Are you a passionate professional committed to improving health outcomes globally and empowering women leaders in health? The Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program 2026/2027 for Promoting Women in Global Health offers an extraordinary opportunity to transform your leadership journey through a fully funded fellowship at Harvard University.
This program, hosted by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in partnership with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is specifically designed to strengthen leadership capacity among women from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who work in global health.
Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program 2026/2027 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United States |
| Host Institution | Harvard University (Harvard Global Health Institute and T.H. Chan School of Public Health) |
| Program Type | Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | Professionals (especially women) from low- and middle-income countries |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Program Duration | 1 Year (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027) |
| In-Residence Period | 6 weeks in April 2027 (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) |
| Fellowship Focus | Leadership development in global health |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
What Is the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship All About?
The Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program 2026/2027 is a one-year, fully funded program designed to promote leadership and professional growth among women working in global health. Its mission is to equip and empower emerging and established women leaders to drive meaningful change within their organizations, countries, and the global health community.
Since its inception, the program has hosted fellows from over 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their expertise spans critical areas such as HIV/AIDS, healthcare systems, health policy, and public health governance. Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, including research, advocacy, administration, and policy-making, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of global health leadership.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and strengthen leadership capacity through structured mentorship, academic engagement, and cross-cultural learning.
Program Structure and Duration
The LEAD Fellowship 2026/2027 runs for one year – from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.
Fall Semester (Virtual Phase)
During the fall, fellows participate virtually while maintaining their professional responsibilities. This phase focuses on:
- Creating a personal leadership and growth plan.
- Participating in executive leadership coaching sessions (1:1).
- Preparing for academic credentialing and J-1 visa processing.
- Planning for the spring semester coursework.
- Attending virtual seminars, mentorship meetings, and networking events.
Fellows are not required to take leave from their jobs during this stage, as engagement is designed to be flexible and light.
Spring Semester (In-Residence Phase)
In April 2027, fellows will travel to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a 6-week intensive residential experience. During this phase, participants will:
- Engage in in-person mentorship sessions.
- Participate in advanced leadership development workshops.
- Attend Harvard lectures, seminars, and research events.
- Build networks with global health leaders, policymakers, and researchers.
This immersive experience enhances fellows’ confidence and helps them translate academic knowledge into real-world leadership strategies.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Background:
- Must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field (such as medicine, public health, health policy, or related disciplines).
- Professional Experience:
- Must have a minimum of 10 years of full-time experience in the field of global health.
- Experience acquired as a university student is not considered professional experience.
- Employment Commitment:
- Applicants must have the full support of their employer and a champion or mentor within their organization who will serve as a reference.
- Leave of Absence:
- Must be willing to take a leave of absence from work during the 6-week in-residence period (April 2027).
- Visa and Residency:
- Must be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa to travel to the United States.
- Must be able to reside in Boston, MA during the in-residence phase.
- Recent Fellowship Limitation:
- Must not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting 4 months or longer in the past two years.
The program is open to all genders and gender identities, though it primarily focuses on empowering women in leadership roles in global health.
Benefits of the Harvard LEAD Fellowship
The Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship is fully funded and provides comprehensive support to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their leadership development journey. The benefits include:
- Full Financial Support: Visa fees, housing, and round-trip airfare to Boston are fully covered.
- Living Stipend: Fellows receive a stipend to cover living expenses during their in-residence period in the United States.
- Access to Harvard Resources: Fellows gain access to Harvard University libraries, research centers, seminars, and academic programs.
- Leadership Coaching: Each fellow receives personalized executive coaching and mentorship from renowned experts in global health and leadership.
- Networking Opportunities: Fellows join a powerful network of women leaders from around the world, creating long-term professional collaborations.
- Career Development: The fellowship helps participants develop a strategic plan for advancing their careers, organizations, and communities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume: A detailed and up-to-date CV summarizing professional experience and academic achievements.
- Letter of Intent (1.5 pages max): Describe your journey in global health and how this fellowship would transform your career, organization, and country.
- Four Essays (max 2000 characters each):
- Essay 1: Career Development and Training Plan.
- Essay 2: Project Plan.
- Essay 3: Mentoring Strategy.
- Essay 4: Fellowship Impact on Organization and Country.
- Letter of Institutional Commitment: Official confirmation from your employer granting permission for your participation and leave of absence.
- Letter of Mentor Commitment: From a senior leader supporting your professional development.
- Two Additional Letters of Reference: At least one must be from your most recent professional supervisor.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s how to apply for the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program:
- Visit the Official Webpage: Access the official fellowship page on the Harvard Global Health Institute website for complete details and the online application form.
- Prepare Your Application Materials: Collect and organize all required documents, ensuring that essays and letters meet the stated requirements.
- Submit Online Application: Complete and apply through the online portal before the deadline of November 30, 2025.
- Application Review: The selection committee will review applications based on leadership potential, professional experience, and the anticipated impact on global health.
- Notification: Successful candidates will be contacted by the program office for further instructions regarding visa processing and orientation.
Why You Should Apply for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship
- Prestigious Network: Connect with global experts and Harvard scholars.
- Women’s Empowerment: Be part of a movement promoting gender equity in global health leadership.
- Transformational Growth: Strengthen your leadership, policy-making, and mentorship skills.
- Global Recognition: Earn an academic credential that enhances your international profile.
This fellowship is more than an academic experience; it’s a life-changing journey that positions you to influence global health policy and mentor the next generation of women leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?
Women professionals (and gender-diverse applicants) working in global health from low- and middle-income countries with at least 10 years of experience and a Master’s degree are eligible.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship covers visa fees, housing, travel, and provides a living stipend during the in-residence phase.
How long does the fellowship last?
The program lasts for one year (September 2026 – August 2027), including six weeks of in-person residency at Harvard University.
Can I continue working during the fellowship?
Yes, during the virtual phase (fall semester), fellows can maintain their professional duties, as engagement is light.
What is the deadline for application submission?
All applications must be submitted by November 30, 2025.
For more details, visit the official webpage of the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program: https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/lead-fellowship/
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