Call for Applications: Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (Albania)

The Humphrey Program sends accomplished mid-career professionals with demonstrated leadership potential to the United States for a year of graduate-level, non-degree academic coursework and professional development activities. Fellows are nominated based on their potential for leadership and commitment to public service.

Areas of Focus

• Human and Institutional Capacity:
  • Economic Policy and Finance
  • Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration
  • Technology Policy and Management
• Rights and Freedoms:
  • Communications and Journalism
  • Law and Human Rights
• Sustainable Lands:
  • Agricultural and Rural Development
  • Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change
  • Urban and Regional Planning
• Thriving Communities:
  • Public Health Policy and Management
  • Substance Abuse Education and Policy
  • Educational Administration, Planning and Policy

Benefits

• The Humphrey Fellowship provides tuition and university fees, a monthly maintenance allowance, a book and supplies allowance, a computer subsidy, round-trip international travel to the host institution (and to the Fellow’s English-language training program when applicable) and domestic travel to Washington, D.C. for a special seminar.
• Supplementary funds are available for professional activities such as field trips or attendance at conferences.

Duration

• The Humphrey Fellowship is a 10-month program. Fellows are required to return to Albania for at least two years at the conclusion of their fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be citizens and residents of the Republic of Albania
• Applicants must have a four-year university degree of full-time studies (or three + one, three + two in the Bologna system)
• Applicants must be currently employed in Albania
• Applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in the relevant field of study
• Applicants must have management or policy responsibilities, including for those who are university teachers and/or teachers of English as a foreign language. Exceptions are made for scientists/researchers applying in the field of substance abuse education and policy.
• Applicants must be proficient in oral and written English (equivalent to the B2 level; include TOEFL or IELTS test scores if available.)
• Applicants must have a valid TOEFL or IELTS score (minimum of 71 pts IBT for TOEFL and a score range of 6.0-7.0 for IELTS) by August 15, 2025
• Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to public service.
• Applicants must be eligible for a J-1 visa
• Applicants must receive a satisfactory medical clearance.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Recent university graduates;
• University teachers or academic researchers with no management responsibilities (except in the fields of Substance Abuse Education, Prevention, and Treatment and Teaching of English as a Foreign Language);
• Individuals who have attended a graduate school in the United States for one academic year or more during the seven years prior to August 2025.
• Individuals with substantial in-country U.S. experience of any kind lasting more than six months during the five years prior to August 2025; and
• Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status, immediate family members of U.S. Embassy employees may not apply to the program; they are ineligible for a J-1 visa.
• Local employees of U.S. Missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State and members of their families
• A candidate with recent third-country experience, especially in developed countries, may have a less compelling need for the Humphrey Program than a candidate who has never had a significant professional opportunity abroad.

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Two letters of reference
• Detailed Curriculum vitae
• Translated and notarized copies of university diploma(s) and grade transcripts from all higher educational institutions attended
• Letter from employer confirming employment
• Copy of passport bio page
• Copies of certificates from previous trainings (valid to field of study only).

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Albania.