Harvard LEAD Fellows Program 2027/28: Fully Funded Fellowship in the USA
The Harvard LEAD Fellows Program is now open for its 2027/28 cohort, and if you work in global health in a low- or middle-income country, this is one of the most substantial fully funded fellowships you can apply for right now. The program covers return airfare, accommodation, meals, visa fees, and a living stipend for selected candidates, with no costs falling on the fellow.
The application deadline is 30 November 2026.
What Is the Harvard LEAD Fellows Program
The Harvard LEAD Fellows Program is a one-year fellowship hosted at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It is designed for senior global health professionals from low- and middle-income countries who are looking to sharpen their leadership skills and advance the impact of their work.
The fellowship runs from September 2027 to August 2028 and is structured in two phases. The Fall semester is delivered virtually, allowing fellows to participate from their home countries. In the Spring semester, fellows travel to the United States for a six-week in-residence experience at Harvard University, expected to take place in April 2028.
Who Is Eligible for the Harvard LEAD Fellows Program
This fellowship is not entry-level. It is designed for experienced professionals. To qualify, you must meet all of the following conditions:
Hold a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field
Be currently working full-time in global health
Have at least 10 years of professional experience, not counting work done as a university student
Have the full support of your employer and a champion within your organisation who will serve as a reference
Be able to take a leave of absence or equivalent from your home institution during the six-week in-residence period
Be able to reside in Boston, Massachusetts during the in-person phase
Candidates from all countries are eligible, and IELTS is not required.
Harvard LEAD Fellows Program Benefits and What It Covers
The fellowship is fully funded. Selected fellows receive the following:
Return international airfare
Accommodation for the duration of the in-person program
Meals
Living stipend
Visa fees
There are no tuition costs or participation fees charged to fellows.
Harvard LEAD Fellows Program Required Documents
Before you begin your application, gather the following documents:
An updated CV or resume
A letter of intent
Essay 1: Your plan for career development and training activities
Essay 2: A project plan
Essay 3: Your plan to provide mentoring to others
Essay 4: How the fellowship will impact your organization, your field, and your home country
A letter of institutional commitment from your employer
A letter of mentor commitment
Two additional letters of reference
The essay requirements are detailed and will take time to prepare properly. Start early and treat each essay as a separate document, not a quick response.
How to Apply for the Harvard LEAD Fellows Program 2027/28
Interested and qualified applicants should use the official fellowship website to access the application information and follow the instructions for the relevant cycle.
Step 1: Visit the Official Fellowship Website
Go to the Harvard LEAD Fellowship page:
https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/fellowships/harvard-lead-fellowship
Read the available information about the programme, eligibility criteria and application process.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that you meet the educational, professional experience and employment requirements.
Pay particular attention to the master's degree requirement, the minimum of 10 years of professional experience and the requirement to work full-time in global health.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Gather your CV, letter of intent, required essays, institutional commitment letter, mentor commitment letter and two additional reference letters.
Make sure your documents clearly explain your professional background, leadership goals and the potential impact of your participation.
Step 4: Obtain Institutional and Reference Support
Speak with your employer and proposed mentor early enough to obtain the required commitment letters. Identify suitable referees for the additional reference letters.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Follow the application instructions on the official website and submit the requested information and documents.
Step 6: Submit Before the Confirmed Deadline
Check the official website for the deadline applicable to the 2027/28 cycle. Submit your application before the stated closing date and retain any confirmation provided.
Harvard LEAD Fellows Program 2027/28 Deadline
The supplied source lists 30 November 2025 as the application deadline, but that date belongs to an earlier application notice and does not establish the deadline for the 2027/28 programme.
Applicants should check the official Harvard LEAD Fellowship page for the correct deadline before preparing or submitting an application.
Do not rely on the older date when planning an application for the upcoming cycle.