Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Awards

• Pre-departure orientation program in Colombo
• Monthly living stipend while in the U.S.
• Round-trip economy class air travel from Sri Lanka to the host organization in the U.S.
• Health insurance
• Fulbright enrichment activities
• Immigration advising and immigration sponsorship support

The Fulbright program does not provide any financial support for accompanying dependents.

To apply, you must:

1. Be a Sri Lankan citizen.
2. Have continuously resided in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years immediately prior to the award application deadline.
3. Demonstrate aptitude and accomplishment in your academic, artistic or professional field thorough awards received, achievements and output.
4. Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in your field.
5. Have at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond attainment of a first university/undergraduate degree, and prior to September 15, 2026.
6. Demonstrate commitment to sharing knowledge with counterparts and the public in Sri Lanka
7. Not be applying for or holding permanent resident visa (Green Card) in the United States, not be dual U.S.-Sri Lanka citizen, and not hold work or resident visa in another country.
8. Provide evidence that leave will be granted for the fellowship period, if selected.
9. Reside in Sri Lanka for a minimum of 2 years following the completion of the grant.
10. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and superior communication skills.
11. Maintain a commitment to foster understanding and peace between the people of the U.S. and people of Sri Lanka.
12. Be a mid-career professional in a leadership position with a commitment to public service and to the development of Sri Lanka.
13. Be employed in either the public or private sector.
14. Demonstrate strong professional leadership potential.

You are not eligible if you:

1. Are staff or family of staff at a U.S. Embassy or US-SLFC.
2. Engage in misrepresentation, false information, or plagiarism of any kind during the application or grant period, which is grounds for selection withdrawal or immediate grant termination.
3. Have attended a graduate school in the United States for one academic year or more during the seven years prior to September 15, 2026.
4. Had more than six months of U.S. experience during the five years prior to September 15, 2026.
5. Have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs within the last three years prior to September 15, 2026.

While not mandatory, priority will be given to candidates that:

1. Have very few or preferably no previous opportunities to travel to the U.S.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to return to Sri Lanka to live and work for at least 5 years after the conclusion of the program.
3. Demonstrate the ability to function well in the U.S.
4. Are comfortable with international travel and prepared to be a good representative for Sri Lanka.

Communications and Journalism

Humphrey Fellows strengthen information integrity and U.S. influence in the global media space by their work in media and communications, including investigative and responsible journalism, national broadcasting, digital media, and public relations. They uphold individual freedoms in the digital age, manage strategic communications, promote free expression, and advance transparent media to strengthen information integrity and support open public debate.

Law and Governance

Humphrey Fellows advance rules-based systems that support U.S. security interests by working as attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders, advancing the rule of law, strengthening security frameworks, and supporting fair and accountable justice systems. They work to combat transnational crime and trafficking, fight corruption, ensure accountability for violations on personal freedoms, and promote transparent and effective governance.

Natural Resources Policy

Humphrey Fellows drive policies that support energy independence, resource security, and economic resilience.  Their work spans critical minerals, energy systems, water, and agriculture—ensuring reliable supply chains, strengthening food security, and reducing vulnerabilities that can be exploited by strategic competitors. This work directly supports U.S. economic strength and global stability.

Public and Economic Policy

Humphrey Fellows address critical public and economic policy challenges in multiple disciplines across local, regional, and national levels that drive economic growth, workforce development, and market expansion aligned with U.S. interests. They work in fields such as trade and investment, workforce development, education policy and administration, fiscal and monetary policy, public-private partnerships, and public sector management.  Fellows design and implement evidence-informed policies that promote economic growth and security, strengthen institutions, and support effective domestic and foreign policy decision-making.

Public Health Policy and Management

Humphrey Fellows develop self-reliant and resilient local health systems in global health by addressing public health challenges, including preventing infectious disease outbreaks, through policy development, service delivery, surveillance, and institutional preparedness. Fellows serve as health policymakers, physicians, clinical managers, health educators, and practitioners, shaping policies that manage public health risks in ways that protect American lives and economic stability.

Technology Policy and Management

Humphrey Fellows develop and implement strategies and policies to manage the societal, economic, and security impacts of emerging and established technologies to ensure the United States and its partners lead in this area while against misuse by adversaries. They work on issues such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, biotechnology and health technologies, and technology’s role in urban planning, transportation, and workforce transformation.

Sri Lankan Specific Policy Focus Suggestions

While we are open to any proposal that meets the required criteria above, in Sri Lanka we are particularly interested in proposals in the following areas: Artificial Intelligence, Technology Policy, Digital Freedom, Journalism, Energy Security, Maritime Security, Cyber Crimes, Trade, Supply Chains, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Critical Minerals, Educational Reforms, Cultural Heritage, and Sports Diplomacy.

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of professionals who will make contributions to their communities as well as their professional fields. Humphrey Fellowship nominees should:

• be individuals working in either the public or private sector with demonstrated leadership ability and a demonstrated commitment to public service;

• be at a point in their careers to fully benefit from this professional development program;

• understand that the program is non-degree granting;

• be aware that they cannot transfer to degree status in any program, and therefore will not be able to become degree candidates after arriving in the United States; and

• realize that they have a commitment to return home after the Fellowship for at least two years to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired to assist their communities and their country.

Period of Award

10 months

Application Deadline

July 31, 2026

This award period is 10 months. To learn more about and apply for the Humphrey Fellowship, please see this website from our partners at IIE: apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey. You must register on this website to access information and apply.

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Due to the large volume of applications for this award, US-SLFC is unable to acknowledge receipt of applications, and only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be notified.

For questions, write to: inquiries@fulbrightsrilanka.org