Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship is a one-year leadership development program designed specifically for women advancing global health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 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 emphasizes personalized growth over standardized training.
The 2027–2028 cohort runs from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028. The program combines a 12-month virtual curriculum with a six-week in-person residency in Cambridge, Massachusetts, scheduled for April 2028.
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What Fellows Receive
- One-on-one leadership coaching tailored to individual career goals
- Mentorship from Harvard faculty and senior global health leaders
- Executive education course integrated into the fellowship year
- Private leadership masterclasses led by Harvard faculty
- Speaking opportunities and networking events
- Independent project work with autonomy to shape your curriculum
- Global peer network of 26 alumni from 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America
Dr. Bethany-Rose Daubman, HGHI’s Director of Fellowships, describes the program as offering “the time and space to step back from demanding daily roles so fellows can reflect, recalibrate, and explore uncharted territories.”
Eligibility Requirements
The LEAD Fellowship welcomes self-nominated applicants from all continents, disciplines, sectors, and gender identities. Specific requirements include:
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- Education: Minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant field
- Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience in global health beyond university education (student work does not count)
- Employment: Full-time position in global health at time of application
- Leave requirement: Must secure leave of absence (or equivalent) from home institution for the six-week April 2028 residency
- Visa eligibility: Must be eligible for J-1 visa to enter the United States in April 2028
- Availability: Must reside in Cambridge, MA, for the full six-week in-person period
- Fellowship history: No full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer in the two years prior to Harvard fellowship
- Leadership: Demonstrated substantial leadership experience with clear potential for further growth
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to access Harvard’s resources without the prohibitive costs typically associated with U.S.-based programs.
Funding and Benefits
The LEAD Fellowship is fully funded. Covered expenses include:
- J-1 visa fees
- Round-trip flights to the United States
- Housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for six weeks
- Living stipend for the duration of the U.S. residency
- All program-related costs for virtual and in-person components
Fellows receive no salary replacement for their home institution leave; the living stipend covers costs during the U.S. residency only.
Application Process
Applications are submitted directly by candidates—no institutional nomination required.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: November 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
- Notification: Spring 2027
- Program start: September 1, 2027
- U.S. residency: April 2028 (six weeks)
- Program end: August 31, 2028
Application Components
The research does not specify exact document requirements. Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum vitae demonstrating 10+ years of global health experience
- Evidence of Master’s degree or higher
- Statement of purpose outlining leadership goals and how the fellowship supports them
- Confirmation of employer support for leave of absence
- Proof of J-1 visa eligibility
All materials must be submitted by the deadline through the official application portal.
Program Structure and Philosophy
Unlike traditional training programs, the LEAD Fellowship is highly customized. Fellows build their own leadership development curriculum around specific interests, goals, and growth areas. This autonomy extends to:
- Selecting mentorship pairings aligned with individual objectives
- Designing independent projects
- Choosing which executive education components to emphasize
- Shaping networking and speaking opportunities
Past fellow Dr. Preethi John (2021 cohort, Deputy Director at MBA Health at UCL Global Business School for Health in India) notes: “The cohort’s greatest learning came from sharing perspectives. Truly internalizing those lessons requires time for reflection and discussion with others to gain new insights.”
Alumni Network
Since inception, the LEAD Fellowship has trained 26 fellows from 21 countries. Alumni expertise spans research, advocacy, administration, policy, and clinical work. Fellows graduate with lasting connections to Harvard faculty and a global peer network that continues to collaborate across borders and sectors.
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, this network offers entry points into global health policy discussions, research partnerships, and leadership pipelines often inaccessible from the region.
Official scholarship page: http://globalhealth.harvard.edu/2027-2028-harvard-lead-fellowship-application-is-now-open/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
