Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship US Government scholarship program for the academic year 2025/2026

7. May 2024.
Scholarships, International cooperation

Open call for applications for "Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship" program for academic 2025./2026. year. This specialized professional exchange program is intended to strengthen leadership among professionals from around the world who work closely together to find solutions to local and global challenges. Through academic training and professional development, in collaboration with American colleagues, this growing global network serves to share best practices and strengthen expertise in areas critical to building a more peaceful world.

The areas covered by this program are:

Human and institutional development

economic development,
Finance and Banking,
Analysis of public policies and public administration,
Technological policy and management.

Rights and freedoms

Communications/Journalism,
Law and human rights.

Sustainable lands

Agriculture and rural development,
Natural resources, environmental protection policy and climate change,
Urban and regional planning.

Advanced communities

Policy in public health management,
Public health management,
Education, treatment and prevention of abuse of unwanted substances,
Administration, planning and policy in education.

Interested candidates from Bosnia and Herzegovina must meet the following application requirements:

All citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who possess a valid BH passport,
Completed undergraduate studies at accredited universities in BiH lasting at least 4 years,
At least five years of continuous professional experience in a relevant field after obtaining a university degree before August 2024. years,
Demonstrated leadership qualities and a good track record in public services,
Limited prior experience in the United States,
Ability to follow classes in English commensurate with the proposed activities to be conducted in the United States,
Doctoral permission to participate in the program (finalists only),
Eligibility for obtaining and maintaining a non-immigrant exchange visitor visa J-1 required for the program. Associates and dependent family members do not have to pay visa fees J-1 or visa(s) J-2, if applicable, but must be discussed by the consular section of the embassy,
Committed to returning to Bosnia and Herzegovina after the time spent there 2 in the United States of America. As visa holders J-1, scholars are subject to a two-year residency requirement in a foreign country. Accompanying dependents visas J-2 are also subject to this requirement, regardless of the length of stay.

Interested candidates from Bosnia and Herzegovina submit applications online via the following web address: https://apply.iie.org/apply/?sr=278cdc20-69ef-4648-9af3-e2ac33472816

It is necessary to attach the following documents:

Program plan, Interested candidates must describe how their work relates to the needs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of study, the proposed academic and professional activities for the program, and how their newly acquired knowledge and skills will help them solve development needs in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Two personal statements, For the Type A program statement, interested applicants must describe their record of strong commitment to public service (for example, community, civic involvement, or professional responsibilities), their professional goals for the next five years, and how the program will help them achieve their goals. For the B-type program statement, candidates must describe a problem or challenging situation that they solved on their own initiative, as well as the result. The example should be illustrative of their problem-solving skills, leadership abilities and/or commitment to public service,
Two letters of recommendation in English, A professional mentor, professor, or other associate outside the candidate's current work environment must write one letter of recommendation. The second letter must be from the candidate's immediate supervisor in the candidate's current position. Applicants are encouraged to have recommenders submit letters of recommendation online. Use the Embark “Register Recommender” section to start the registration process, add and remove recommenders, and track progress. If recommenders are unable to complete the process online, they must send the completed form to the US Embassy in BiH at bhexc@state.gov with the subject line: “Last Name, First Name of Applicant 2024-25 Humphrey Program Letter of Recommendation”,
Copies of academic transcripts and diplomas from each university or higher education institution, In the initial stage of application, documents are accepted as issued by academic institutions, without English translation. Include certified English translations, if available. Finalists must submit official transcripts and certified copies of diplomas or degrees accompanied by an original, certified English translation,
If applicable, Substance Abuse Supplemental Application Page, Only applicants applying for the Substance Abuse field should submit this additional field-specific application page. Applicants in other fields of study should disregard this section,
Finalists only, Test of English (TOEFL), Interested candidates are not required to register for the TOEFL at the initial application stage. Only finalists must have a valid TOEFL score, there are no exceptions to this requirement. Finalists for the Humphrey Awards will be required to complete the TOEFL test by September at the latest 2024. The Embassy will only provide finalists with test registration instructions and test fee vouchers and
On request, a legible copy of the biographical page of the passport, as part of the selection process.

Costs covered scholarship

This scholarship program covers the following expenses for interested candidates from Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Return air ticket and travel allowances,
Return air tickets in the United States of America for the purposes of holding "Robert H. Humphrey Fellowship" workshops and seminars,
Tuition and fees at the awarded host University in the United States of America,
Pre-academic English language training, if necessary,
Financial support (Scholarship) for living expenses in the United States of America and fees (One-time fees for accommodation, books, computer assistance, professional development for professional activities such as field trips, professional visits, conferences),
Limited accident and sickness coverage that meets the requirements of the J Exchange Visitor Program regulations. This coverage is not general purpose health insurance and is subject to specific limitations including but not limited to pre-existing conditions, dental and vision care. It is not intended to replace a member's regular health insurance plan that should be maintained or provided during the grant period at the participant's expense,
Pre-departure orientation at the United States Embassy i
Pre-academic program orientation in the United States of America.