Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028Fully Funded Global Health Leadership Fellowship
2027–28 · Global Health Leadership
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 is a one-year leadership development programme for experienced global health professionals working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Host
- Harvard Global Health Institute
- Mode
- Virtual + In-Person Residency
- Age limit
- Not specified by the host
- Degree
- Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Experience
- At least 10 years of full-time global health experience (student work does not count)
- Start date
- 6-week in-person Harvard residency · April 2028 · Cambridge, MA, USA
Can you apply?
Applicants must:
- Hold a relevant master’s degree or higher.
- Work full-time in global health.
- Have at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their education.
- Be based and working in a low- or middle-income country and plan to return there after the fellowship.
- Demonstrate substantial leadership experience and future leadership potential.
- Obtain institutional support for a six-week leave in April 2028.
- Be eligible for a US J-1 visa.
- Not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer during the previous two years.
Gender eligibility: Applicants of all gender identities may apply. The fellowship focuses on developing global health leaders who will, in turn, mentor future women leaders.
What you get
The six-week in-person residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts, includes financial support for:
- Round-trip flights
- Housing
- Visa fees
- Executive education course fees
- A living stipend for food, transportation, and other logistical expenses
The fellowship does not specify a universal cash award for the entire 12-month period. Funding described above applies to the in-person residency.
Timeline
- Application deadline15 November 2026
- Selection notificationsSpring 2027
- Fellowship begins1 September 2027
- Six-week Harvard residencyApril 2028
- Fellowship ends31 August 2028
Applying
Applications are submitted online through the official Harvard Global Health Institute website.
- 01Check eligibility: Confirm your degree, global health experience, country of residence, and leadership background.
- 02Prepare your CV: Highlight relevant professional experience and leadership achievements.
- 03Write your letter of intent: Maximum 1.5 pages.
- 04Complete four essays: Career development, project plan, mentoring plan, and expected impact.
- 05Obtain institutional commitment: Secure approval for your six-week leave in April 2028.
- 06Obtain mentor commitment: Request a letter from a professional mentor.
- 07Arrange two additional references: At least one must be from your current or most recent professional engagement and must differ from your mentor.
- 08Submit the application: Complete all materials by 15 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Common questions
Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship funds the six-week residency, including flights, housing, visa fees, course fees, and a living stipend. It does not guarantee full financial coverage for all expenses throughout the entire year.
Can men apply?
Yes. Applicants of all gender identities are eligible to apply if they meet the programme requirements.
Can applicants from India apply?
Yes, provided they are based and working in India in the field of global health and meet the academic, professional, leadership, and other eligibility requirements.
Is this a degree scholarship?
No. It is a professional leadership fellowship, not a degree programme.
Is there an application fee?
The official guidance does not specify an application fee. Check the application portal for confirmation.
Who can apply?
Nationality: Open to all nationalities; focus on professionals based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Education: Master’s degree in a relevant field
Age: Not specified by the host
When is the deadline?
November 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM EST
How do I apply?
Apply directly on the official website: globalhealth.harvard.edu. Potenue does not collect applications.
Full description
Offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the fellowship combines leadership coaching, mentorship, executive education, and a six-week residency at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The programme welcomes applicants of all genders who meet its eligibility requirements and are committed to mentoring future women leaders in global health.
The fellowship covers eligible residency expenses, including flights, housing, visa fees, course fees, and a living stipend for the six-week stay in the United States.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
What Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?
The LEAD Fellowship – Learn, Engage, Advance, Disrupt – is designed to strengthen leadership among global health professionals in low- and middle-income countries.
Fellows receive personalised leadership coaching, mentorship from experienced professionals, executive education, faculty-led masterclasses, networking opportunities, and support for an independent project.
All quick facts
- Host Organization(s)
- Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) · Dept. of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Location
- Virtual (12 months) + 6-week in-person residency in Cambridge, MA, USA (April 2028)
- Mode
- Virtual + In-Person Residency
- Programme Duration
- 1 year · September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
- Fieldwork / Programme Period
- 6-week in-person Harvard residency · April 2028 · Cambridge, MA, USA
- Nationality
- Open to all nationalities; focus on professionals based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Age Requirement
- Not specified by the host
- Minimum Degree Required
- Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Work Experience
- At least 10 years of full-time global health experience (student work does not count)
- Research / Subject Areas
- Global health · Health leadership · Health systems · Global health equity
- Financial Support
- Visa fees, return flights, housing, per diem (food + transport), and a living stipend — all covered for the 6-week US residency. Stipend amount not specified by the host.
- Additional Benefits
- Harvard masterclasses · Executive education course · 1-on-1 leadership coaching · Mentorship from HGHI faculty · Speaking events · Networking · Cohort learning
- Application Fee
- None
- Application Deadline
- November 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM EST
