Fellowship

Harkness Fellowship 2027-2028 – Apply Now!

October 9, 2026

Mid-career health policy professionals, researchers, clinicians, and other health care leaders from selected countries can apply for the Harkness Fellowship 2027-2028. The program allows experienced professionals to spend 10 to 12 months in the United States conducting comparative health policy research under the guidance of leading U.S. experts.

About the Harkness Fellowship

The Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice are offered by the Commonwealth Fund. The fellowship is designed for established professionals who want to conduct research that can contribute to improvements in health care policy and practice in both the United States and their home country.

Fellows spend between 10 and 12 months in the United States working on a proposed research project and taking part in leadership-development activities, policy seminars and networking opportunities.

The fellowship is not intended to fund an academic degree program, and eligible applicants must be established residents of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore or the United Kingdom.

Harkness Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides:

Dedicated research funding.
A monthly living stipend of approximately US$8,500.
Round-trip airfare.
Relocation support.
Health insurance coverage.
Payment of U.S. federal and state withholding taxes.
An additional family supplement for fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children under 18.
Mentorship from U.S. experts.
Leadership-development opportunities.
Access to U.S. health policy leaders and institutions.
Opportunities to develop international professional networks.

However, you should know that exact award terms can vary by country.

Harkness Fellowship 2027 Eligibility Requirements

For the Harkness Fellowship 2027 requirements, applicants must:

Be established residents of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, or the United Kingdom.
Be eligible to receive a J-1 Research Scholar Visa.
Be mid-career professionals committed to improving health policy and practice.
Have demonstrated expertise in health policy.
Have a record of informing health policy through research, policy analysis, care delivery, or clinical leadership.
Propose a research project relevant to both the United States and their home country.
Show that the proposed research can contribute to policy or system-level change.
Have the education and professional experience needed to conduct the proposed research.
Be committed to continuing their career in their home country after the fellowship.

How to Apply for the Harkness Fellowship 2027

To apply for the Harkness Fellowship 2027, kindly follow the steps below;

Confirm that your country is eligible.
Review the Commonwealth Fund’s Harkness Fellowship requirements.
Develop a research proposal addressing an important health policy or practice issue.
Ensure the proposed project is relevant to both the United States and your home country.
Prepare your professional objectives statement and other required application materials.
Register for a Harkness Fellowship portal account.
Complete the online application.
Submit the application before the deadline.
If shortlisted, participate in the interview process.
If selected, complete the required fellowship arrangements before travelling to the United States.

Harkness Fellowship 2027 Deadline

The application period for the 2027-2028 Harkness Fellowship is June 1, 2026 to November 1, 2026.

Official Website

Harkness Fellowship – Commonwealth Fund Official Website

FAQs

Can Nigerians apply for the Harkness Fellowship?

No, Nigeria is not among the nine countries currently eligible for the fellowship.

Is the fellowship for undergraduate or master’s students?

No, it is designed for mid-career professionals and is not intended to fund academic degree study.

How long does the fellowship last?

Fellows spend approximately 10 to 12 months in the United States.

Does it provide a stipend?

Yes, the Commonwealth Fund currently lists an approximate monthly living stipend of US$8,500, alongside research funding and other support.

What fields can applicants come from?

Applicants can come from areas including health policy, health services research, clinical practice, health care management, government and policy, and journalism.

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