Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028

Applications are now open for the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027 to 2028, a fully funded leadership program for global health professionals based in low and middle income countries. It is offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The fellowship is designed for experienced professionals with a Master’s degree and at least 10 years of work experience who want to grow as leaders and mentor future women leaders in their home countries.

Applicants of all genders and from all disciplines are welcome. The program lasts 12 months, with a virtual curriculum and 6 weeks in person at Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The deadline is 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, November 15, 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Offered By: Harvard Global Health Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Degree Level: Fellowship for professionals
• Host Country: United States (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Study Mode: Virtual program plus 6 weeks in person in April 2028
• Open to: All Nationalities
• Application Deadline: 11:59 PM EST, Sunday, November 15, 2026

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Visa fees covered
• Flights to and from Cambridge, MA covered
• Housing covered
• Course fees covered
• Living stipend and daily allowance for food and transport during your stay in the USA
• One to one leadership coaching
• Mentorship from Harvard faculty
• A network of peers and mentors across Harvard University

Also Check: EIP Fellowship Programme 2027 for Master’s, PhD students & Senior professors

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply, you must meet all of these requirements:

• Hold at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Work full time in the field of global health
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience after your education (work done as a university student does not count)
• Be currently based and working in a low or middle income country, and plan to return there after the fellowship
• Have the full support of your employer and a champion in your organization who will act as a reference
• Be able to take a leave of absence for 6 weeks in April 2028
• Be eligible to obtain a J1 visa and be able to live in Cambridge, Massachusetts for 6 weeks
• Not have taken part in a full time fellowship lasting 4 months or longer in the 2 years before the fellowship begins
• Have strong leadership experience and show potential for further growth

Also Check: Fulbright Scholar Program 2027

Documents Required:

• CV or Resume
• Letter of Intent (maximum 1.5 pages), describing your professional journey in global health and how the fellowship would be transformative for your organization and your country
• Four essays (maximum 2000 characters each):
  • Essay 1: Plan for career development and training activities
  • Essay 2: Project plan
  • Essay 3: Your plan to provide mentoring
  • Essay 4: Fellowship impact on your organization, field, and home country
• Letter of Institutional Commitment from your employer, supporting your application and confirming you can take leave in April 2028
• Letter of Mentor Commitment from someone in your organization or network who champions your professional development
• Two additional reference letters, with at least one from your current or most recent workplace, and from a different person than your mentor letter writer

Also Check: Fulbright Scholar Program 2027

Program Components:

Executive Leadership Coaching

Each fellow works with an executive coach to understand their leadership style and improve their skills. This includes a leadership style assessment, a 360 degree feedback tool called the Leadership Versatility Index (LVI), and individual debrief sessions. Coaching starts in the first few months and continues after classes end to help with the return to work.

One to One Mentorship

Fellows are matched with Harvard faculty mentors who share their interests, and they are encouraged to meet monthly. Past mentors have included Dr. Ana Langer, Dr. Rifat Atun, Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, Dr. Megan Murray, Dr. Adeline Boatin, Dr. Shekhar Saxena, Dr. Margaret Kruk, and Professor Alicia Yamin.

Speaking Opportunities

Fellows can speak at global health events during and after the fellowship, as panelists, speakers, or topic experts. Some have also helped organize LEAD events.

Executive Education Course

Fellows take a core course while in Cambridge. In the past, this has been the Women and Power course at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Private Leadership Masterclasses

These are small, interactive sessions designed only for LEAD fellows. Past topics include:

• Self promotion
• Public speaking and effective communication
• Negotiation
• Crisis management and leadership
• Writing and analysis for persuasive communication
• Navigating bias and designing equitable organizations as a woman leader
• Leadership decision making
• Conflict resolution

Also Check: PhD Scholarship At Brunel University of London and China Scholarship Council

Tips for a Strong Application:

• Request your recommendation letters at least a few weeks before the deadline
• Be specific about how you will mentor women in your country
• Show clear examples of your leadership and the results you achieved
• Explain how your organization and home country will benefit when you return
• Stay within the length limits for the letter and essays

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the Harvard LEAD Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. Visa fees, flights, housing, and course fees are covered, and fellows receive a living stipend while in the USA.

Is there an application fee?

The official announcement does not mention one. Please check the official application page to confirm.

Do I need to leave my job for the whole year?

No. You only take leave for the 6 weeks in residence at Harvard in April 2028.

Can men apply?

The program welcomes all gender identities, but its focus is promoting women in global health and preparing fellows to mentor future female leaders.

Can I apply if I live in a high income country?

No. Candidates must be based and working in a low or middle income country and plan to return there after the fellowship.

Also Check: Australia Awards Fellowships Round 22 (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

1. Visit the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship page and read all the requirements carefully.
2. Check that you meet every eligibility criterion.
3. Ask your employer, mentor, and referees for their letters as early as possible.
4. Write your letter of intent and the four essays, keeping within the length limits.
5. Prepare your CV and gather all documents.
6. Submit your complete application through the official application link before the deadline.

Also Check: Stanford University Pre-doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships