Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026–2027 for Women in Global Health Leadership

Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026: Overview

The Harvard Learn, Engage, Advance, Disrupt (LEAD) Fellowship is a transformational one-year leadership program offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in partnership with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The fellowship aims to equip and empower women leaders in global health, especially those from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to strengthen their leadership capacity and mentor the next generation of female leaders in the field.

Fellows gain access to world-class faculty, tailored leadership coaching, and a global professional network while engaging in reflection, professional growth, and collaborative learning.

Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold citizenship and residency in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) and plan to return there after the fellowship.

• Have a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field.

• Possess at least 10 years of professional experience in global health (excluding student work).

• Be employed full-time in the field of global health.

• Have the full support of their employer and a mentor within their organization.

• Be able to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the U.S. and reside in Boston, Massachusetts, during the in-person component.

• Be able to take a 6-week leave of absence from work in April 2027 for the on-campus experience.

• Must not have participated in any full-time fellowship of 4 months or longer during the two years prior to applying.

Benefits

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship provides:

• Full funding for all on-campus expenses, including:

  • Housing and flights to and from Cambridge, MA.

  • Course fees and daily per diem for food and transportation.

• Executive leadership coaching and mentoring by Harvard faculty.

• Access to Harvard courses and executive education programs.

• Public speaking opportunities at global health events.

• Participation in leadership workshops and masterclasses covering:

  • Negotiation and crisis management

  • Public speaking and persuasive communication

  • Leadership decision-making

  • Bias awareness and organizational equity

Fellowship Program Components

The LEAD Fellowship runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, and is divided into two main phases:

1. Virtual Phase (Fall 2026)

• Fellows engage remotely to create a personal leadership growth plan.

• Participate in executive coaching sessions and virtual mentoring.

• Prepare visa documents and academic credentials for Harvard.

• Light workload — fellows can continue their normal professional duties.

2. In-Person Phase (Spring 2027)

• A six-week intensive leadership experience at Harvard University in April 2027.

• Includes executive education courses, team-building workshops, and leadership seminars.

• Fellows take part in networking, mentoring, and public speaking engagements.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• CV/Resume

• Letter of Intent (max 1.5 pages) explaining your professional journey and how the LEAD Fellowship will benefit you, your organization, and your country.

• Four short essays (max 2000 characters each):

  1. Career Development and Training Plan

  2. Project Plan

  3. Mentoring Plan

  4. Fellowship Impact on Organization and Country

• Letter of Institutional Commitment confirming employer support and permission for the April leave.

• Letter of Mentor Commitment from a professional mentor supporting your leadership growth.

• Two additional letters of reference, one of which must come from your current or most recent supervisor.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Proven leadership experience in global health.

• Commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the field.

• Potential for impact at organizational, national, or regional levels.

• Strength and clarity of career vision and mentorship plans.

Application Process

1. Complete the online application form on the Harvard Global Health Institute’s website.

2. Prepare and upload all required documents before the deadline.

3. Ensure referees and mentors submit their letters of support.

4. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further review.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: Now

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

• Program Duration: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027

• In-Person Phase: April 2027 (6 weeks, Harvard University, USA) 

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026–2027 for Women in Global Health Leadership