Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for Sri Lankans

Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for Sri Lankans

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Eligibility Requirements and Guidelines for Applying Overview of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Awards

The Fulbright Hubert Humphrey Fellowship is specially designed for mid-career professionals who will help solve the world’s most pressing problems. The Humphrey Fellowship connects Sri Lankans with Americans for a ten-month non-degree program of graduate level academic coursework and practical professional experiences. Some awards also offer English training to facilitate the participation of applicants who may be excellent candidates but lack the necessary language skills. Candidates must be committed to public service that enhances Sri Lanka upon their return. For general information on the program, please see the Institute of International Education’s Humphrey Fellowship website.

Grant Benefits

• Pre-departure orientation program in Colombo
• Monthly living stipend while in the USA
• 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

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

Eligibility Requirements

1. Sri Lankan citizen
2. Must 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. Must have at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond attainment of a first university/undergraduate degree, and prior to October 2025.
6. Demonstrate commitment to sharing knowledge with counterparts and the public in Sri Lanka
7. Must 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. Must provide evidence that leave will be granted for the fellowship period, if selected
9. Must 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. Commitment to foster understanding and peace between the people of the U.S. and people of Sri Lanka
12. Mid-career professionals in leadership positions with a commitment to public service and to the development of Sri Lanka.
13. Candidates may be employed in either the public or private sector.
14. Demonstrate strong professional leadership potential

Eligibility Preferences 

1. Must 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. Be comfortable with international travel and be a good representative for your home country.
5. Areas of Expertise Preferred for Humphrey Fellows:

Not Eligible

1. Staff or families of staff at a U.S. Embassy or US-SLFC
2. Misrepresentation, false information, or plagiarism of any kind during the application or grant period is grounds for selection withdrawal or immediate grant termination
3. Have not attended a graduate school in the United States for one academic year or more during the seven years prior to August 2025
4. • Have not had more than six months of U.S. experience during the five years prior to August 2025
5. Have not participated in U.S. government- sponsored exchange programs within the last three years prior to August 2025

Who is the Ideal Humphrey Candidate?

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

June 30, 2025

Next Steps for Short-listed Candidates

Mandatory Interviews at US-SLFC Offices in Colombo during August 2025 (dates will be sent if you are shortlisted)

For More Information and To Apply

Apply here Will open April 1, 2025

Please note: You must register on this website to access information and apply.

Additional links and resources

http://www.facebook.com/HumphreyFellowship
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hubert-h-humphrey-fellowship-program
http://www.youtube.com/user/HumphreyFellowship
https://www.instagram.com/humphreyfellowship/

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