Fellowship

Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program 2027-2028

October 19, 2026

The Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program 2027-2028 offers experienced global health professionals an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills through a fully funded, year-long fellowship at Harvard University. The programme is designed for established leaders from low- and middle-income countries who want to advance their careers, improve health systems and make a meaningful contribution to global health.

However, organised by the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the fellowship combines virtual leadership development with a six-week residential experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Harvard LEAD Fellowship Overview

The LEAD Fellowship, which stands for Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development, is designed to support experienced professionals working in global health. It provides a personalised leadership development experience that includes mentorship, executive education, coaching and networking with Harvard faculty and other global health leaders.

The 2027-2028 programme runs for 12 months, from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028. Fellows participate in a virtual curriculum throughout the year and complete a six-week in-person experience in April 2028.

Although the fellowship focuses on promoting women in global health, the official application announcement welcomes applicants of all gender identities, from all regions, disciplines, and sectors, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, this is an advanced professional fellowship, not an undergraduate scholarship or an entry-level opportunity for recent graduates. Also, university student work does not count towards the required 10 years of professional experience.

Host country: United States
Host institution: Harvard University
Organising institution: Harvard Global Health Institute
Partner institution: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Programme duration: 12 months
Fellowship period: September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
In-person residency: Six weeks in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2028
Eligible applicants: Experienced global health professionals
Funding: Fully funded fellowship
Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Benefits of the Harvard LEAD Fellowship

Here are the benefits for the fellowship programme;

Full funding for the fellowship’s residential experience.
Coverage of flights to and from the United States for the residential period.
Coverage of visa fees associated with the required travel.
Housing during the six-week residential experience.
A living stipend for the period spent in the United States.
One-on-one leadership coaching.
Mentorship from experienced global health professionals and Harvard-affiliated experts.
An executive education course.
Private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty.
Speaking events and professional networking opportunities.
Opportunities to develop an individualised leadership curriculum.
Access to a network of global health leaders and Harvard mentors.
Opportunities for independent project work and professional development.

The fellowship is fully funded as described in the official announcement, but applicants should consult the programme’s terms for the precise scope of financial coverage.

Harvard LEAD Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

Harvard LEAD Fellowship applicants must:

Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant field.
Work full-time in global health.
Have at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their education.
Demonstrate substantial leadership experience.
Show potential for further leadership development.
Be available for the six-week residential experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2028.
Be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa for the United States.
Arrange a leave of absence or equivalent from their home institution for the residential period.
Not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer during the two years preceding their Harvard fellowship.
Submit all required application materials before the deadline.

Applicants from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors, and gender identities are welcome to apply. However, candidates must meet the professional experience, academic, and leadership requirements.

How to Apply for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship

The steps below will guide you through the fellowship application process;

Visit the official Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship webpage.
Carefully read the eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.
Assess whether your academic qualifications, professional experience, and leadership background meet the requirements.
Prepare the application materials requested in the official application portal.
Explain your leadership journey, professional achievements, global health experience, and future development goals.
Describe how the fellowship would support your leadership growth and your contribution to global health.
Complete the online application and provide all required information.
Submit the application before November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Monitor your email for updates from the Harvard Global Health Institute.

Applicants should use the official application portal to confirm the required documents and submission instructions before finalising their applications.

Harvard LEAD Fellowship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship 2027-2028 is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

The fellowship will begin on September 1, 2027, and end on August 31, 2028, and the six-week residential experience is scheduled for April 2028. Moreover, applicants selected for the programme will be notified in spring 2027.

Official Website

For more information, see the official 2027-2028 application announcement:

Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship Program 2027-2028

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship fully funded?

Yes, the official announcement confirms that the fellowship covers flights, visa fees, and housing for the residential experience, as well as a living stipend during the six weeks in the United States.

2. Can applicants from Nigeria apply?

Applicants from Nigeria may apply if they meet the academic, professional experience, and leadership requirements. The programme welcomes candidates from all regions.

3. Is the fellowship open to people without a master’s degree?

No, applicants must hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant field.

4. How much professional experience is required?

Applicants need at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their education and must currently work full-time in global health.

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