2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship: Fully Funded for African Women

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. This 12-month program targets early to mid-career professionals ready to lead change in global health.

Fellowship Overview

The University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health leads this fellowship. 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 also supports it. The program runs in Kenya and focuses on training African women. It mixes online learning with hands-on workshops. Applications opened recently, with a key deadline on May 22, 2026.

This hybrid setup helps women balance work and growth. Fellows gain tools to tackle gender gaps in health systems. The program lasts one year and includes three phases of training.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements

Not everyone qualifies, but if you meet these points, you have a strong shot. You must identify as a woman and hold African nationality. Live and work in Kenya or South Africa. Have 5 to 15 years of experience in public health at local, regional, or global levels.

A post-graduate degree or diploma helps. Fields include public health, health policy, health sciences, or related areas. Your job should involve public health policy, practice, teaching, or research. Show leadership through work, school, or community efforts.

Other needs include English fluency. Plan to take a week off in early 2027 for in-person training in Kenya. Get a valid passport for travel. No IELTS test required.

Key Benefits and Support

This fellowship covers a lot to let you focus on learning. Expect full sponsorship for the one-week in-person academy. That includes travel, lodging, and meals. A stipend helps with living costs, family care, or lost wages.

You get expert-led training and workshops. Personalized mentors guide your growth. Design your own leadership project with their help. Build skills in gender equity, policy advocacy, and team leadership.

The program teaches intersectional analysis for health systems. Learn to push policies and challenge inequities. Mentorship helps you spot chances for change in your workplace.

Program Structure

The 12-month journey has three phases. Start with online modules on global health policy and leadership. Move to project work with mentor support. End with the in-person week in Kenya for real-world practice.

Fellows develop core skills. These cover gender equity lenses, policy communication, vision-setting, and collaboration. You learn to empower teams and use resources for equity. Only 18 spots open for the 2026/27 group.

How to Apply Step by Step

Applying takes two steps. First, submit an Expression of Interest online. It takes 15 to 20 minutes. Use the form on the official site. Deadline for this is May 22, 2026.

If selected, you get an invite for the full application. Submit by late June or early July 2026. Top candidates become the 18 fellows.

Visit the application page at https://www.dlsph.utoronto.ca/womeninglobalhealth/ to start. Act fast before the deadline passes.

Frequently Asked Questions