Applications are open for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028, a one-year leadership programme for global health professionals based in low- and middle-income countries. Apply by 15 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI), in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health.
The fellowship is designed to equip and empower women leaders in global health who are based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Through leadership development, mentorship and engagement with Harvard’s global health community, participants can strengthen their professional capabilities and prepare to mentor future generations of women leaders.
The one-year programme provides an opportunity for established global health professionals to reflect on their work, develop new perspectives and strengthen their contributions to health policy, research, advocacy and healthcare.
Applicants must currently be based or working in an eligible low- or middle-income country and plan to return there after completing the fellowship.
Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort are now open and will close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health |
| Host institution | Harvard Global Health Institute |
| Academic partner | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health |
| Duration | One year |
| Focus area | Global health leadership |
| Target participants | Women leaders in global health from low- and middle-income countries |
| Location requirement | Applicants must currently be based or working in an LMIC and plan to return there after the fellowship |
| Application status | Open |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Funding details | Not specified in the supplied announcement |
| Official website | Harvard Global Health Institute |
Fellowship Benefits and Development Opportunities
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship aims to strengthen leadership in global health and support professionals who can influence health systems, policies and programmes in their home countries.
Leadership Development
Participants have the opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities and explore new approaches to addressing global health challenges. The programme is intended to help fellows build the skills and perspectives needed to advance their work and contribute to their professional communities.
Mentorship and Professional Networks
Fellows can connect with Harvard’s diverse community of health professionals and develop relationships with other leaders working across global health disciplines.
The fellowship also emphasises the importance of mentoring future female leaders, helping participants contribute to a stronger pipeline of women in global health leadership.
Exposure to Global Health Research and Policy
Previous fellows have brought experience from a range of areas, including HIV/AIDS, healthcare, research, advocacy, administration and health policy at senior government levels.
The programme welcomes candidates whose work and leadership interests align with global health and who want to contribute to improvements in their home countries.
Funding note: The supplied announcement does not confirm whether the fellowship covers tuition, travel, accommodation, living expenses or other costs. Applicants should consult the official application requirements for details about financial support and programme arrangements.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The supplied announcement identifies the fellowship as an opportunity for women leaders in global health who are based in low- and middle-income countries.
Applicants should meet the following central conditions:
- Be a global health professional or leader whose work aligns with the fellowship’s objectives.
- Be currently based or working in a low- or middle-income country.
- Plan to return to their country or eligible LMIC setting after completing the fellowship.
- Be interested in strengthening leadership and supporting the development of future female leaders in global health.
The programme is intended for professionals working across disciplines such as research, healthcare, advocacy, administration and health policy.
The complete academic, professional and documentation requirements are not included in the supplied announcement. Candidates should review the official application guidelines to establish whether they meet all requirements.
Additional Information
Applications for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 close on Sunday, 15 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Interested candidates should review the programme information and prepare their application according to the official instructions. Because the supplied announcement does not contain the full list of required documents, applicants should check the application portal carefully before submitting.
How to apply: Visit the Harvard Global Health Institute website, navigate to the LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health and follow the application link for the 2027–2028 cohort.
Applicants should also verify the fellowship’s financial arrangements, programme participation requirements and any additional eligibility criteria directly with Harvard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship is a one-year leadership development programme designed to promote women in global health and strengthen leadership capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
The programme targets women leaders in global health who are currently based or working in low- and middle-income countries and plan to return there after the fellowship. Applicants should check the official guidelines for complete eligibility requirements.
3. How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship lasts one year.
4. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
5. Which organisation offers the fellowship?
The programme is offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
6. What areas of global health are relevant?
Previous fellows have worked in areas including healthcare, HIV/AIDS, research, advocacy, administration and health policy. The fellowship focuses broadly on leadership in global health.
7. Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship fully funded?
The supplied announcement does not confirm whether the programme is fully funded. Applicants should consult the official fellowship guidelines for information about financial support and expenses.
8. Must fellows return to their home countries?
The announcement states that candidates should currently be based or working in a low- or middle-income country and plan to return there after the fellowship.
9. How can I apply?
Visit the Harvard Global Health Institute website and follow the official LEAD Fellowship application instructions for the 2027–2028 cohort.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 may be valuable for women working in global health who want to strengthen their leadership abilities, connect with an international professional network and contribute to health improvements in their home countries.
Candidates should prioritise confirming the detailed eligibility requirements, required documents and financial arrangements before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship, employment and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Harvard University or the Harvard Global Health Institute and does not manage the fellowship application process. Applicants should verify all details through the official programme website.
SEO Keywords: Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028, Harvard Global Health Fellowship, women in global health leadership, global health fellowships 2027, Harvard fellowship for women, LMIC global health fellowship, global health leadership programme, Harvard Global Health Institute, women leadership fellowship, international health fellowships 2027, health policy fellowship
