Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027: Apply by May 22

The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027 offers a strong chance for African women to build skills in health leadership. This program targets women with experience in public health who want to push for gender equity. Applications opened recently, with a key deadline on May 22, 2026.

Program Overview

This year-long fellowship helps early to mid-career African women grow as leaders in global health. It focuses on areas like global health policy, leadership training, knowledge sharing, and mentorship. Experts deliver the content through lectures, case studies, role plays, workshops, discussion groups, and personal reflection activities.

The program partners with top schools: the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health in Canada, Moi University School of Public Health in Kenya, and University of Cape Town School of Public Health in South Africa. They work with the Mastercard Foundation to run it. Organizers note a clear gap in women leaders for public and global health. This fellowship creates safe spaces for women to connect, learn gender-focused leadership tools, and meet role models. The goal is fairer health policies and practices.

Key Benefits

Participants gain more than just classes. The hybrid format mixes online and in-person elements. Here are the main perks:

• Training and workshops from health experts.
• One-on-one mentorship tailored to each fellow.
• Help to create and launch a personal leadership project.
• A fully funded one-week in-person training in early 2027. This covers travel, lodging, and meals.
• A financial stipend to support fellows during the program.

These elements build real skills for long-term impact in health systems.

Who Can Apply

Not everyone qualifies, but the criteria fit many dedicated professionals. Check these requirements:

• Identify as a woman.
• Have 5 to 15 years of experience in public health, at local, regional, or global levels.
• Hold a postgraduate degree or diploma in public health, health policy, health sciences, or related fields. This includes master’s or PhD levels.
• Work in public health policy, practice, teaching, or research.
• Show leadership through jobs, studies, or community work.
• Live and work in Kenya or South Africa.
• Be an African national.
• Speak English fluently.
• Take time off for the one-week in-person event in Kenya in early 2027.
• Get a valid passport for travel to Kenya.

The program picks 18 fellows for the 2026-2027 group. It prioritizes those who match the criteria well.

Application Steps

The process has two clear stages. Start simple and build from there.

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Fill out an online form to show interest. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. Submit by May 22, 2026. This quick step lets organizers see if you fit.

Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)

If your EOI stands out, you get invited to send a full application. Expect this invite soon after the EOI deadline. Full apps are due by late June or early July 2026. From these, the top 18 fellows join the cohort.

For full details and to apply, check the official program page.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Women often face barriers in health leadership roles. This program addresses that by offering tools and networks. Fellows work on projects that promote equity in health systems. Past cohorts have influenced policies in Africa and beyond. With partners from three continents, it connects local work to global ideas.

The in-person week in Kenya builds strong bonds. Mentors guide fellows through challenges like policy change or team leadership. The stipend helps cover daily needs, so women can focus on growth.

Timeline to Watch

Mark these dates:

• EOI deadline: May 22, 2026.
• Full application deadline: End of June or early July 2026.
• In-person academy: Early 2027 in Kenya.

Act fast on the EOI to stay in the running. Spaces fill based on strong matches to goals.

Frequently Asked Questions