Other scholarships

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Professional development and leadership fellowships in the United States for Colombian professionalscommitted to public service and social change.

Applicant profile

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Terms of Reference) offers mid-career Colombian professionals an academic and professional exchange experience in the United States that does not lead to a degree. Over the course of an academic year, fellows strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks through a six-week practical internship at U.S. organizations, and participate in graduate-level applied training on strategic topics related to local and global development. This program is designed for individuals with high leadership potential, academic excellence, and proven experience in key fields such as Communications and Journalism, Law and Governance, Natural Resource Policy, Public and Economic Policy, Public Health, or Technology Management. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to public service, social change, and Colombia’s development, and agree to the legal obligation to return to the country for a minimum of two years after completing the fellowship in order to transfer and apply the knowledge they have acquired.

Description of the exchange

The program aims to support the professional development and strengthen the leadership skills of the selected participants by providing them with access to graduate-level courses at one of the approximately 11 participating host universities in the United States, as well as the opportunity to participate in other academic and professional activities that complement their experience in areas relevant to their profile. The host university will be assigned based on the field of study indicated in the application.
The program concludes with a 6-week professional internship at a U.S. organization (governmental, nongovernmental, private-sector, or international) that will allow the fellow to gain practical experience, strengthen their professional network, and broaden their understanding of U.S. society. Once the entire stay is complete, the scholar must return to Colombia and remain in the country for a minimum of 2 years, as part of the return commitment stipulated by the exchange visa granted. During this time, the scholar is expected to contribute to the country’s development by applying the knowledge and skills acquired during their participation in the program.

Requirements

To apply for this call for proposals, please read the Terms of Reference carefully, where you will find all the specific requirements. These include:

  • Essays.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Citizenship ID card.
  • Residence in Colombia.
  • Formación profesional universitaria de 4 años.
  • Official undergraduate diplomas and English translations.
  • Official transcript of degrees earned and an English translation.
  • English exam results showing the minimum required score.

NOTE: To receive a 5% discount on the TOEFL iBT exam through the Fulbright Friends Foundation, applicants should enter the code TOEFLIBTHUMPHREY2026 in the payment section.

  • At least 5 years of professional experience after obtaining a professional degree.
  • Current employment status.
  • Signed letters of recommendation in English.

As part of their commitment to the country, those awarded must return to Colombia at the end of their fellowship and remain in the country for at least 2 years to apply and share the knowledge they have acquired. This requirement is in line with the immigration regulations of the U.S. Department of State, according to the visa granted.

Benefits

Those selected will receive comprehensive support, as specified in the Terms of Reference, which include, among other things:

  • Admission and tuition.
  • Subsistence expenses.
  • Accommodation expenses.
  • International airfare.
  • Per diem allowances.
  • Computer subsidy.
  • Books and materials.
  • Professional development allowance.
  • TOEFL iBT voucher.
  • Guidance seminar in Colombia.
  • Basic Accident and Illness Program with Minimum Coverage (ASPE).
  • Visa cost and proceedings.
  • Comprehensive support and ongoing monitoring.
Note: Any aspect not mentioned among these benefits is not covered by the program. The associated costs and benefits mentioned are subject to updates and changes in accordance with Fiscal Year 2027.

Step by step

To apply for this call for applications, interested parties must follow these steps:

  1. Carefully read the Terms of Reference and annexes of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.
  2. Log in to the Fulbright Colombia Application Platform (MindaClient) and fill out the registration form.
  3. Access the application form for this “Hubert H. Humphrey” call for applications, fill it out, and submit your application information.
  4. Have all the documentation and information requested in the Requirements and Documents section of the Terms of Reference for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. Call for applications open until August 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

NOTE: This schedule is subject to change, which will be shared through the Fulbright Colombia Commission’s digital channels.

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