Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028: Fully Funded Global Health Leadership Fellowship for Professionals from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The 2027–2028 Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is now accepting applications for professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity and make a greater impact in global health.

Offered by 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, the LEAD Fellowship is a one-year programme designed to support the continued development of established and emerging leaders in global health. The fellowship is particularly structured to provide participants with time, mentorship, coaching, executive education, networking and reflection to help them advance their leadership goals.

The fellowship provides a highly personalized leadership development experience rather than relying solely on conventional classroom-based training. Fellows have the opportunity to work with Harvard faculty and senior mentors while developing a leadership curriculum tailored to their individual interests, professional goals and areas for growth.

For the 2027–2028 cohort, the fellowship will combine a 12-month virtual curriculum with a six-week in-person experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in spring 2028.

Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

What Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship is a one-year leadership development programme for professionals working in global health.

The programme is offered through the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Its central purpose is to strengthen leadership among professionals who are already contributing to global health and who demonstrate the potential to take on greater leadership responsibilities.

The programme takes a highly individualized approach to leadership development. Rather than requiring every participant to follow exactly the same professional development pathway, fellows are given the opportunity to build a curriculum around their own:

• Professional interests
• Leadership goals
• Areas of expertise
• Areas requiring further development
• Long-term ambitions
• Global health priorities

This personalized structure allows fellows to use the programme to address the leadership challenges most relevant to their own professional circumstances.

A One-Year Leadership Development Experience

The 2027–2028 LEAD Fellowship will run for one year, from:

September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028.

During this period, fellows will participate in a 12-month virtual curriculum combined with a six-week in-person experience in spring 2028.

The in-person component is scheduled for April 2028 and requires fellows to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, for six weeks.

The combination of virtual learning and in-person engagement allows participants to remain connected to the programme throughout the fellowship year while also benefiting from an intensive period of direct interaction with Harvard faculty, mentors and other fellows.

What Does the Harvard LEAD Fellowship Include?

The programme provides a broad range of leadership development opportunities.

Throughout the fellowship year, participants will engage in:

• One-on-one leadership coaching
• Mentorship
• An executive education course
• Speaking events
• Private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty
• Networking opportunities
• Tailored leadership training
• Independent project work
• Cohort-based learning
• Interaction with senior mentors and Harvard faculty

These components are designed to provide fellows with both structured leadership education and opportunities for personal reflection and professional exploration.

One-on-One Leadership Coaching

Individual coaching is one of the important components of the LEAD Fellowship.

Rather than treating leadership development as a one-size-fits-all process, the programme connects fellows with support tailored to their individual leadership needs.

One-on-one coaching can provide participants with dedicated space to examine their professional experiences, leadership challenges, goals and areas for further development.

For experienced global health professionals who are already managing demanding responsibilities, this dedicated opportunity for reflection can be particularly valuable.

Mentorship from Experienced Leaders

Fellows are connected with mentors who provide guidance aligned with their individual goals.

The mentorship component allows participants to benefit from the experience and perspectives of established professionals while thinking more deliberately about their own leadership development.

The programme also connects fellows with world-class Harvard faculty and senior mentors.

This creates opportunities for participants to learn from individuals with substantial experience in global health, leadership, research, policy and related areas.

Executive Education and Harvard Masterclasses

The fellowship includes an executive education course as well as private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty.

These opportunities provide fellows with structured exposure to advanced leadership concepts and ideas relevant to their professional development.

The masterclasses are also designed to complement the individualized elements of the programme by giving participants access to Harvard faculty in a more focused setting.

Speaking and Networking Opportunities

The programme includes speaking events and networking opportunities throughout the fellowship year.

These activities allow fellows to share perspectives, engage with other professionals and expand their networks.

The cohort itself becomes an important source of professional exchange because participants come from different countries, professional backgrounds and areas of global health.

According to the programme, the LEAD Fellowship has already welcomed 26 fellows from 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.

Past fellows have worked across areas including:

• Research
• Advocacy
• Administration
• Policy
• Clinical work

The diversity of professional experiences is an important part of the fellowship’s learning environment.

A Global Network of Fellows and Alumni

Participants become part of a growing community of LEAD Fellowship alumni.

The programme describes the fellowship community as a close-knit network of former fellows from around the world.

This network can provide opportunities for:

• Peer learning
• Professional networking
• Mentorship
• Collaboration
• Exchange of ideas
• Continued relationships beyond the fellowship year

For global health professionals working across different countries and sectors, maintaining relationships with an international network of peers can be valuable for future collaborations and initiatives.

Six-Week In-Person Experience at Harvard

A defining component of the 2027–2028 fellowship is the six-week in-person experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Fellows are required to take a leave of absence, or an equivalent arrangement, from their home institution during this period.

The in-person component provides an opportunity for fellows to step away temporarily from their regular professional responsibilities and dedicate concentrated time to leadership development.

