During their fellowship, Humphrey Fellows participate in non-degree study at approximately 11 host campuses across the United States and complete at least six weeks of a professional affiliation at a U.S.-based governmental, non-governmental, private sector, or international organization.

Through their academic and professional experiences, they gain knowledge about the United States, deepen their professional expertise and experience in fields of strategic importance to the U.S., and expand their networks to include U.S. counterparts. Fellowship alumni serve as critical interlocutors for Posts to help achieve U.S. foreign policy goals and advance bilateral relationships.

Fields of Study

• 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:
  • Agriculture and Rural Development
  • Natural Resources and Environmental Policy
• Urban and Regional Planning Thriving Communities:
  • Public Health Policy and Management
  • Substance Abuse Education and Policy
  • Educational Administration, Planning, and Policy

Program Components

• Non-Degree Academic Study: Humphrey Fellows pursue intensive study programs at participating U.S. host institutions. Approximately 11 U.S. campuses have been selected through a competitive process based on their ability to offer institutional and professional resources for cohorts of Fellows in designated fields of study. Humphrey Fellows may not request placement at any particular university. Each campus has at least one designated faculty coordinator for academic and administrative support. In addition, faculty advisors assist Fellows in pursuing balanced academic and professional programs.
• Leadership and Professional Development: Professional enrichment activities include visits to relevant industries, think tanks, and professional organizations; skills-building workshops; conferences; and a professional affiliation placement. The professional affiliation provides first hand exposure to a U.S. work environment on a full-time basis for a minimum period of six weeks. Early in the academic year, each Fellow develops (in coordination with the faculty advisor) a detailed plan of practical professional activities geared to program objectives.

Eligibility Criteria

• Participants must meet the following technical criteria to be eligible for the Humphrey Fellowship:
  • Have a first university degree (equivalent of a 4-year bachelor's or undergraduate degree).
  • Have at least five years of full-time professional experience beyond attainment of a first university/undergraduate degree prior to August 2025.
  • 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.
  • Hold a passport (or be eligible to hold a passport) of Mauritius.
  • Have not attended a graduate school in the United States for one academic year or more.
  • Have not participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs within the last three years prior to the submission of their application.

Ineligibility Criteria

• A candidate will be removed from consideration if they do not meet all the technical eligibility requirements.
• Ineligible candidates include:
  • Recent university graduates (even if they have significant positions);
  • University teachers or academic researchers with no management responsibilities (except in the fields of Substance Abuse Education and Policy);
  • Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident status;
  • Applicants who are not qualified to hold a valid passport as a citizen, national, or permanent resident of Mauritius.
  • Local employees of U.S. Missions abroad who work for the U.S. Department of State, or the U.S. Agency for International Development, including temporary employees and contractors, and members of their families as well as individuals who work for or are otherwise associated with an organization that is responsible for nominating or selecting individuals for participation in any ECA exchange program.

Application Requirements

• Candidates must submit a complete application including:
  • Complete answers to all questions; essay responses must be in English and thoroughly address the prompts.
  • Two letters of reference in English; one must be from the applicant's current employer.
  • Official transcripts in English; Ensure all transcripts uploaded are official, valid documents. Transcripts must list courses taken and grades received for undergraduate (first university or Bachelor's) degree. Diplomas are required for all other higher education degrees (Masters and Doctoral), no transcripts are needed. Diplomas need only be uploaded for the undergraduate degree if the transcript does not show proof that the degree was obtained.
• Language Proficiency: Candidates are expected to be proficient in English as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Nominated candidates will be required to take the official TOEFL test with provided free voucher.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy Mauritius.