Global Health Emerging Scholars Fellowship 2027–28: NIH-Supported Research Opportunity

Application deadline: October 1, 2026

Applications are now open for the Global Health Emerging Scholars (GHES) Fellowship 2027–28, a 12-month, NIH-supported training opportunity for emerging researchers interested in addressing major global health challenges.

The fellowship combines mentored research training with international collaboration, giving selected scholars the opportunity to develop research skills while working on issues that affect population health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

For researchers building careers in global health, epidemiology, public health, medicine, implementation science, and related fields, GHES offers an opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and contribute to research with real-world relevance.

The 2027–28 fellowship year is expected to run from July 2027 to June 2028. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

About the Global Health Emerging Scholars Fellowship

The GHES Fellowship was established in 2012 and is delivered through a consortium of Yale University, Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Arizona.

The program forms part of the NIH Fogarty International Center’s Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars, also known as the Launching Future Leaders in Global Health Research Training Program (LAUNCH).

Its central goal is to prepare a new generation of researchers and health professionals who can investigate emerging health problems and translate evidence into solutions that improve population health.

Fellows can access research and mentorship opportunities across 15 countries, spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Oceania. African partner sites include institutions in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda.

The fellowship is particularly valuable because it connects academic training with research conducted in diverse health and community settings.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows can benefit from:

• 12 months of mentored global health research training
• Guidance from experienced researchers and faculty mentors
• Exposure to international and cross-cultural research environments
• Opportunities to develop advanced research and professional skills
• Collaboration with researchers and institutions across multiple countries
• Experience addressing practical population-health challenges
• Professional networking within the global health research community
• Potential opportunities to strengthen future academic and research careers

Recent fellows have worked on topics including infectious diseases, environmental health, trauma care, diabetes, health infrastructure, hygiene practices, and community health interventions.

Who Can Apply?

GHES has different eligibility pathways for U.S.-based scholars and researchers based in participating LMICs.

U.S. Postdoctoral Applicants

Applicants generally must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Complete a doctoral/professional degree by June 2027 or have received it within the previous five years
• Hold an eligible doctoral or professional degree such as PhD, MD, DVM, DrPH, PharmD, or a related qualification
• Obtain endorsement from an eligible GHES mentor
• Applicants outside Yale, Stanford, UC Berkeley, or the University of Arizona should obtain approval from the GHES Program Manager before applying

U.S. Doctoral Students

Applicants must generally:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be enrolled at Yale, Stanford, UC Berkeley, or the University of Arizona, or secure an appropriate affiliation
• Be advanced doctoral candidates or professional students who have completed at least three years of professional training

LMIC Postdoctoral Applicants

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of a World Bank-defined low- or middle-income country
• Have received an eligible doctoral degree within the previous five years
• Be affiliated with a GHES partner LMIC institution
• Obtain endorsement from an appropriate GHES mentor

Important: A master’s degree alone does not meet the LMIC postdoctoral degree requirement.

How to Apply and Key Deadline

The application process begins with carefully reviewing the official GHES eligibility requirements and identifying a research area and potential mentor that align with your interests.

Applicants from eligible institutions should prepare their research interests and establish the required institutional or mentor connections before submitting the application.

For applicants who need to confirm eligibility, GHES recommends providing a CV, brief description of research interests, and the preferred research site and faculty member to the relevant program manager.

Application deadline: October 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Application: Apply through the official Yale GHES application page.

Why You Should Apply: Practical Tips

This fellowship is more than a funding or training opportunity. It can help position researchers for long-term careers in global health by combining mentorship, research experience, international collaboration, and exposure to pressing health challenges.

Before applying, consider these strategies:

1. Study the eligibility criteria carefully. GHES has different requirements depending on your location and academic status.
2. Identify a strong research fit. Research interests should connect clearly with the expertise of potential GHES mentors and available sites.
3. Demonstrate impact. Explain how your research could contribute to better health outcomes, policy, practice, or systems.
4. Prepare early. Mentor endorsement and institutional affiliation may require communication before the final application.
5. Make your research interests specific. Avoid broad statements about wanting to “improve global health.” Explain the problem you want to investigate and why it matters.
6. Show your trajectory. Connect your previous academic, professional, or research experience with your proposed future direction.

Conclusion

The Global Health Emerging Scholars Fellowship 2027–28 offers an exciting pathway for eligible researchers seeking advanced training and mentorship in global health research.

If your academic and research interests align with the program, begin reviewing the requirements and identifying potential mentors now. 

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

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