Fully funded LEAD Fellowship at Harvard: applications open for public health professionals from low- and middle-income countries

Experienced public health professionals from low- and middle-income countries can apply for a fully funded fellowship at Harvard University. The Harvard Global Health Institute has called for applications to its LEAD Fellowship programme for the 2027–28 academic year.

The one-year programme aims to build the leadership skills of experienced people working in public health. It will be run in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The programme will begin on 1 September 2027 and end on 31 August 2028. It includes a 12-month online curriculum, along with a six-week in-person residential training in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2028.

Participants will receive personal leadership training and mentorship from experienced individuals. They will also be able to take part in special courses and masterclasses led by Harvard faculty. There will be discussion events, professional networking opportunities and the chance to work on an independent project.

The fellowship covers international airfare to and from the United States, as well as a living allowance for the stay in the United States.

Eligibility includes at least 10 years of experience in the relevant profession after completing formal education. Work done while a student will not count towards this total. Applicants must have significant leadership experience and show potential to further develop their leadership skills.

Applicants must be eligible for a US J-1 visa and be able to spend six weeks in Cambridge in April 2028. They must also be able to arrange leave or an equivalent break from their own institution to take part in the residential programme.

Another condition is not having taken part in any full-time fellowship of four months or more during the two years before the fellowship begins. Candidates from different regions, professions, academic disciplines and sectors may apply. Applications are open to candidates of all gender identities, but each candidate must apply personally.

Interested and eligible candidates should first visit the Harvard Global Health Institute’s official website and read the eligibility criteria and instructions carefully. They must then complete the prescribed form and submit it with the required documents on time.

The application deadline is 15 November 2026 at 11:59 pm (US Eastern Standard Time). Full details and the application are available on the Harvard Global Health Institute’s official website.