LONDON SCHOOL OF HYGIENE & TROPICAL MEDICINE (LSHTM)
LSHTM EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship
tuition only · masters
- Full MSc tuition (~12,000 EUR est.)Tuition covered
- 6-12 monthsPaid internship (full fellowship)
- 2 MSc optionsClinical Trials or Epidemiology
- Sub-Saharan African nationalsEligibility
- 12+ months employmentRequired work history
- Distance LearningStudy mode
At a glance
tuition only
Funding
€12k
Max amount
Aug 15, 2026
Deadline
Sub-Saharan African countries
Country
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Provider
The COMPASS Fellowship is offered by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in partnership with the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) for nationals of sub-Saharan African countries. It funds an MSc by Distance Learning in either Clinical Trials or Epidemiology, and a full fellowship also includes a paid internship of 6 to 12 months at a research or policy institution in sub-Saharan Africa engaged in collaborative work with LSHTM. Applicants may choose a full fellowship (MSc plus internship) or a partial fellowship covering just one component. The award covers full tuition for the chosen MSc; the standard distance-learning tuition is on the order of 10,000 GBP (about 12,000 EUR (est.)) over the programme, though it does not normally cover other living costs. To qualify, candidates must be employed for at least 12 months by a local public health or research body, work in priority areas such as HIV, TB, malaria, antimicrobial resistance, maternal health, or climate-related disease, and hold at least a second-class honours degree or a recognised professional qualification with 3 or more years of relevant experience. A recent cycle closed on 15 August at 23:59 GMT, and the 2026 round is expected to follow a similar timeline. Because tuition rates, internship terms, and the deadline are set each cycle, confirm the current figures on the official LSHTM scholarships page before you apply.
What's covered
- MSc tuition — Full tuition fees for the MSc by Distance Learning in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology, on the order of 10,000 GBP / about 12,000 EUR (est.) over the programme.
- Paid internship — For full-fellowship holders, a paid internship of 6 to 12 months at an eligible sub-Saharan African research or policy institution.
- Mentorship — Mentorship by global public health experts connected to LSHTM and EDCTP.
- Networking — Access to international research communities and collaborative networks in public health.
- Career development — Enhanced career prospects in public health and clinical research, with structured support throughout the programme.
How to apply
Apply through the COMPASS Fellowship portal with proof of nationality and employer support; the fellowship application is separate from MSc admission.
- Choose your MSc and fellowship type — Decide between MSc Clinical Trials or MSc Epidemiology by Distance Learning, and whether you want a full fellowship (MSc plus internship) or a partial fellowship.
- Secure employer support — Obtain a letter of support from your employer confirming your release and continued employment after the fellowship.
- Apply to the MSc (if not enrolled) — If you are not already enrolled, apply separately for the relevant LSHTM MSc by Distance Learning programme.
- Submit the fellowship application — Apply through the COMPASS Fellowship portal with proof of nationality, CV, cover letter, employer support letter, and any supporting documents.
- Await selection — Wait for the COMPASS committee's decision; queries can be directed to the COMPASS contact email at LSHTM.
Eligibility
NationalityNational of a sub-Saharan African country.
EmploymentEmployed for at least 12 months by a local public health or research organisation, with employer support and a commitment to continued employment after the fellowship.
Field of workWorking in priority public health areas such as HIV, TB, malaria, antimicrobial resistance, maternal health, or climate-related diseases.
Academic requirementMeets LSHTM admission requirements for the MSc by Distance Learning, including at least a second-class honours degree or recognised professional qualification with 3+ years of relevant experience.
Women, non-anglophone applicants who meet the English requirements, and candidates from low-capacity institutions are strongly encouraged to apply. The fellowship application is separate from MSc admission; unenrolled candidates must apply to the MSc programme separately.
Eligible countries
Sub-Saharan African countries
Deadlines
2026/2027 cohort~15 August 2026, 23:59 GMT (est.)
Selection
Selection considers the applicant's nationality and eligibility, the relevance of their public health role, employer support, academic background, and motivation. Women, non-anglophone applicants meeting English requirements, and candidates from low-capacity institutions are prioritised in line with the programme's capacity-building aims.
Verified sources
- LSHTM Scholarships (official)lshtm.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a public research university in London specialising in public and global health, offering distance-learning master's programmes and running capacity-building fellowships such as COMPASS with the EDCTP.
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.
Who can apply for the COMPASS Fellowship?
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Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries who work in public health research and are employed for at least 12 months by a local public health or research organisation.
What does the fellowship cover?
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Full tuition for the MSc by Distance Learning (on the order of 12,000 EUR (est.)), and, for full-fellowship holders, a paid internship of 6 to 12 months. It does not normally cover other living costs.
Which MSc programmes are eligible?
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MSc Clinical Trials and MSc Epidemiology, both studied by Distance Learning at LSHTM.
Is the internship mandatory?
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No. You may apply for just the MSc, just the internship, or both together as a full fellowship.
Does the fellowship cover living expenses?
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It covers tuition and a paid internship but does not cover other living costs unless specified by the internship host institution.
Can current MSc students apply?
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Yes, if you are in your first or final year and plan to complete the full MSc.
Is this open to non-research professionals?
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No. Applicants must be involved in public health research or a closely related field.
Do I apply for the MSc and fellowship separately?
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Yes. The fellowship application is separate from MSc admission; if you are not enrolled, you must apply to the MSc programme separately.
What documents are required?
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Proof of nationality, an updated CV, a cover letter, an employer support letter, and any relevant supporting documents.
What academic background is needed?
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At least a second-class honours degree or a recognised professional qualification with 3 or more years of relevant experience, meeting LSHTM admission requirements.
When is the deadline?
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A recent cycle closed on 15 August at 23:59 GMT. Confirm the current deadline on the official LSHTM page before applying.
Who is encouraged to apply?
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Women, non-anglophone applicants who meet the English requirements, and candidates from low-capacity institutions are strongly encouraged to apply.