Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028: Fully Funded Leadership Fellowship in Global Health
If you've spent years working in global health and are ready to grow as a leader, the Harvard LEAD Fellowship is one of the most respected opportunities out there. This fully funded one-year fellowship gives experienced professionals from low- and middle-income countries time to step back, reflect, learn from Harvard faculty and connect with peers from around the world, including six weeks at Harvard.
What Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?
The full name is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health. It's run by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
It's a one-year leadership fellowship focused on mentorship and coaching. It's designed to give global health leaders space to reflect, build new skills and explore new directions. So far, 26 fellows from 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America have taken part.
The fellowship is open to all gender identities.
How the Fellowship Works
- 12-month virtual programme (September 2027 to August 2028)
- Six weeks in person at Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts (April 2028)
What's included:
- One-on-one leadership coaching
- Mentorship from Harvard faculty and experts
- An executive education course at Harvard
- Private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty
- Speaking events and networking
- Cohort training and an independent project
You can shape the curriculum around your own goals.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 15 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST
- Results: Spring 2027
- Fellowship period: 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028
- In-person residency at Harvard: April 2028 (six weeks)
Who Can Apply?
- Professionals from low- and middle-income countries
- At least a master's degree in a relevant field
- Currently working full-time in global health
- At least 10 years of professional experience after education (student work doesn't count)
- Strong leadership experience and potential to lead further
- Able to take leave from work for the six-week residency in April 2028
- Eligible for a US J-1 visa
- No full-time fellowship of four months or longer in the past two years
All disciplines, sectors and regions are welcome.
What You Get
The fellowship is fully funded and covers:
- Return flights to the US
- Housing in Cambridge, MA
- Visa fees
- A living stipend during your US stay
- Coaching, mentorship and Harvard executive education
How to Apply
- Read the eligibility details and FAQs on the official LEAD Fellowship page.
- Prepare your application materials, highlighting your leadership journey and global health work.
- Self-nominate by clicking "Apply Now" on the fellowship page.
- Submit everything before 15 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
Simple Tips
- Tell your leadership story clearly. Show the impact you've had on health systems, teams or communities.
- Explain why now. Describe what you want to reflect on, learn or change in this stage of your career.
- Plan your independent project idea early. It shows focus and purpose.
- Talk to your employer now about taking six weeks of leave in April 2028.
- Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute technical problems.
Apply Here
📌 Official announcement: https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/2027-2028-harvard-lead-fellowship-application-is-now-open/
📌 Fellowship page and application: https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/fellowships/harvard-lead-fellowship/#LEAD-Fellowship
Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Harvard University or the Harvard Global Health Institute. Always confirm details on the official Harvard website before applying.
| Organization | Harvard Global Health Institute | | Region | Virtual + Cambridge, MA, USA | | Deadline | 15 November 2026 | | Level | Senior professionals (10+ years) | | Funding | Fully funded |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Harvard Global Health Institute. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
