Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program For Pakistani Students 2025-2026

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a fully‑funded, non‑degree, 10–12 month professional development program in the U.S. for mid‑career professionals. It emphasizes leadership, U.S.–international collaboration, and public service, tailored for participants to return and contribute in their home countries What It Covers (for Pakistani fellows)

The Fellowship includes:

• Full tuition, academic fees, health insurance, and textbooks 

• Monthly stipend for living expenses, with a settling‑in allowance 

• One‑time computer subsidy

• Professional Development allowance for field trips, internships, workshops, or conferences

• Round‑trip airfare to and from the U.S., plus domestic travel for program events

• Pre‑academic English training if needed 

Key Goals of the Program

• Develop leadership capacity through U.S. exposure and knowledge exchange 

• Forge lasting partnerships between U.S. professionals and fellows worldwide

• Increase mutual cultural understanding and broaden global exchange programs

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Applicants

Based on U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) rules:

• Must be a Pakistani citizen residing/working in Pakistan 

• 8 to 18 years of progressively responsible, full-time professional experience (managerial experience preferred)

• A minimum of 16 years of education (Bachelor’s + preferably a Master’s)

• Leadership qualities and public service commitment

• Limited U.S. experience; ineligible if studied or lived in U.S. in recent years 

• English proficiency: submission of a Duolingo score is mandatory unless you have valid TOEFL/IELTS 

• Guarantee of re‑employment in Pakistan upon return

• Not eligible: dual U.S./Pakistan citizens, immediate relatives (spouse/parent/child over 18) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, employees of Fulbright or U.S. State Department 

Application Timeline for Pakistan

• Application deadline: July 15, 2025 for program starting in Fall 2026 

• Key dates:

  • National shortlisting and interviews (Islamabad) typically happen July–September 2025

  • Final selections notified in October 2025

  • Program begins in U.S. Fall 2026 

Fields of Study / Impact Areas

Fellowships are awarded in thematic areas under four major themes:

1. Human & Institutional Capacity

   • Economic Development, Finance & Banking, Public Policy Analysis & Admin, Tech Policy & Management

2. Rights & Freedoms

   • Journalism/Communications, Law & Human Rights

3. Sustainable Lands

   • Agricultural & Rural Dev’t, Natural Resources & Environmental Policy, Urban & Regional Planning

4. Thriving Communities

   • Educational Administration & Policy, Public Health Policy & Management, Substance Abuse Education & Prevention 

Application Process (Pakistan)

Step‑by‑Step:

1. Contact USEFP to confirm the deadline and begin application through their portal (online only).

2. Prepare documents:

   • Completed online application

   • Degrees and official transcripts (in English)

   • CV/Resume

   • English test score (Duolingo mandatory, or TOEFL/IELTS)

   • Two or three reference letters (one from current employer) 

3. Write essays in English responding thoroughly to prompts—focus on leadership, career goals, alignment with Pakistan’s needs 

4. Submit before July 15, 2025 to avoid disqualification 

Selection Rounds:

• Round 1: USEFP screens for completeness & basic eligibility

• Round 2: Detailed evaluation and shortlisting

• Round 3: In‑person interviews in Islamabad (~July–September)

• Round 4: Final selections announced in October 2025 by USEFP & Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board

After Final Selection:

• Submit mandatory documents: valid passport copy, medical form, No Objection Certificate (NOC) or re‑employment guarantee

• Program cannot be deferred; finalist must accept or reapply next cycle 

• Dependents: family may accompany only with prior approval and evidence of sufficient funds; health insurance mandatory for dependents 

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Demonstrate clear leadership impact and alignment with Pakistani institutions’ needs

• Show how you will apply U.S. learning back home

• Prepare authentic, non‑AI essays; do not plagiarize

• Choose strong recommenders familiar with your professional work

• Apply early to avoid last‑minute issues

Pakistan‑Specific Details

• USEFP is the administering body for Pakistan; they manage the entire process locally

• Interview locations: USEFP offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi

• Contact details: USEFP in Karachi is at BRR Tower, I.I. Chundrigar Road (phone listed on website) 

Summary Table

FAQs:

ChatGPT said:

1. What is the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program?
   The Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree, fully funded professional exchange program that brings mid-career professionals from developing countries, including Pakistan, to the U.S. for 10–12 months of academic study and professional development.

2. Is the Humphrey Fellowship a degree program?
   No. It is a non-degree program. You attend courses and gain academic exposure, but you do not earn a formal degree.

3. Who administers the program in Pakistan?
   The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) manages the program locally, including applications, interviews, and orientation.

4. How many fellowships are awarded each year?
   Around 200 fellowships globally are awarded annually. Pakistan receives a limited number based on candidate quality and funding.

5. Who is eligible to apply from Pakistan?

   • Pakistani citizens with 8 to 18 years of professional experience

   • A minimum of 16 years of education

   • Leadership potential, and a commitment to public service

   • Limited or no recent U.S. experience

   • Must reside and work in Pakistan at the time of application

6. Can government employees apply?
   Yes, but they must guarantee re-employment upon return and must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC)from their department.

7. Can university faculty apply?
   Yes, faculty members are eligible, especially if their work is in an applicable field such as education policy, public health, or law.

8. Can private sector professionals apply?
   Absolutely. Professionals from NGOs, media, law, health, corporate, and other sectors are encouraged to apply.

9. Are recent graduates eligible?
   No. The fellowship is for mid-career professionals, not students or fresh graduates.

10. Is an English language test required?
    Yes. Duolingo English Test (DET) is required. TOEFL or IELTS are also acceptable if valid scores are available.

11. What is the minimum English test score required?
    USEFP does not publicly list a minimum, but Duolingo scores above 110, or TOEFL iBT 80+, or IELTS 6.5+ are considered competitive.

12. Which fields are eligible under the program?
    Eligible fields include:

• Public Policy and Administration

• Education

• Law and Human Rights

• Finance and Economic Development

• Environmental Policy

• Journalism

• Public Health

• Agricultural Development

• Technology Policy

• Urban Planning, and more.

13. Can I choose my own university in the U.S.?
    No. Placements are made by the program administrators based on your field, profile, and program capacity at U.S. universities.

14. How do I apply for the Humphrey Fellowship?
    You must apply online through USEFP’s official website. Upload your documents, write essays, and submit references.

15. What documents are required?

• Academic transcripts and degrees

• English test score

• Updated resume

• Essays (Statement of Purpose, Goals)

• Three recommendation letters (preferably one from a current employer)

16. When is the deadline to apply in Pakistan?
    The deadline for 2026 is July 15, 2025. Early submission is highly recommended.

17. Will I receive a stipend during the program?
    Yes. You’ll receive a monthly stipend, along with housing, health insurance, a computer allowance, and funds for conferences/professional activities.

18. Can I take my family with me to the U.S.?
    Yes, but you must provide proof of funds to support them, arrange separate health insurance, and notify the program in advance.

19. Is internship part of the program?
    Yes. Most fellows complete a 6-week professional affiliation with a U.S. organization relevant to their field, offering hands-on experience.

20. Do I have to return to Pakistan after the program?
    Yes. Fellows must return home and serve their country for a minimum of two years as part of the J-1 visa two-year home residency requirement.