Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 in the USA (Fully Funded)
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 is a fully funded, one-year leadership development programme for experienced global health professionals from low- and middle-income countries. 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 fellowship combines a 12-month virtual curriculum with a six-week in-person experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Selected fellows receive leadership coaching, Harvard faculty mentorship, executive education, and financial support for their in-person participation. Applications close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
Quick Overview
Programme: Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health
Opportunity Type: Leadership Development Fellowship
Host Institution: Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI)
Partner: Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Country: United States
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Programme Format: Virtual and In-Person
Duration: 12 months, including a six-week in-person experience
Programme Dates: 1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028
Funding: Fully Funded, including visa fees, housing, flights, and a living stipend during the U.S. residency
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
About the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health supports the development of leaders working to improve global health.
The programme is designed for experienced professionals from low- and middle-income countries who want to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and develop new approaches to challenges in their fields.
The fellowship is organised by 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.
It combines personalised leadership development with mentoring, executive education, and practical opportunities to engage with Harvard faculty and other global health professionals.
Participants can develop individual learning plans based on their professional interests, leadership goals, and areas for improvement.
Harvard LEAD Fellowship Benefits and Financial Coverage
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship offers a fully funded leadership development experience.
The programme provides financial support for the required six-week in-person residency in the United States.
Confirmed financial benefits include:
✓ Visa fees covered
✓ Housing provided during the U.S. residency
✓ Flights covered for the in-person experience
✓ Living stipend during the six weeks in the United States
Leadership and Professional Development Benefits
In addition to financial support, selected fellows receive:
✓ One-on-one executive leadership coaching
✓ Personalised mentorship from Harvard faculty and senior mentors
✓ Executive education opportunities
✓ Private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty
✓ Speaking opportunities
✓ Professional networking opportunities
✓ Access to a community of global health leaders
✓ Opportunities for independent project work
The programme helps participants develop leadership skills while strengthening professional connections across Harvard University.
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Harvard LEAD Fellowship Programme Structure
The 2027–2028 fellowship consists of a 12-month programme combining virtual learning with a six-week in-person experience.
1. Virtual Leadership Development
Throughout the fellowship year, participants engage in a customised virtual curriculum.
The programme includes:
• One-on-one leadership coaching
• Mentorship with senior professionals and Harvard faculty
• Leadership development activities
• Speaking engagements
• Professional networking
• Independent project work
Fellows can shape their professional development activities around their individual goals and interests.
2. Six-Week In-Person Experience at Harvard
The programme includes a six-week residential experience in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during Spring 2028.
During this period, fellows participate in activities designed to strengthen their leadership and professional capabilities.
These include:
• An executive education course
• Private leadership masterclasses
• Mentorship activities
• Networking events
• Speaking opportunities
• Opportunities to engage with Harvard faculty and fellow participants
Applicants must be able to take a leave of absence or equivalent arrangement from their home institution during this period.
3. Mentorship and Leadership Coaching
The fellowship provides personalised leadership coaching and mentorship throughout the programme.
Fellows are connected with faculty members and senior mentors whose expertise aligns with their professional interests.
The programme also provides opportunities for participants to develop their professional networks and explore future collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship welcomes applicants from different continents, regions, disciplines, sectors, and gender identities.
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
Academic Qualifications
• Candidates must hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Professional Experience
• Applicants must work full-time in global health.
• Candidates must have at least 10 years of professional experience beyond their education.
• Work completed while enrolled as a university student does not count toward the required professional experience.
Leadership Experience
• Applicants must demonstrate substantial leadership experience.
• Candidates must also show potential for further leadership development.
Availability for the In-Person Programme
• Applicants must be able to take a leave of absence or equivalent arrangement from their home institution.
• Candidates must be available to reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for six weeks in April 2028.
Visa Requirements
• Applicants must be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States.
• Selected fellows must be able to participate in the required in-person experience.
The fellowship covers visa fees, housing, and flights associated with the residential component.
Previous Fellowship Participation
Applicants must not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer during the two years preceding their fellowship at Harvard.
Who Can Apply?
Although the fellowship focuses on promoting women in global health leadership, the official announcement welcomes applicants from all gender identities.
Candidates may come from different academic disciplines and professional sectors, provided they meet the global health experience and other eligibility requirements.
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What Fellows Can Gain from the Programme
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship is designed to support professional growth through practical leadership development and collaboration.
Leadership Skills
Fellows participate in coaching and executive education activities focused on strengthening their ability to lead within the global health sector.
Professional Mentorship
Participants work with Harvard faculty members and senior mentors who provide guidance aligned with their individual leadership goals.
Networking Opportunities
The programme creates opportunities to build professional relationships with global health leaders and members of the Harvard community.
Speaking and Professional Engagement
Fellows may participate in speaking events and share their knowledge and experiences with other professionals.
Independent Project Work
Participants also have opportunities to explore individual projects and professional development priorities during the fellowship year.
Application Process
Candidates can apply for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 through the official application route provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute.
Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Check the academic qualifications, professional experience requirements, leadership criteria, and residential participation conditions.
Applicants must meet the requirements before submitting their application.
Step 2: Access the Official Application
Visit the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship page and follow the application instructions.
Candidates nominate themselves by applying directly to the fellowship.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Follow the official application instructions and provide the requested application materials.
The application should be submitted through the designated fellowship application system.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure that all application materials are submitted by the published deadline.
The Harvard Global Health Institute requires all application materials to be received by 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
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Selection Process
The Harvard Global Health Institute will review applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship cohort.
The programme seeks candidates with strong professional backgrounds in global health, substantial leadership experience, and the potential to develop further as leaders.
Applicants selected for the fellowship will be notified in Spring 2027.
The fellowship will begin on 1 September 2027.
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Important Dates
The official programme timeline includes:
• Application Announcement: 5 October 2026
• Application Deadline: Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
• Selection Notifications: Spring 2027
• Fellowship Start Date: 1 September 2027
• In-Person Experience: Spring 2028 (Six Weeks)
• Fellowship End Date: 31 August 2028
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028 is:
15 November 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Candidates must submit all required application materials by the stated deadline.
Official Link
Review the official fellowship details and follow the application instructions provided on the Harvard Global Health Institute website.
View the Official Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health Page
