2026 UofT Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship

Are you an African woman working in public health with a passion for gender equity? The 2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship offers a fully funded chance to build your skills and lead change.

This 12-month program targets early to mid-career professionals from Africa. It focuses on global health policy, leadership, and gender equity. Run by the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, along with partners in Kenya and South Africa, the fellowship supports women ready to make an impact.

Fellowship Overview

The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship takes place mainly in Kenya. It is open to women from African countries. Key details include full sponsorship, living and family allowances, travel costs, accommodation, and meals. No IELTS is needed. The deadline to express interest is May 22, 2026.

This hybrid program combines online training with in-person sessions. It partners with Moi University School of Public Health in Kenya and the University of Cape Town School of Public Health in South Africa. The Mastercard Foundation helps fund it.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the 2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship, meet these criteria:

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

These rules ensure the program reaches women who can apply their new skills right away.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

Participants gain more than just training. The program provides:

• Workshops and sessions led by experts.
• One-on-one mentorship.
• Help to create a personal leadership project.
• Fully funded one-week in-person academy, covering travel, lodging, and food.
• A financial stipend for living costs, family care, or lost wages.

The in-person training brings everyone together for hands-on learning. The stipend helps remove barriers so women can focus on growth.

Key Skills You Will Build

The fellowship targets four main areas:

Gender Equity and Intersectional Analysis
Learn to use a gender lens in health systems and research. This helps spot and fix inequities based on gender, race, and other factors.

Global Health Policy and Advocacy
Build skills in policy creation, communication, and pushing for change. Understand how politics and culture affect health organizations.

Leadership
Create visions that inspire teams. Foster teamwork, make decisions, and challenge gender bias at work.

Mentorship
Grow your own potential. Spot chances for change and use resources to promote equity.

These skills prepare fellows to lead in their careers and communities.

Program Timeline

The fellowship runs for 12 months with three phases. It starts with online elements and builds to the in-person week in Kenya. Exact phase details come after selection, but the full year focuses on steady progress.

Application Process

Applying for the Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship has two steps:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI)
   Fill out the short online form. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. Submit by May 22, 2026.

2. Full Application (By Invitation)
   If your EOI fits, you get invited to apply fully. From these, 18 fellows join the 2026/27 group. Full deadline is late June or early July 2026.

Visit the official page at the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health site to start. Prepare your details on experience, education, and leadership early.

Frequently Asked Questions