Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health Application Is Now Open…
- Deadline
- 15 Nov 2026
About this fellowship
The Harvard Global Health Institute and the Global Health and Population Department at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health are offering a transformational fellowship for women leaders in global health, aiming to enhance leadership skills in individuals from low- and middle-income countries. The fellowship offers opportunities for reflection, recalibration, and exploration of new territories.
Application Deadline:
15 November 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Tell Me About The Program:
The 2027–2028 Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is a highly customized, 12-month fellowship designed to advance leadership skills among global health leaders from low- and middle-income countries. Offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the program combines a 12-month virtual curriculum with a six-week in-person residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Fellows participate in one-on-one leadership coaching, mentorship, executive education courses, private masterclasses led by Harvard faculty, and tailored networking opportunities.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Global Health, Public Health, Health Policy, Healthcare Administration, Clinical Medicine, Health Advocacy, and related global development disciplines.
Type:
Professional Leadership Fellowship / Hybrid Academic Residency
Who can Apply?
- Educational Background: Must hold a minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Professional Experience: Must work full-time in the global health sector with at least 10 years of professional experience beyond university studies (student work does not count).
- Leadership Profile: Candidates must demonstrate substantial prior leadership experience and strong future leadership potential.
- Visa & Residency: Must be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa for United States travel and be able to reside in Cambridge, MA, for six weeks in April 2028 (requiring an approved leave of absence from their home institution).
- Exclusion Criteria: Candidates must not have participated in any full-time fellowship lasting 4 months or longer in the two years prior to starting at Harvard.
- Diversity: Applicants from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors, and gender identities are welcome to apply.
How are Applicants Selected:
Selection is based on a competitive review evaluating the applicant’s professional track record, leadership achievements and potential, clarity of goals for personal and career growth, and alignment with global health leadership advancement.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Global (specifically targeting leaders from low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, and other regions).
Where will the Program be Taken?
Hybrid format: Virtual learning from the fellow’s home country, alongside a 6-week in-person residency at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (April 2028).
How Many Fellows:
A select annual cohort (past cohorts have welcomed fellows from over 20 countries worldwide).
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Fully Funded In-Person Experience: Coverage of J-1 visa fees, round-trip flights, and housing in Cambridge, MA for the 6-week residency.
- Living Stipend: A living stipend provided during the six weeks spent in the United States.
- Academic & Mentorship Access: Tailored executive education courses, dedicated one-on-one executive leadership coaching, private masterclasses with Harvard faculty, and lifelong integration into the global Harvard alumni network.
How Long Will it Last:
12 months total (1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028), including a 6-week in-person stay in April 2028.
How to Apply:
- Access the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship application portal via the Harvard Global Health Institute website.
- Complete the online self-nomination application form, detailing your academic qualifications, global health leadership track record, and motivation.
- Attach required professional references, CV, and transcripts.
- Submit all completed application materials before 15 November 2026 (11:59 PM EST).