The Commonwealth Fund has officially opened applications for the prestigious 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice, an exceptional international fellowship program designed for mid-career professionals committed to transforming health care systems and improving health outcomes.
The Harkness Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for emerging and established health policy leaders to conduct innovative research, engage with leading experts, and contribute to policy reforms that improve health care access, quality, efficiency, and equity. Through this highly competitive fellowship, participants undertake a policy-oriented research project with relevance to both the United States and their home country while expanding their professional networks and leadership capacity.
Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort are open from June 1, 2026, to November 1, 2026.
About the Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellowship
The Harkness Fellowship is one of the world’s most respected international health policy fellowships. It is administered by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation dedicated to promoting a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable populations.
The fellowship is specifically designed for professionals who have demonstrated excellence in health policy and practice and who have the potential to become influential leaders in shaping the future of health care systems.
Fellows spend time developing and implementing a research project that addresses pressing health policy challenges and contributes to meaningful policy or system-level change.
Fellowship Objectives
The program focuses on advancing research and leadership in areas that align with The Commonwealth Fund’s key priorities, including:
- Improving health insurance coverage
- Expanding access to health care services
- Enhancing quality of care
- Increasing efficiency in health care delivery
- Advancing health equity
- Supporting evidence-based health policy reforms
- Strengthening health care systems through innovative solutions
The fellowship aims to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and international perspective needed to address complex health care challenges in their home countries and beyond.
Benefits of the Harkness Fellowship
Successful fellows gain access to numerous professional and academic opportunities, including:
1. International Research Experience
Participants conduct a high-impact policy-oriented research project with direct relevance to both the United States and their home country.
2. Access to Global Health Policy Experts
Fellows engage with leading policymakers, researchers, academics, clinicians, and health care executives across international health systems.
3. Leadership Development
The fellowship is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and prepare participants for senior roles in health policy and health system transformation.
4. Professional Networking Opportunities
Participants become part of a distinguished global network of Harkness alumni, health policy experts, and decision-makers.
5. Policy Influence
Research projects are specifically designed to contribute to policy discussions and drive system-level improvements in health care delivery and governance.
6. Cross-Country Learning
The fellowship encourages comparative learning between the United States and participating countries, allowing fellows to identify transferable solutions and best practices.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the 2027–2028 Harkness Fellowship, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
Residency Requirement
Applicants must be established residents of one of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
Applicants must also be eligible to receive a J-1 Research Scholar Visa and be committed to continuing their careers in the country from which they are applying.
Professional Experience
Candidates should be mid-career professionals with significant accomplishments and demonstrated leadership potential in health policy or health care practice.
Professionals may come from diverse sectors, including:
- Government
- Public policy
- Health services research
- Clinical practice
- Health care management
- Journalism
- Health administration
- Public health organizations
- Academic institutions
Demonstrated Expertise
Applicants must possess:
- Strong expertise in health policy issues
- Evidence of influencing policy or practice
- Experience conducting research, policy analysis, or health system leadership activities
- A proven record of professional achievement
Research Project Requirement
Applicants must propose a research project that:
- Addresses important health policy issues
- Is relevant to both the United States and their home country
- Focuses on policy or system-level change
- Demonstrates feasibility and practical impact
Educational and Professional Qualifications
Candidates must have the educational background and professional experience necessary to successfully complete the proposed project and maximize the fellowship experience.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Commonwealth Fund strongly encourages applications from:
- Historically marginalized communities
- Underrepresented populations in health policy
- Underrepresented groups in health care leadership
- Professionals bringing diverse perspectives to health system reform
This commitment reflects the fellowship’s broader goal of promoting health equity and inclusive leadership across health care systems.
Application Components
Applicants must complete their submission through the Harkness Fellowship Portal and provide the following materials:
1. Statement of Professional Objectives
A detailed statement outlining career goals, leadership aspirations, and reasons for applying.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
An updated professional resume highlighting qualifications, achievements, publications, and relevant experience.
3. Preliminary Project Proposal
Applicants must submit a policy-oriented project proposal of up to five pages (excluding references).
The proposal should:
- Address a significant health policy issue
- Demonstrate relevance to both countries
- Outline methodology
- Explain expected policy impact
- Highlight opportunities for system-level change
4. Three Letters of Reference
Applicants must secure:
- One Institutional or Organizational Reference from a supervisor or senior leader within their organization
- Two Professional References from individuals who can assess their qualifications, achievements, and leadership potential
Applicants are advised to request references as early as possible to ensure timely submission.
5. Work Samples
Candidates must submit three examples of professional work, which may include:
- Journal articles
- Research papers
- Policy reports
- Technical reports
- Published articles
- Other professional writing samples
For unpublished materials, applicants should provide a brief explanation describing the work and its purpose.
Application Review and Selection Process
Applications undergo a rigorous review process conducted by Commonwealth Fund staff and expert review panels in each participating country.
Selection is based on:
- Professional qualifications
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to improving health care
- Quality of the proposed research project
- Policy relevance of the research
- Strength of recommendation letters
- Potential to influence health policy and practice
Following initial review, shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in interviews.
Interview Locations
Depending on the country of application, interviews may be conducted virtually or in person in:
- Sydney (Australia)
- Toronto (Canada)
- Paris (France)
- Berlin or The Hague (Germany and the Netherlands)
- Auckland (New Zealand)
- Oslo (Norway)
- Singapore
- London (United Kingdom)
Interview details will be communicated directly to shortlisted candidates.
Important Notes
Applicants should note that:
- Fellowship awards cannot be used toward academic degree programs.
- The fellowship cannot be undertaken simultaneously with another program.
- Quantitative research applicants should carefully evaluate data availability and accessibility.
- Qualitative research applicants should clearly explain their data collection methods, including interviews, focus groups, and document reviews.
- Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in future cycles.
Application Deadline
Application Opens: June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Interested candidates should begin preparing their research proposals, reference letters, and supporting documents well in advance of the deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants must first create a Harkness Fellowship Portal account before beginning the application process.
After registration:
- Log in to the Harkness Fellowship Portal.
- Select “New User” if creating an account for the first time.
- Complete all required registration fields.
- Choose “Harkness Fellowship Applicant.”
- Complete and submit the online application before the deadline.
This fellowship presents an extraordinary opportunity for health policy professionals to contribute to meaningful health system reforms, develop international collaborations, and become part of a prestigious global network of leaders dedicated to improving health care delivery and health equity worldwide.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY here.
