Apply for the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) LEAD Fellowship Program, an initiative developed in partnership with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This one-year program is designed to strengthen leadership capacity among professionals from low- and middle-income countries, particularly those committed to mentoring and empowering future female leaders in global health.

The fellowship offers participants the opportunity to pause, reflect, and explore new frontiers in global health leadership. Since its inception, the program has welcomed fellows from 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America, with expertise spanning HIV/AIDS, healthcare management, policy, research, advocacy, and administration. Fellows emerge from the program with renewed purpose and actionable strategies to influence health systems and policies in their regions.

Program Duration and Structure

The LEAD Fellowship will run from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. During the fall semester, fellows will participate virtually, focusing on personalized leadership development through one-on-one executive coaching and academic credentialing. Participants will also complete administrative requirements such as obtaining a J-1 visa, registering for spring courses, and attending virtual mentorship sessions. Engagement during this phase is flexible, allowing fellows to maintain their professional responsibilities.

The residential component takes place in April 2027 at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, where fellows will fully immerse themselves in the program for six weeks. All travel expenses, accommodation, visa fees, and a living stipend will be covered by the fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

The program welcomes applicants of all genders, regions, and professional backgrounds, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant global health-related field.

• Have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience in global health (student work experience not included).

• Receive endorsement and institutional support from their current employer, including a reference and a formal commitment letter approving their participation.

• Be able to take a six-week leave of absence in April 2027 for the residential portion of the program.

• Be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa and reside temporarily in Boston, MA.

• Must not have participated in another full-time fellowship lasting four months or more within the two years preceding the program.

Fellowship Benefits

• Visa fees, airfare, and housing costs fully covered.

• Living stipend provided for the residential period in the United States.

• Access to Harvard’s academic resources, mentorship, and global health network.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

• Letter of Intent (maximum 1.5 pages) describing their career in global health and how the fellowship will impact their organization and country.

• Four short essays (maximum 2,000 characters each):

  1. Career Development and Training Plan

  2. Project Proposal

  3. Mentorship Plan

  4. Anticipated Fellowship Impact on Organization and Home Country

• Letter of Institutional Commitment confirming organizational support and permission for a leave of absence during April 2027.

• Letter of Mentor Commitment from a professional sponsor or mentor.

• Two additional references, including one from the applicant’s current or most recent professional position (distinct from the mentor letter).

Learn More and Apply

• Visit the Official Webpage of the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program.
• Deadline: November 30th, 2025.