University of Washington International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) 2027: Fully Funded Leadership Fellowship for African Public Health Professionals

The University of Washington International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) 2027 is now accepting applications from mid-career public health professionals across Africa. Designed specifically for emerging leaders working in or closely with African Ministries of Health, this prestigious fully funded leadership program equips participants with the knowledge, leadership skills, and policy expertise needed to strengthen health systems and drive sustainable public health transformation.

Hosted by the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, the International Program in Public Health Leadership is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and delivered in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership. Over the course of eight months, participants engage in an intensive leadership development experience that combines policy analysis, implementation science, evidence-based decision-making, and personal leadership growth.

Since its launch in 2017, the program has graduated 227 public health professionals representing 34 African countries, creating a growing network of leaders committed to improving health outcomes across the continent.

If you are an experienced public health professional working within government or in close partnership with government health systems in Africa, this opportunity provides world-class leadership training with financial support and international networking opportunities.

What is the University of Washington International Program in Public Health Leadership?

The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) is a flagship executive leadership program developed to strengthen leadership capacity among professionals responsible for shaping public health policies and managing health programs throughout Africa.

Unlike traditional academic degrees, IPPHL is a highly practical leadership initiative designed to help participants:

• Strengthen policy leadership skills
• Improve evidence-based decision-making
• Develop effective public health implementation strategies
• Enhance organizational leadership capabilities
• Build sustainable health system solutions
• Create lasting policy impact within their respective countries

Participants continue contributing to their organizations while completing an intensive eight-month curriculum focused on solving real public health challenges.

About the University of Washington

The University of Washington is one of the world’s leading public research universities, internationally recognized for excellence in education, policy research, medicine, and public health.

Through the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, the university has developed IPPHL to strengthen leadership within African health systems by investing in professionals capable of influencing policy and improving health outcomes at national and regional levels.

Program Objectives

The program aims to produce stronger public health leaders who can:

• Design evidence-based public policies
• Improve implementation of health programs
• Lead organizational and institutional change
• Strengthen health system performance
• Build sustainable policy solutions
• Improve health outcomes for communities
• Develop stronger leadership practices within government institutions

Program Curriculum

Participants will complete an intensive curriculum covering several core areas of leadership and policy development.

1. Public Policy Analysis

Participants learn how to:

• Analyze public policies
• Develop policy recommendations
• Evaluate policy effectiveness
• Apply evidence in policymaking

2. Evidence and Evaluation

The curriculum develops participants’ ability to:

• Interpret research findings
• Use health data effectively
• Evaluate public health interventions
• Make evidence-informed decisions

3. Policy Implementation

Participants strengthen their understanding of:

• Program implementation
• Change management
• Public sector leadership
• Health system improvement
• Implementation science

4. Personal Leadership Development

The program also emphasizes leadership growth through:

• Executive leadership coaching
• Leadership reflection
• Communication skills
• Strategic thinking
• Team leadership
• Decision-making
• Organizational influence

Fully Funded Benefits

One of the most attractive features of IPPHL is that it is fully funded by the Gates Foundation.

There are:

• No application fees
• No tuition fees
• No program fees

The program also covers most major participation costs, including:

• Lodging during the two-week Leadership Immersion
• Airfare for the Leadership Immersion
• Lodging during the one-week Capstone Seminar
• Airfare for the Capstone Seminar

Participants also receive limited financial support for certain additional expenses.

Participant Expenses

While the program covers most major costs, participants are expected to pay for certain expenses, including:

• Visa fees
• Internet connectivity
• Other minor participation-related costs

Limited financial assistance is available to help offset these expenses during or after completion of the program.

Who Should Apply?

The University of Washington is seeking experienced public health professionals who are already making important contributions within government health systems across Africa.

Successful applicants are expected to be responsible for:

• Public health policy development
• Public health program management
• Health system leadership
• Supervising staff or teams
• Improving government health programs

The program is designed for professionals ready to move into higher levels of leadership and influence.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should meet the following profile:

• Mid-career public health professional
• At least seven years of experience in the health sector
• Currently working within government or closely with government health systems
• Responsible for managing public health programs or developing health policies
• Holds supervisory responsibilities
• Holds a degree related to medicine or public health
• Strong English communication skills
• Able to explain complex public health policy challenges
• Citizen of an African country
• Currently residing and working in Africa

Alignment with Gates Foundation Priorities

Applicants should demonstrate how their work contributes to at least one of the Gates Foundation’s global priorities:

1. Helping end preventable deaths among mothers, babies, and children.
2. Ensuring future generations grow up free from deadly infectious diseases.

Professionals working in broader health system strengthening initiatives are also encouraged to apply if they can clearly connect their work to these objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a university degree?

No.

The International Program in Public Health Leadership is a non-degree and non-credit professional leadership program.

Participants who successfully complete the program receive a signed Certificate of Completion.

Is there any tuition fee?

No.

The program is fully funded.

Applicants do not pay:

• Application fees
• Tuition
• Program fees

Can NGO employees apply?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances.

Individuals working for NGOs are eligible if their work is highly integrated with government health systems and public health program delivery.

Those working independently of government systems are generally not eligible.

Are WHO, USAID, UNITAID or other international organization staff eligible?

Only if their roles involve close collaboration with government health systems in a way that aligns with the program’s objectives.

Can Africans living outside Africa apply?

No.

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of an African country
• Currently live in Africa
• Currently work in Africa

Can unemployed applicants apply?

No.

Applicants must currently be employed and obtain a recommendation from their direct supervisor.

Is a public health degree mandatory?

Applicants should hold a medical degree, a public health degree, or another health-related qualification.

Can university lecturers apply?

Only if they simultaneously hold qualifying positions managing public health programs within government health systems.

Individuals working solely as lecturers or professors are not eligible.

Can full-time students apply?

No.

However, individuals studying part-time while working in eligible public health positions may apply.

Is an English language test required?

No formal English language examination is required.

However, applicants must demonstrate strong English communication skills during the application and interview process.

Important Dates

Why You Should Apply

The International Program in Public Health Leadership offers far more than leadership training. Participants become part of an influential network of African public health leaders working to transform healthcare systems through evidence-based policymaking and effective leadership.

Benefits include:

• Fully funded participation
• International leadership training
• Policy development expertise
• Executive leadership development
• Networking with public health leaders across Africa
• Practical implementation skills
• Certificate from the University of Washington
• Opportunities to strengthen national health systems
• Access to globally recognized faculty and leadership experts

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application before the stated deadline.

Please be prepared to complete the following steps in the application to apply:

• Complete initial screening questions to determine eligibility.
• Complete personal information, employment history and education history questions.
• Answer 4 short essay questions limited to 1500 characters each.
• Invite your direct supervisor to complete a recommendation form directly through the application portal (please provide your supervisor sufficient time to complete their recommendation).
• Attach your CV.

Applicants should also ensure that their direct supervisor submits the required recommendation before the supervisor recommendation deadline.

Applications must be submitted before August 11, 2026, while supervisor recommendations must be received by August 13, 2026.

APPLY NOW

For additional information, applicants may contact:

Email: ipphl@uw.edu

Conclusion

The University of Washington International Program in Public Health Leadership 2027 represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced African public health professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity while contributing to stronger health systems across the continent. With full financial support from the Gates Foundation, participants gain access to world-class leadership development, policy training, and an influential network of professionals committed to addressing Africa’s most pressing public health challenges. If you are a mid-career leader working within or alongside government health systems and are passionate about improving health outcomes, this program provides an ideal platform to expand your leadership impact and drive lasting policy change.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship opportunities.