Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree exchange programme of the US Department of State, administered in Sri Lanka by the US-SL Fulbright Commission. It brings mid-career professionals to a US host university for 10 months of graduate-level coursework, professional affiliations, and leadership development — without leading to a degree. Designed for public-service oriented practitioners, not students fresh out of a Bachelor's.
Annual cycle — Sri Lanka deadline typically June-July for the following academic year
US Department of State
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Fully Funded
Duration
10-Month Non-Degree
Cohort
~150 Fellows / Year Worldwide
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Government awards like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
US Department of State — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
Fully Funded 10-Month Fellowship. Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's Degree (4-Year)
Hold a four-year Bachelor's degree, with preference for candidates who also hold a postgraduate qualification.
5+ Years Professional Experience
Minimum five years of substantial, full-time professional experience in a Humphrey-eligible field (e.g. public health policy, education planning, finance & banking, journalism, law and human rights, technology policy).
Sri Lankan Citizen, 2-Year SL Residency
Sri Lankan citizen continuously resident in Sri Lanka for at least 2 years immediately before the application deadline. Cannot hold US permanent residency, dual US/SL citizenship, or work/resident visas in another country.
Public-Service Commitment
Demonstrated leadership, public-service record, and a clear commitment to returning to Sri Lanka to apply what you learn — this is non-negotiable.
account_tree Application Process
Apply via US-SL Fulbright Commission
Submit the online application via fulbrightsrilanka.org. Core components: professional CV, personal statement, programme objectives, three professional references.
TOEFL / English Test
TOEFL iBT 71+ (or equivalent) is required at shortlist stage. Some fields request a higher score.
Interview & Nomination
Shortlisted candidates interview at the Fulbright Commission in Colombo. Successful nominees are forwarded to the Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington for global review.
Host University Placement
IIE places approved fellows at one of ~15 US host universities (e.g. American University, Cornell, Syracuse, Vanderbilt) based on field and fit. You do not choose the host campus.
Why Humphrey?
A senior-track exchange programme designed for working professionals — not an academic Master's. Builds policy, leadership, and professional networks rather than another credential.
~200
Fellows / Year Globally
15+
US Host Universities
Since 1978
Programme Running
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat USA actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for USA, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
Check the requirement arrow_forwardSimilar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
US Department of State
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Aga Khan Foundation (tenable at top global universities)
CMU Tepper Fellowship
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business