HARVARD GLOBAL HEALTH INSTITUTE (HGHI)
Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 – Fully Funded Global Health Leadership Fellowship
- Fully FundedFunding
- 12 monthsDuration
- 6 weeks in Cambridge, MassachusettsIn-person component
- 10+ years professional experienceExperience required
- ~26 fellows from ~21 countriesPast reach
- Application deadline: November 15, 2026Key date
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All low- and middle-income countries
Country
Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI)
Provider
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is a fully funded, one-year leadership development program offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Established to strengthen leadership capabilities, it targets experienced global health professionals from low- and middle-income countries. The program combines a 12-month virtual curriculum with a six-week in-person experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in April 2028. This fellowship provides dedicated time and resources for participants to enhance their leadership skills through personalized coaching, mentorship, executive education, and access to Harvard's extensive global health network. It supports professionals working across diverse areas such as global health research, clinical practice, public health, and advocacy. To date, the program has welcomed 26 fellows from 21 countries, fostering a diverse cohort of leaders. The fellowship aims to cultivate long-term professional relationships among peers and mentors across Harvard University, providing critical support for future impact in global health. The application deadline for the 2027-2028 cycle is November 15, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- International Travel — Flight costs for the required six-week residential component in the U.S. are covered.
- Housing — Accommodation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the in-person residency is provided.
- Visa Fees — J-1 visa fees for entry into the United States are included.
- Living Stipend — A living stipend is provided to cover daily expenses during the six-week U.S. residency, estimated at ~USD 3,000 (est.) per month.
- Leadership Development — Access to one-on-one coaching, mentorship, executive education, private masterclasses, and networking opportunities at Harvard.
How to apply
Eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship application process. It is crucial to review all instructions and FAQs thoroughly.
- Review Eligibility — Carefully check all eligibility requirements, including academic qualifications, professional experience, and leadership criteria.
- Prepare Application Materials — Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, professional references, and a detailed leadership statement.
- Craft a Strong Application — Demonstrate your leadership journey, professional impact, future ambitions, and how the fellowship aligns with your specific leadership goals through concrete examples.
- Submit Online — Complete and submit your application through the Harvard Global Health Institute's official online portal by the deadline.
Eligibility
Academic QualificationMust hold at least a Master's degree in a relevant field.
Professional ExperienceMust work full-time in global health with at least 10 years of professional experience after completing education.
Leadership ExperienceMust demonstrate substantial leadership experience and clear potential for further leadership development.
Visa EligibilityMust be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa and reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the six-week residential period.
Applicants must be able to take a leave of absence from their home institution for the six-week in-person program. Candidates must not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer during the two years immediately preceding the Harvard fellowship.
Eligible countries
All low- and middle-income countries
Deadlines
2027-2028 Cycle2026-11-15
Selection
Applicants are selected based on their academic qualifications, extensive professional experience (at least 10 years post-education), and demonstrated substantial leadership experience with clear potential for further development. The selection process also considers the applicant's ability to articulate their leadership journey, professional impact, future ambitions, and how the highly personalized LEAD Fellowship aligns with their specific leadership goals.
Verified sources
- Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 – Fully Funded Global Health Leadership Fellowshipglobalsouthopportunities.comofficial
About the provider
The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) is a university-wide initiative at Harvard, fostering collaboration across disciplines to address pressing global health challenges. It was established to advance research, education, and policy around critical health issues globally.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?
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The Harvard LEAD Fellowship is a fully funded, one-year leadership development program offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute for experienced global health professionals from low- and middle-income countries.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The fellowship is fully funded, covering international travel, housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, J-1 visa fees, and a living stipend for the required six-week in-person residency.
What is the award value?
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The fellowship covers all major costs associated with the six-week residential component in the U.S., including international flights, accommodation, visa fees, and a living stipend. Specific monetary figures beyond these covered expenses are not detailed.
Who is eligible for this fellowship?
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Eligible applicants are global health professionals from low- and middle-income countries with at least a Master's degree and 10 years of professional experience post-education, demonstrating substantial leadership potential.
Which countries are eligible?
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The fellowship is open to global health professionals from all low- and middle-income countries across different continents and regions, including those from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America.
Which study levels does this fellowship support?
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This fellowship supports post-Master's level professionals, focusing on leadership development for experienced individuals rather than academic degree pursuit.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027-2028 cycle is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
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Eligible candidates should submit their applications through the official Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship application process online, after carefully reviewing all requirements and instructions.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include academic qualifications (Master's degree), a CV detailing professional experience, a statement demonstrating leadership and impact, and professional references.
How are fellows selected?
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Fellows are selected based on their academic background, a minimum of 10 years of professional global health experience, proven leadership capabilities, and clear potential for further leadership development.
What is the duration of the fellowship and is it renewable?
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The fellowship is a 12-month program, running from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028. It is a one-time leadership development opportunity and not typically renewable.
Where can I confirm the current cycle details?
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You should confirm all current cycle details, deadlines, and requirements on the official Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship website.