Harvard LEAD Fellows Program 2026/27 (USA) — Fully Funded

Apply by November 30, 2025 • Hybrid (Virtual + 6‑week in‑residence at Harvard, April 2027)

The Harvard LEAD Fellows Program is a fully funded, year‑long leadership fellowship for established professionals in global health from low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs). This cohort‑based program combines virtual learning with an intensive in‑person residency at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

Quick Facts

• Host: Harvard Global Health Institute (Harvard University)
• Program dates: Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027
• In‑residence: 6 weeks in Cambridge, MA (expected April 2027)
• Format: Fall virtual semester + Spring in‑residence
• Eligible:  All Countries,especially candidates working in global health from LMICs
• Deadline: November 30, 2025

Program Overview

The Harvard LEAD Fellows Program (Learn, Engage, Advance, Disrupt) prepares mid‑ and senior‑level professionals to lead systems‑level change in global health. Fellows gain leadership training, executive education, tailored mentorship, and a global peer network then return home equipped to scale impact in their organizations and countries.

The program runs for one academic year (September–August). The fall term is delivered virtually; the spring term culminates in a six‑week residency at Harvard, featuring workshops, faculty seminars, cohort projects, and networking events.

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility)

Applicants should meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
2. Experience: At least 10 years of full‑time professional experience in global health (work completed as a student does not count).
3. Employment: Currently working full‑time in global health and able to secure leave for the 6‑week in‑residence.
4. Institutional Support: A champion/reference and a letter of institutional commitment from your employer confirming support and leave
5. Restrictions: Candidates should not have recently completed another full‑time fellowship (4 months or longer) in the past two years.

The program is global and strongly encourages applicants from LMICs with demonstrated leadership and the intention to apply learning to scale health outcomes at organizational or national levels.

What’s Covered (Benefits)

Harvard LEAD removes financial barriers so fellows can focus on learning and leadership:

• Round‑trip international airfare to Cambridge, MA
• Visa fees and administrative support
• Accommodation and meals during the 6‑week residency
• Living stipend for the residency period
• Access to Harvard faculty, executive education, mentorship, and cohort networking

Application Requirements

Prepare the following materials for your application portal:

• Current CV / Resume
• Letter of Intent (1–1.5 pages) describing motivation and expected fellowship impact
• Four short essays (follow portal character limits):
  1. Plan for career development / training activities
  2. Project plan (practical project to implement after fellowship)
  3. Candidate’s plan to provide mentoring
  4. How the fellowship will impact your organization, field, and home country
• Letter of Institutional Commitment (confirming leave/support)
• Letter of Mentor Commitment (from a professional mentor)
• Two additional letters of reference (one from current/recent professional supervisor)

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 (local time; please confirm any time‑zone specifics on the official portal)
• Selection & Notification: Candidates typically receive outcomes in early–mid 2026
• Program Start: September 1, 2026; In‑residence: April 2027 (approximately 6 weeks)

How to Apply

1. Review full eligibility and FAQs on the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship page.
2. Prepare your CV, letters, and four short essays in advance.
3. Submit your application through the Harvard Global Health Institute application portal:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Also Check:She Code Africa x Grow with Google Scholarship 2025 – Fully Funded Tech Training for African Women