The fellowship describes this period as an opportunity for participants to reflect, recalibrate and explore new directions.

When Will the In-Person Experience Take Place?

The six-week in-residence experience will take place in April 2028.

Applicants must therefore be able to obtain the appropriate J-1 visa and be available to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the required six-week period.

Fellowship Support for the Harvard Residency

The fellowship provides significant support for the required U.S. residency.

According to the programme information:

• Visa fees will be covered.
• Housing will be covered.
• Flights will be covered.
• A living stipend will be provided for the period in the United States.

This support is designed to enable selected fellows to participate in the in-person Harvard experience without having to bear the major costs associated with international travel and temporary residence in the United States.

Who Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship Designed For?

The programme welcomes applicants from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors and gender identities.

However, applicants must meet several specific professional and academic requirements.

The fellowship is intended for established global health professionals who already have substantial experience and leadership responsibilities.

It is therefore not designed as an entry-level programme for recent graduates or individuals just beginning their professional careers.

Academic Requirement

Applicants must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field.

The fellowship therefore expects candidates to have completed postgraduate education before applying.

The relevant field should be connected to the applicant’s global health work or professional background.

Professional Experience Requirement

Applicants must work full-time in the field of global health.

In addition, candidates must have at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their education.

An important clarification is that work completed while an individual was a university student does not count toward the required professional experience.

Applicants should therefore calculate their professional experience based on work undertaken after completing their education rather than simply counting the number of years since they entered university.

Leadership Experience and Potential

The programme requires applicants to demonstrate substantial leadership experience as well as potential for further leadership development.

This means candidates should be able to demonstrate more than technical expertise in global health.

Strong applicants are likely to be professionals who can show evidence of leadership responsibilities, influence, programme development, policy engagement, institutional work, research leadership, advocacy or other forms of meaningful professional leadership.

The fellowship is intended to help experienced professionals reflect on their existing leadership and develop new approaches for their future work.

Leave of Absence Requirement

Because the fellowship includes a six-week in-person experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, applicants must be able to take a leave of absence or equivalent arrangement from their home institution during the residency in April 2028.

This is an important requirement for professionals who currently hold full-time positions.

Applicants should therefore consider their employer’s policies and determine whether they can obtain the necessary time away from their regular responsibilities if selected.

J-1 Visa and U.S. Residency Requirement

Applicants must be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States in April 2028.

They must also be available to live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for six weeks during the in-person portion of the programme.

The fellowship will cover the visa fees, housing and flights associated with this experience, while also providing a living stipend for the period in the United States.

Previous Fellowship Restriction

Applicants should also consider their participation in other full-time fellowship programmes.

The eligibility requirements state that, during the two years before their fellowship at Harvard, candidates may not have participated in another full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer.

This restriction is important for applicants who have recently completed another substantial fellowship.

Candidates should review their recent fellowship history carefully before applying.

Gender and Geographic Inclusivity

Despite the programme’s title, applicants should note that the fellowship information explicitly states that applications are welcomed from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors and gender identities.

The programme has previously brought together fellows from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.

The fellowship’s international orientation is reflected in the diversity of its existing alumni community, which includes professionals from 21 countries.

Why the Harvard LEAD Fellowship Is Different

The LEAD Fellowship differs from many traditional academic programmes because it emphasizes leadership development rather than simply academic instruction.

Participants are already experienced global health professionals.

The programme therefore focuses on giving fellows time and space to think deeply about their leadership, professional direction and future contribution to global health.

Rather than simply adding another qualification to a professional résumé, the fellowship is designed to encourage fellows to step back from their daily responsibilities and reconsider how they can expand their impact.

Personalized Leadership Development

One of the strongest features of the fellowship is its customized approach.

Each fellow has the autonomy to develop a leadership curriculum around their own:

1. Professional interests
2. Leadership objectives
3. Career goals
4. Areas for improvement
5. Professional challenges
6. Future ambitions

This means two fellows may have very different fellowship experiences depending on their professional backgrounds and development priorities.

The personalized model can be particularly useful for experienced professionals who have already developed technical expertise but want to strengthen their leadership capacity.

Opportunities for Reflection and Professional Growth

The fellowship places significant emphasis on reflection.

Professionals working in global health often operate in demanding environments, balancing research, clinical work, policy responsibilities, administration, advocacy and other professional obligations.

The LEAD Fellowship creates structured time for fellows to step away from those daily demands and think about their longer-term direction.

The programme specifically seeks to provide fellows with the opportunity to:

• Reflect on their leadership journey
• Recalibrate their professional goals
• Connect with other global health leaders
• Explore new ideas
• Identify areas for growth
• Consider new directions
• Develop independent projects

This reflective component is an important part of the programme’s leadership philosophy.

Benefits of Joining the Harvard LEAD Fellowship

Selected fellows can benefit from a combination of academic, professional and leadership opportunities.

