The Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27 offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging global health leaders to advance their careers through a fully funded program hosted by the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Running from September 2026 to August 2027, this prestigious fellowship combines both virtual and in-person learning, designed to empower professionals dedicated to driving meaningful change in global health systems.
Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in leadership workshops, executive education courses, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities with Harvard faculty and global experts. The in-person segment, held in Cambridge during April 2027, includes a six-week residential experience with full financial support for housing, flights, tuition, meals, and local transport. The program fosters collaboration, innovation, and leadership development, making it an ideal choice for individuals passionate about transforming the future of global health.
Benefits
- The fellowship covers the in-person residency at Harvard, including housing, round-trip flights to Cambridge, Massachusetts, course fees, and a daily allowance for meals and local transportation during the six-week stay.
- An opportunity to attend a fully funded fellowship in a prestigious institute of USA.
- Access to Harvard’s world-class libraries, courses, and events
- Personalized leadership and career development training
- One-on-one mentorship from global health experts
- Networking with Harvard faculty and international health leaders
- Opportunity to collaborate on research and impactful projects
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors, genders, and gender identities are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must nominate themselves by submitting an online application.
- Applicants should at least have a master’s degree in relevant field.
- Applicants should be currently working in the field of global health and have minimum 10 years of professional experience.
- Applicants should have support of their employers.
- Applicants are required to take a leave of absence from their workplace during the in-person program of 6 weeks in April 2027.
- Applicants must a J-1 visa for travelling to USA and should be allowed to reside in Boston.
- Fellows should not have participated in a full-time fellowship of 4 or more months, in the last 2 years.
Documents required for Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27
- CV/resume.
- A letter of Intent.
- Four essays.
- A letter of institutional commitment from home institution.
- A letter of mentor commitment.
- Two additional letters of reference.
How to Apply?
- Complete the online application form.
- Create a new account on the application portal.
- Enter your personal information accurately.
- Provide your contact details.
- Fill in your educational background.
- Select the number of years of your professional experience.
- Upload all required documents.
- Answer all four essay questions in the provided spaces.
- Enter the details of your references.
- Review your application carefully and click ‘Submit’ to finalize your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27 is a year-long, fully funded program for global health leaders. It runs from September 2026 to August 2027, combining virtual mentorship, executive coaching, and a six-week in-residence program at Harvard University in April 2027.
What is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27?
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27 is a year-long program from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. It empowers emerging leaders in global health through executive coaching, mentorship, leadership workshops, and in-person training at Harvard University in April 2027.
Who is eligible for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27?
Applicants must hold a master’s degree, work full-time in global health, and have at least 10 years of professional experience. Candidates should have employer support and a mentor champion, and be able to take a six-week leave for in-residence activities at Harvard in April 2027.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27 are now open. All materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Early preparation is recommended to complete the CV, essays, letters of commitment, and other required documents before the deadline.
What are the program components of the Harvard LEAD Fellowship?
The fellowship includes executive coaching, 1:1 mentorship, in-person executive education courses, leadership masterclasses, team-building, and public speaking opportunities. Fellows engage virtually in the fall and participate in Harvard-based activities during a six-week residency in April 2027.
Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship fully covers travel to and from Boston, visa fees, housing, course fees, and a daily per diem for food and transportation during the six-week in-residence program. Fellows are not financially responsible for these covered expenses.
Can fellows continue working while participating in the program?
During the virtual fall semester, fellows remain at their home institutions with light program engagement. Fellows are only required to take a leave of absence during the six-week in-residence period at Harvard in April 2027 to participate fully in on-campus activities.
What is included in the application package?
Applicants must submit a CV/resume, a letter of intent, four essays, a letter of institutional commitment, a letter of mentor commitment, and two additional reference letters. Essays cover career development, project plans, mentoring, and fellowship impact.
Can applicants from low- and middle-income countries apply?
Yes, the Harvard LEAD Fellowship particularly encourages applicants from low- and middle-income countries who plan to return home after the fellowship and mentor future female leaders in global health. Candidates from all regions and sectors are welcome.
What kind of mentorship is offered during the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026-27?
Each fellow is paired with Harvard faculty mentors for monthly meetings. Mentors provide career advice, professional guidance, and networking opportunities. Fellows also receive 1:1 executive leadership coaching and group mentorship sessions to enhance their leadership skills.
Are there public speaking and leadership training opportunities?
Yes, fellows participate in leadership masterclasses, executive education courses, and public speaking engagements. They may serve as panelists or speakers at global health events, improving presentation skills, networking, and overall leadership capacity during the fellowship.
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