Host Universities

Humphrey Fellows build connections between U.S. and international professionals to advance solutions to the most pressing global challenges.

Fellows hold leadership positions in local, municipal, and national governments, as well as in business and non-profit sectors. Humphrey Fellows have lasting impacts on their communities upon their return, applying knowledge and skills acquired through their Fellowships to effect broad change across their organizations and fields of expertise.

Welcome Leaders from around the World

Humphrey Fellows enrich their U.S. host communities through public service, cultural exchange, and the lasting personal ties they create during their program. Each year, Humphrey Fellows:

• Collaborate and share expertise with local organizations and professional contacts across the United States on critical issues and topics
• Create linkages between the Host University and the Fellow’s home-country institutions
• Serve as an ambassador of their country and help internationalize U.S. campuses

Humphrey host universities are selected through a competitive application process to participate in the Program for a five-year cycle. Competitions are organized annually and determined by fields of study. Selection is based on the institution’s ability to develop specialized non-degree, interdisciplinary programs for a diverse group of 12-15 international Fellows. Both public and private institutions have participated in the program over the years.


Each summer, IIE solicits proposals from a broad range of institutions through a request for proposal (RFP) document. The RFP outlines guidance on the Program’s selection criteria and required documents. Before the deadline, IIE receives questions in writing and posts the complete Q&A online. Final proposals are generally due to IIE in the Fall. Specific deadlines for proposals will be outlined for each RFP.