Leadership Development

Fellows receive customized leadership training, coaching and mentorship designed around their individual needs.

Harvard Faculty Engagement

Participants gain opportunities to interact with Harvard faculty through masterclasses, executive education and other programme activities.

Senior Mentorship

Senior mentors provide guidance and perspectives relevant to fellows’ individual leadership goals.

International Networking

Fellows join a global community of professionals working across different regions and areas of global health.

Professional Reflection

The programme provides dedicated time and space for participants to reassess their professional direction and leadership priorities.

In-Person Harvard Experience

Participants spend six weeks in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during spring 2028.

Financial Support for the U.S. Residency

The fellowship covers flights, housing and visa fees and provides a living stipend during the U.S. residency.

Long-Term Alumni Network

After completing the programme, fellows become part of the growing LEAD alumni community.

Learn More HERE

Application Deadline for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028

The application deadline is:

Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Applicants should ensure that all application materials are submitted before the stated deadline.

Because the fellowship is highly competitive and requires substantial professional and leadership experience, prospective applicants should begin preparing well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days.

What Happens After Applying?

Applicants selected for the fellowship will be notified in spring 2027.

The selected fellows will then participate in the fellowship programme from:

September 1, 2027, through August 31, 2028.

The fellowship year will combine virtual programming with the six-week in-person Harvard experience in April 2028.

Timeline at a Glance

Stage	Date
Applications open	October 2026
Application deadline	November 15, 2026
Selection notification	Spring 2027
Fellowship begins	September 1, 2027
Virtual fellowship curriculum	September 2027–August 2028
Six-week Harvard residency	April 2028
Fellowship ends	August 31, 2028

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Prospective applicants should approach the application strategically.

1. Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, confirm that you meet the minimum Master’s degree, professional experience, full-time global health employment and leadership requirements.

2. Clearly Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Applicants should be able to explain how they have demonstrated leadership throughout their careers.

This may include leadership in:

• Global health programmes
• Research
• Policy
• Clinical settings
• Advocacy
• Administration
• Institutions
• Community initiatives
• Professional organizations

3. Explain Your Future Leadership Potential

The fellowship is not only interested in what candidates have already accomplished.

Applicants should also demonstrate how the LEAD Fellowship could help them grow and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

4. Identify Your Development Needs

Because the fellowship is highly personalized, applicants should think carefully about the leadership areas in which they want to develop.

Candidates should be prepared to explain what they hope to learn, explore or change during the fellowship.

5. Plan for the Six-Week Residency

Applicants must be able to spend six weeks in Cambridge in April 2028.

Before applying, candidates should consider their professional commitments, employer arrangements, visa eligibility and personal circumstances.

6. Start Early

The November 15, 2026 deadline should be treated as a firm deadline.

Applicants should give themselves sufficient time to review the official fellowship requirements, prepare their application materials and ensure that everything is submitted correctly.

Click HERE to APPLY

Who Should Consider Applying?

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship may be particularly relevant to experienced professionals who are already working in global health and want to strengthen their leadership capacity.

Potential applicants may come from different areas of the global health ecosystem, including:

• Global health research
• Public health
• Health policy
• Healthcare administration
• Clinical work
• Health advocacy
• Global health programme management
• Health systems
• International development
• Academic and research institutions
• Government and policy institutions
• Non-governmental organizations

The programme’s previous fellows have worked across research, advocacy, administration, policy and clinical work, demonstrating the diversity of professional backgrounds represented in the fellowship community.

A Global Opportunity for Experienced Health Leaders

The LEAD Fellowship is particularly significant because it brings together experienced professionals from different countries and professional sectors.

The programme has already welcomed 26 fellows from 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.

This international composition allows participants to exchange perspectives on the challenges facing health systems and global health institutions in different settings.

For professionals working in low- and middle-income countries, the opportunity can provide exposure to a global network while allowing them to develop leadership skills that can be applied within their own institutions and communities.

Visit HERE for more information about the Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027–2028

Conclusion

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027–2028 offers an intensive leadership development experience for experienced global health professionals seeking to expand their influence and effectiveness.

Its combination of one-on-one coaching, senior mentorship, Harvard faculty engagement, executive education, leadership masterclasses, networking, independent project work and international peer learning creates a comprehensive professional development experience.

The six-week in-person experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, further distinguishes the programme by giving fellows dedicated time to step away from their regular professional responsibilities and focus on leadership development.

Financial support for the residency, including flights, housing, visa fees and a living stipend, also helps make the international experience more accessible to selected fellows.

Applicants should remember that this is an advanced professional fellowship. Candidates need at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field, full-time employment in global health, at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their education, substantial leadership experience and demonstrated potential for further leadership development.

The application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Applicants who meet the requirements and are interested in strengthening their leadership contribution to global health should begin preparing their applications early and carefully review the official LEAD Fellowship requirements before submitting.

Visit OFY to discover more global Fellowship, Leadership Development and Women opportunities.