WHO Fellowships Programme 2026: International Health Training Opportunities in the Western Pacific

Overview

The WHO Fellowships Programme in the Western Pacific Region supports health professionals and scientists from Member States by strengthening their technical knowledge and professional skills. Administered by the World Health Organization, it is a professional development opportunity tied to national health priorities rather than a job vacancy. The aim is to prepare health staff for leading positions in their health services, cover gaps where skills are not available at home, encourage cooperation among scientific and professional groups, support the exchange of medical and scientific knowledge, and raise teaching and training standards in health and related professions.

What you get

Fellowships can take the form of undergraduate or postgraduate courses, short-term programmes, long-term training and study tours. Training may take place abroad at a suitable institution or, where facilities exist, by distance learning in the fellow's own country. WHO keeps a database of host institutions, and a recent list included Fiji National University and the University of Fiji, Sapporo Medical University in Japan, Massey University and the University of Otago in New Zealand, the University of Papua New Guinea, and the National University of Samoa and the NUS/Pacific Islands Orthopedic Association in Samoa.

A study tour is a fellowship in which a group of health workers or scientists visits one or more countries to examine local health problems and approaches to them, and it can also be set up as a tailor-made short course.

Who can apply

Participants are health workers and scientists from WHO Member States in the Western Pacific Region. For study tours, candidates must be in good health, nominated by their national health administration and typically not over 55.

How to apply

A fellowship is a joint undertaking of WHO, the fellow, the national health administrations of the sending and receiving countries and the training institution. It runs in four stages. In planning, WHO Representatives and national administrations align fellowships with national health plans and workforce gaps. In selection, fellowships of three months or longer are advertised, candidates apply online and applications go to the WHO Regional Office. In the operational stage, fellows undertake the approved training and submit academic and progress reports. In follow-up, fellows submit final reports and are then required to serve in their national health administrations. Interested candidates should contact their national health authorities about nomination procedures.