The Humphrey Fellowship, a Fulbright exchange, advances American interests by bringing influential professionals from priority countries to the United States to build strategic partnerships that advance shared interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals. Through graduate-level study and professional experiences at U.S. host universities and organizations, Humphrey Fellows gain practical insight into how American policies are developed and implemented, working alongside U.S. experts in their fields.
Funding and Administration
The Humphrey Fellowship is a Fulbright exchange activity sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by the Institute of International Education.
History of the Humphrey Fellowship Program at American University
American University (AU) has served as a host institution for the Humphrey Program since 1980. In 2002, AU repositioned the Fellowship’s focus from economics to Law and Governance, and the Fellowship Program moved to American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL). AUWCL is the only law school in the U.S. hosting the program and is one of seven universities selected nationwide to host the program for the academic year 2026-27.
Law and Governance Humphrey Fellows advance rules-based systems that support U.S. security interests by working as attorneys, judges, law enforcement officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders, advancing the rule of law, strengthening security frameworks, and supporting fair and accountable justice systems. They work to combat transnational crime and trafficking, fight corruption, ensure accountability for violations of personal freedoms, and promote transparent and effective governance.
2025 - 2026 Humphrey Fellowship Year
The 2025 - 2026 Humphrey Fellowship Program at American University Washington College of Law commenced in August with the arrival of ten Fellows representing nine countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Pakistan, Philippines and Zambia. The first week of arrival in Washington, D.C. focused on essential transitions: securing housing, setting up U.S. phone lines and bank accounts, and becoming oriented to daily life in their new environment. Humphrey staff, together with dedicated community hosts, provided invaluable support to ensure a smooth journey. Read more.
This year, American University Washington College of Law is hosting 10 fellows. These professionals come from across the globe, including Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, China, Pakistan, Philippines and Zambia.
PlayMeet Humphrey Fellow Mehluli Malisa Batakathi from Zambia.
A U.S. senator from Minnesota for 27 years and vice president of the United States from 1965-1969, Hubert H. Humphrey was a lifelong advocate of programs fostering human rights and international understanding. These fellowships were established to honor his memory and to continue his ideals.
