Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 in the USA | Fully Funded
Overview
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship is a 12-month global health program hosted jointly by the Harvard Global Health Institute and the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Designed for mid-career global health leaders, post-doctoral scholars, and junior faculty worldwide, the fellowship combines virtual executive education, high-level mentorship, and an intensive six-week in-person residency at Harvard University. Participants build executive skills, public speaking training, and a global network to disrupt health inequities and drive systemic change.
Who can apply
Candidates must hold at least a Master's degree or equivalent advanced degree in global health, public health, medicine, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. Applicants are required to possess a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in global health leadership, policy, medicine, or research. Additional requirements include the explicit written backing of a current employer with authorization to take a six-week leave of absence, eligibility to obtain a US J-1 visa, and no participation in a full-time fellowship program lasting four or more months within the past two years.
What you get
The fellowship provides complete financial and institutional backing throughout the 12-month tenure. This includes full coverage of expenses for the six-week stay at Harvard University, round-trip international economy airfare, subsidized housing near the campus, and a daily living allowance covering meals and local transportation. Participants receive a 100 percent waiver of executive education tuition fees, workshop costs, and leadership training modules, along with coverage of US J-1 exchange visitor visa fees. Fellows also receive one-on-one executive coaching, senior Harvard faculty mentorship, and complete access to Harvard University libraries, specialized courses, academic lectures, and research facilities.
Requirements
Applicants must submit personal and contact details, verified records of educational and professional history, and an updated curriculum vitae outlining global health achievements, publications, and leadership milestones. Required documentation also includes an official letter confirming employer approval for the six-week residency leave and four written essay responses addressing career trajectory, leadership goals, commitment to global health, and plans to utilize the fellowship. Finally, applicants must provide professional contact information for designated academic or executive referees.
How to apply
Candidates must register on the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship Online Portal to create an account and complete the applicant profile with personal, educational, and employment details. Applicants must draft all four essay prompts within the specified word counts and upload an updated curriculum vitae, proof of degree, and employer support confirmation. Referee contact details must be provided so the selection committee can request letters of recommendation before final review and submission through the portal.
Key dates
The application deadline is November 15, 2026. Shortlisting and virtual interviews take place from January to March 2027, followed by the cohort announcement in the spring of 2027. The virtual phase of the program starts on September 1, 2027, the in-person residency at Harvard occurs in April 2028, and the program concludes on August 31, 2028.