Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Commonwealth Fund Health Policy Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice, an internationally recognized fellowship designed for experienced health professionals, policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and health system leaders. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to spend up to one year in the United States conducting innovative comparative research while working alongside leading experts in health policy and healthcare delivery.
The Harkness Fellowship has supported international health leaders for more than a century, creating a global network of professionals committed to improving healthcare systems, advancing evidence-based policy, and strengthening international collaboration.
About the Harkness Fellowship
The Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to undertake an independent policy research project focused on improving healthcare systems and outcomes. Fellows are matched with distinguished mentors from leading U.S. universities, research institutes, government agencies, and healthcare organizations.
Throughout the fellowship, participants gain first-hand knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system while comparing international approaches to healthcare financing, delivery, quality improvement, innovation, and policy development.
The program combines academic research, leadership development, professional networking, and policy engagement to prepare fellows for senior leadership roles in health systems around the world.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive comprehensive support throughout the fellowship, including:
- Funding for a year-long fellowship in the United States.
- Individual mentorship from leading U.S. health policy experts.
- Support for conducting internationally comparative research.
- Leadership development workshops and seminars.
- Opportunities to engage with senior policymakers and healthcare leaders.
- Professional networking across academia, government, and healthcare organizations.
- Participation in national and state health policy seminars.
- Exposure to the U.S. healthcare system and policy landscape.
- Membership in a prestigious international alumni network.
- Long-term collaboration opportunities with global health leaders.
Research Focus Areas
Fellows may pursue projects related to a broad range of healthcare topics, including:
- Health policy
- Health systems strengthening
- Universal health coverage
- Healthcare financing
- Primary healthcare
- Digital health
- Public health
- Health equity
- Health workforce development
- Mental health policy
- Aging and long-term care
- Health innovation
- Healthcare quality improvement
- Patient safety
- Population health
- Comparative health system research
Projects are expected to contribute practical policy recommendations that can improve healthcare systems internationally.
Leadership Development
In addition to conducting research, fellows participate in an extensive leadership development program designed to strengthen strategic leadership and policy influence.
Activities include:
- Leadership seminars.
- Policy briefings.
- Health system visits.
- Networking events.
- Professional mentoring.
- Collaborative learning sessions.
- International policy discussions.
- Meetings with healthcare executives and policymakers.
These experiences help fellows build the skills and professional relationships needed to lead healthcare reform and innovation in their home countries.
Eligible Countries
Applications are currently open to eligible applicants residing in:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
Applicants must reside in one of the participating countries at the time of application.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is intended for outstanding mid-career professionals working in healthcare and health policy, including:
- Health policymakers.
- Medical professionals.
- Public health specialists.
- Health services researchers.
- Health economists.
- Government officials.
- Healthcare executives.
- Academic researchers.
- Clinical leaders.
- Health system administrators.
Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, professional achievement, and a strong commitment to improving healthcare policy and practice.
Fellowship Experience
During the fellowship year, participants will:
- Conduct an independent research project.
- Work closely with expert U.S. mentors.
- Participate in policy seminars and leadership training.
- Visit healthcare organizations and institutions across the United States.
- Build lasting international professional networks.
- Collaborate with other Harkness Fellows from around the world.
- Develop policy recommendations with global relevance.
The fellowship emphasizes practical learning and international knowledge exchange.
Why Apply?
The Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellowship offers numerous advantages for emerging and established health leaders:
- International recognition.
- World-class mentorship.
- Access to leading healthcare institutions.
- Comparative health policy expertise.
- Leadership development.
- Global networking opportunities.
- Long-term professional collaborations.
- Opportunities to influence healthcare policy and reform.
- Membership in an influential international alumni community.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Review the fellowship eligibility requirements.
- Develop a comparative health policy research proposal.
- Prepare the required application documents.
- Submit the online application before the official deadline.
- Participate in the fellowship selection process if shortlisted.
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their research ideas and supporting documents early.
Conclusion
The Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellowship is one of the world’s premier international health policy fellowships, offering experienced healthcare professionals an exceptional opportunity to advance their leadership skills, conduct impactful comparative research, and collaborate with some of the leading experts in global health policy. For professionals committed to strengthening healthcare systems and improving health outcomes worldwide, this fellowship provides an outstanding platform for professional growth and international impact.
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