Applications are open for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027 - 2028 - a fully funded 12-month leadership fellowship from the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) and the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for leaders based in low- and middle-income countries.
Programme runs 1 September 2027 - 31 August 2028, mostly virtual, with a 6-week in-residence period in Cambridge, MA (April 2028). Deadline: 15 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official HGHI LEAD Fellowship page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027 - 2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hosts | Harvard Global Health Institute + Harvard Chan Global Health and Population |
| Duration | 1 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2028 (12 months) |
| Format | Virtual curriculum + 6 weeks in residence (Cambridge, MA, April 2028) |
| Funding | Flights, housing, J-1 visa fees, course fees, living stipend for residency |
| Who | LMIC-based global health leaders (10+ years’ experience; master’s minimum) |
| Deadline | 15 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST |
| Decisions | Spring 2027 |
| Apply | Harvard LEAD Reviewr application portal |
Programme Components
- 1:1 executive leadership coaching (incl. leadership assessments)
- Harvard faculty mentorship aligned to your interests
- Executive education course during the Cambridge residency (e.g. Women and Power historically)
- Private leadership masterclasses (negotiation, speaking, decision-making, bias/equity, crisis leadership, etc.)
- Speaking opportunities and networking across Harvard’s global health community
- Personalized growth plan and project work tailored to each fellow
Benefits (Funded Residency)
- International flights to/from Cambridge, MA covered
- Housing and living stipend / per diem during the 6-week residency
- J-1 visa fees and executive education course fees covered
- World-class coaching, mentorship, and Harvard network access
- Fall engagement is light - leave of absence required only for the April residency
Eligibility
- Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field
- Full-time work in global health with at least 10 years of professional experience (student work does not count)
- Currently based/working in an LMIC and plan to return after the fellowship
- Full employer support plus an organisational champion/reference
- Able to take leave for 6 weeks in April 2028 in Cambridge, MA
- Able to obtain a J-1 visa for U.S. travel
- No full-time fellowship lasting 4+ months in the two years prior to arrival at Harvard
- Open to all continents, disciplines, sectors, and gender identities; self-nominate via application
Required Application Materials
- CV/Resume
- Letter of Intent (≤1.5 pages)
- Four essays (≤2,000 characters each): Career Development Plan; Project Plan; Mentoring Plan; Impact on Organisation/Field/Country
- Letter of Institutional Commitment (incl. April leave approval)
- Letter of Mentor Commitment
- Two additional reference letters (one from current/most recent professional engagement; distinct from mentor letter)
How to Apply
- Review eligibility and FAQs on the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship page.
- Create an account and submit via the Reviewr application portal.
- Submit all materials by 15 November 2026, 11:59 PM EST.
- Questions: hghi_fellowships@harvard.edu.
Official Links
Harvard LEAD Fellowship (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- UGHE MSc-HPE 2027
- FOR-GHP Fellowship 2026
- Stanford CISAC Fellowship 2027-2028
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027 - 2028
When is the deadline?
15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
Is it fully funded?
Yes for the Cambridge residency - flights, housing, visa fees, course fees, and a living stipend/per diem are covered.
Who can apply?
Experienced global health professionals (10+ years) with at least a master’s degree, based in an LMIC, with employer support for a 6-week April 2028 residency.
Where do I apply?
Via the official Reviewr portal.
