🚀 In a Nutshell
The Humphrey Fellowship is a life-changing, career-accelerating opportunity for African leaders. It offers deep learning, leadership development, and a global network to support impactful transformation back home.
🔗 Get Started
- Visit the U.S. Embassy Kenya for local application info.
- Explore humphreyfellowship.org for eligibility, FAQs, and detailed program insights.