Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 – Fully Funded Global Health Leadership Fellowship
Overview
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is a twelve-month leadership development programme offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Running from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028, the programme combines a virtual curriculum with a six-week in-person residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts, taking place in April 2028. It is structured to provide experienced professionals with dedicated time, personalized coaching, mentorship, executive education, and access to Harvard University's global health network.
Participants pursue individually tailored goals through one-on-one leadership coaching, individual mentorship, an executive education course, private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty, speaking engagements, independent project work, and cohort-based training.
What you get
The fellowship is fully funded and provides substantial financial support for the required six-week residential component in the United States. Covered expenses include international travel and flight costs, housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, J-1 visa fees, and a living stipend for the duration of the U.S. residency.
Who can apply
The programme is designed for established global health professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are working full-time in areas such as global health research, clinical practice, public health, advocacy, health policy, and administration. Applicants must hold at least a Master's degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience completed after finishing their education.
Candidates must demonstrate substantial leadership experience and future leadership potential. Additionally, applicants must be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa, secure a leave of absence or equivalent arrangement for the six-week residential period in April 2028, and must not have participated in any full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer in the two years immediately preceding this fellowship.
How to apply
Interested candidates must submit their application materials through the official Harvard Global Health Institute LEAD Fellowship application process. Applicants should review all eligibility guidelines, instructions, and frequently asked questions prior to submission.
Key dates
The application deadline is 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Selected candidates will be notified in spring 2027, and the programme will run from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028, featuring an in-person residency in April 2028.