Global health fellowships are prestigious, career-boosting opportunities for professionals with a Master of Public Health (MPH), nursing degree, or related health qualification. These programs provide structured training, research experience, leadership development, and hands-on work in public health systems often with stipends, mentorship, and networking benefits.
Whether you want to strengthen disease surveillance skills, lead health policy initiatives, or contribute to international health systems, fellowships are a powerful stepping-stone toward global health careers at WHO, CDC, UNICEF, NGOs, and intergovernmental agencies.
This 2026 guide highlights top fellowships — from leadership and research programs to remote and paid placements — with eligibility, benefits, and application links.
Why Global Health Fellowships Matter (2026)
- Fellows gain real-world global health experience in public health, epidemiology, policy, and program implementation.
- Many fellowships open doors to international NGOs, UN agencies, government roles, and academic careers.
- They help MPH & nursing graduates build leadership skills and global networks essential for competitive jobs.
- Fellowships often include stipends, travel support, and professional training.
Top Global Health Fellowship Opportunities in 2026
1 Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership (Africa-CDC)
Who Should Apply: Experienced public health professionals (often MPH or related) aiming for leadership in health systems and policy.
Benefits: Fully funded with travel, allowances, insurance, and digital tools.
Focus Areas: Sexual & reproductive health, public mental health, health governance, and strategic leadership.
👉 Apply here: (application open; deadline 30 Jan 2026) (opportunityforafrica.org)
Why It’s Great: Africa-CDC’s fellowship equips candidates with strategic skills for senior roles in public health institutions and governments.
2 Riegelman GNAPH Global Public Health Fellowship (Remote)
Who Should Apply: Early-career global health professionals (MPH within last 5 years).
Format & Benefits: Fully remote, paid part-time (approx. one day/week), with a global leadership and coordination focus.
Activities: Support GNAPH’s global action plan, coordinate projects, and engage with public health networks.
👉 Apply here: (Opportunities for Youth)
Why It’s Great: A flexible fellowship – ideal for early-career MPH holders who want global exposure without relocating.
3 CDC Public Health Fellowship Programs (USA)
Who Should Apply: MPH graduates and related disciplines with interest in applied epidemiology, informatics, evaluation, and workforce development.
Opportunities Include:
- Applied Epidemiology Fellowship – 2-year on-the-job training in applied public health practice.
- Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) – early-career two-year placement in U.S. local/state health agencies.
- Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program (PHIFP) – 2-year fellowship in informatics and emergency response.
👉 Explore CDC Fellowship Listings: Programs vary in duration, focus, and host site options — details available on the official portal. (Centre for Disease Control)
Why It’s Great: CDC fellowships are among the most recognized global health training programs, blending research, surveillance, and practical public health skills.
4 Global Health Fellows (Cambridge Global Health Partnerships)
Who Should Apply: Nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, and doctors with clinical experience.
Structure: Short-term fellowship embeds fellows in cross-cultural health projects (e.g., clinical education, workforce exchange).
👉 Learn about CGHP Fellowships: Profiles and highlights of current fellows are available through Cambridge’s platform. (Cambridge Global Health Partnerships)
Why It’s Great: Offers peer-to-peer learning, clinical exchange, and exposure to multidisciplinary global health environments.
5 NHS Global Fellowships (UK)
Who Should Apply: Healthcare professionals including nursing graduates interested in global health systems.
Program Features: Includes virtual or in-country clinical and quality improvement fellowships.
👉 Apply & Info: NHS England Global Fellowships recruitment portal (virtual cohort and clinical placements). (Global Health Partnerships)
Why It’s Great: Combines professional development with international healthcare systems strengthening.
6 HER-HEALTH Research Fellowship (Remote, Women-Focused)
Who Should Apply: Women aged 18–30 in health, public policy, or health sciences fields (including nursing and MPH).
Benefits: Leadership development, research training, expert-led workshops, and mentorship.
👉 Apply here: Edfrica HER-HEALTH Fellowship (deadline 10 Jan 2026) (Edfrica.org – Edfrica.org)
Why It’s Great: Focuses on empowering women in health research and leadership — ideal for early-career professionals building research portfolios.
Remote Healthcare Jobs: Telemedicine Careers for Africans (Full Guide)
What Fellows Do
Global health fellows may:
- Conduct public health research and data analysis.
- Help shape global health policies and program strategies.
- Coordinate multi-stakeholder health initiatives.
- Support epidemics response and health systems strengthening.
- Produce academic or policy reports and publications.
Eligibility & Requirements
While exact criteria vary by program, common requirements include:
✔️ MPH or equivalent healthcare/public health degree
✔️ Relevant professional or clinical experience (varies)
✔️ Strong communication and analytical skills
✔️ English proficiency (many programs)
✔️ Demonstrated commitment to global health goals
Benefits of Global Health Fellowships
🌍 International experience with NGOs, UN agencies, or national health institutions
📚 Mentorship from experienced public health leaders
💼 Competitive stipends or paid placements (remote or in-person)
🤝 Strong global professional networks
🎓 Enhanced CV for future NGO, WHO, UNICEF, or government careers
Apply to Global Health Fellowships (2026)
🔹 Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership — (Africa-CDC) (opportunityforafrica.org)
🔹 Riegelman GNAPH Fellowship — (Remote Global Health) (Opportunities for Youth)
🔹 CDC Fellowship Opportunities — (Applied Epidemiology, PHAP, PHIFP) (CDC)
🔹 Cambridge Global Health Fellowships — (Clinical & educational exchanges) (Cambridge Global Health Partnerships)
🔹 NHS Global Fellowship Programme — (UK & international) (Global Health Partnerships)
🔹 HER-HEALTH Research Fellowship — (Remote women-focused) (Edfrica.org – Edfrica.org)
Call to Action
Are you an MPH or nursing graduate ready to make a global impact in 2026? Explore these fellowships today:
👉 Start Your Fellowship Journey — apply through the links above and prepare your CV, statement of purpose, and professional letters of recommendation.
💡 Pro Tip: Tailor your application to highlight leadership, cross-cultural experience, and specific public health accomplishments to stand out in competitive global fellowship pools.
