Humphrey host universities are selected through a competitive application process to participate in the program for five years. Competitions are organized by fields of study and are scheduled annually with one or two of the eight major fields being competed each year. Selection is based on the institution’s ability to develop specialized non-degree, interdisciplinary programs for a diverse group of seven to twelve international Fellows. Both public and private institutions have participated in the program over the years.
Each spring, IIE solicits proposals from a broad range of institutions. Institutions interested in applying are provided with a proposal fully outlining the program's requirements, the selection criteria, budget and program guidelines, a timeline of review/notification dates, and other relevant information. In August, IIE holds an online question-and-answer telephone conference providing potential applicants more information about the program and to answer any questions before the final proposals are due on October 1st.
Independent peer-review panels are convened by IIE to evaluate the proposals and draw up final recommendations for submission to the Department of State — the program's primary funding sponsor. Once campuses have been selected, IIE notifies all applicants and signs letters of agreement with the selected universities. Successful applicants begin working with the program the following academic year.
