Fulbright Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is now open for Sri Lankans.

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.

Period of Award – 10 months

Application Deadline – July 31, 2025

Steps for Short-listed Candidates – Mandatory Interviews at US-SLFC Offices in Colombo during August 2025 (dates will be sent if shortlisted)

The program is ideal for people who are already making significant contributions to the public or private sectors as the program assists those with a strong dedication to public service and an aspiration to instigate enduring change in their communities.

The ultimate goal of the program is to foster leadership skills, share knowledge, and create international networks. Candidates should be at a stage in their careers where they can derive maximum benefit from this opportunity and are required to pledge to return to their home country for a minimum of two years following completion.

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

Note: The Fulbright program does not provide any financial support for accompanying dependants.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Should be a 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 a 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 the home country.

Areas of Expertise Preferred for Humphrey Fellows

1. Human and Institutional Capacity

• Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

• Public Policy and Public Administration

• Technological Leadership

2. Rights and Freedoms

• Communications/Journalism

• Law and Human Rights

3. Sustainable Lands

• Agricultural and Rural Development

• Natural Resources and Environmental Policy

• Urban and Regional Planning

4. Thriving Communities

• Educational Administration, Planning & Policy

• Public Health Policy and Management

• Substance Abuse Education, Treatment & Prevention

For more Information including other guidelines and instructions, visit the official Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education website or https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/

To apply, visit https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey