Expanding Global Health Leadership

The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI), in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has officially opened applications for its flagship LEAD Fellowship for the 2027-2028 academic year.

Designed specifically for mid-career and experienced global health professionals hailing from low- and middle-income nations, the year-long program aims to sharpen strategic leadership capabilities, foster international collaboration, and drive impactful healthcare transformations worldwide.

Running from September 1, 2027, through August 31, 2028, the fellowship features a hybrid framework. Participants will engage in a 12-month virtual curriculum paired with an intensive, six-week residential component in Cambridge, Massachusetts, slated for April 2028.

Comprehensive Program Structure and Benefits

Throughout the duration of the program, fellows will receive tailored individual coaching, mentorship from renowned academics, and exclusive access to executive education masterclasses led by distinguished Harvard faculty. The curriculum also integrates speaking engagements, collaborative networking sessions, and independent capstone project work suited to each participant's professional ambitions.

Recognizing the financial barriers associated with international academic programs, the fellowship offers comprehensive support for the residential portion in the United States. Covered expenses include:

- Round-trip international flights to and from Cambridge - Full accommodation during the six-week residential block - J-1 visa processing fees - A dedicated living stipend for the duration of the U.S. stay

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet a strict set of professional and academic benchmarks:

- Hold a minimum of a master's degree in a relevant academic discipline. - Maintain full-time employment within the global health sector. - Possess at least 10 years of substantive professional experience acquired post-education (student work excluded). - Demonstrate a proven track record of leadership and clear potential for future industry impact. - Fulfill J-1 visa requirements and commit to residing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for six weeks in April 2028. - Secure formal leave or an equivalent professional sabbatical from their home institution. - Have no history of participating in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer within the two years preceding the Harvard program.

The admissions committee encourages candidates from diverse geographic regions, multidisciplinary backgrounds, and varied gender identities to apply directly.

Important Deadlines

Prospective candidates must submit their complete application materials by November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Successful applicants will be notified during the spring of 2027. Interested professionals can access further details and application portals directly through the official Harvard Global Health Institute web portal.