HARVARD GLOBAL HEALTH INSTITUTE LEAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026

October 21, 2025

To equip and empower more leaders in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers a transformational 1-year fellowship specifically designed to promote leadership skills in individuals from low- and middle-income countries who will, in turn, mentor future female leaders in global health.

The fellowship experience provides global health leaders time to reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories. To date, fellows have come from 18 different countries, with representation from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Their areas of focus have ranged from HIV/AIDS and healthcare to health policy at the highest levels of government. Past fellows’ areas of expertise span disciplines including research, advocacy, administration, and policy. You can learn more about our current and past fellows below.

The year-long LEAD Fellowship program runs from September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027. Beginning in the fall semester, fellows will engage virtually in the fellowship program to plan their unique personal growth and leadership plan, in part through 1:1 executive leadership coaching. Deliverables for this part of the fellowship will also include academic credentialing, obtaining a J-1 visa for travel, registering/planning for their spring semester course/s, and may include participation in virtual events and mentorship meetings.

Name of Organizer

Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI)

Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria

The program welcome applicants from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors, genders, and gender identities. Candidates nominate themselves by submitting an application for the fellowship.
Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field.
Applicants must work full-time in the field of global health and have at least 10 years of professional experience. Work completed as a university student does not count as professional experience.
Applicants must have the full support of their employer and a champion in their organization who serves as a reference.
Applicants must take a leave of absence (or equivalent) from their home institution during their in-residence experience for 6 weeks in April 2027.
Applicants must be able to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States and must be able to reside in Boston, MA. NOTE: Visa fees, housing, and flights will be covered under the fellowship and a living stipend will be provided for the weeks in residence.
During the tARVARD GLOBAL HEALTH INSTITUTE LEAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026wo years prior to arrival at Harvard, the fellows should not have participated in a full-time fellowship that lasted 4 months or longer.