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

Are you an African woman working in public health and ready to step into a leadership role? The 2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship offers a fully funded chance to build those skills. This 12-month program targets early to mid-career professionals from Africa who want to promote gender equity in global health.

Hosted in Kenya with partners from Canada, Kenya, and South Africa, the fellowship comes from the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Moi University School of Public Health, University of Cape Town School of Public Health, and the Mastercard Foundation. It focuses on training, mentorship, and real-world projects to help women lead change in health policy and practice.

Fellowship Overview

The Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship runs for 12 months and mixes online and in-person elements. It aims to strengthen leadership among African women in public health. Participants gain tools to tackle gender inequities in health systems.

The program includes three phases over the year. Fellows receive training from experts, one-on-one mentorship, and help to create a personal leadership project. A key part is a one-week in-person leadership academy in Kenya in early 2027. All travel, lodging, and meals for that week are covered.

This initiative addresses gaps in global health leadership, where women from Africa are often underrepresented. By building skills in policy, advocacy, and team leadership, it prepares fellows to influence health organizations at local, regional, and global levels.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements

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

• 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 a related field. This includes master’s or PhD levels.
• Work in public health policy, practice, teaching, or research.
• Show leadership through job roles, education, or community work.
• Live and work in Kenya or South Africa.
• Be a national of an African country.
• Speak English fluently.
• Commit to a one-week in-person event in Kenya in early 2027.
• Hold or obtain a valid passport for travel.

These rules ensure the program reaches women who can apply their new skills right away in their home regions. No IELTS or other language tests are needed, as long as English fluency is clear.

Benefits and Financial Support

This fellowship provides full funding and more to remove barriers for participants. Key perks include:

• Expert-led workshops and training sessions.
• Personalized mentorship from leaders in global health.
• Support to design and launch a leadership project.
• Full coverage for the one-week in-person academy: flights, hotel, and meals.
• A stipend for living costs, family support, lost wages, child care, or elder care. This helps fellows focus without financial stress.

The financial aid makes the program accessible. It covers needs so women can join fully, even with family duties. Past cohorts have praised how this support lets them commit without worry.

Key Skills and Competencies

Fellows build practical skills across four main areas:

Gender Equity and Intersectional Analysis

Learn to use gender and intersectional views in health systems and research. This means spotting how factors like race, class, and gender affect health outcomes and fixing those issues.

Global Health Policy and Advocacy

Gain skills in creating policies, communicating ideas, and advocating for change. Fellows navigate politics and culture in health groups to push for better equity.

Leadership

Develop vision-setting, team collaboration, decision-making, and support for diverse groups. Challenge gender biases in workplaces and inspire others.

Mentorship

Grow personal leadership, spot change opportunities, and use resources for equity. Mentors guide fellows to reach their potential.

These competencies prepare women to lead health projects with impact. The hybrid format fits busy schedules, blending virtual sessions with hands-on practice.

Program Phases and Duration

The 12-month fellowship divides into three phases:

1. Phase 1: Online Foundations
   Start with virtual modules on leadership basics, gender equity, and policy. Build core knowledge and connect with mentors.

2. Phase 2: In-Person Academy
   Attend the one-week event in Kenya. Focus on workshops, networking, and project planning. Full support provided.

3. Phase 3: Project Implementation
   Apply skills to a real leadership project back home. Get ongoing mentorship and feedback.

This structure ensures steady progress. Fellows end with a completed project and stronger networks.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the 2026 University of Toronto Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
   Visit the official page and fill the online EOI form. It takes 15-20 minutes. Share your background, experience, and why you fit. Deadline is May 22, 2026.

2. Wait for Invitation
   If your EOI matches criteria, you get invited to a full application. Reviewers check eligibility and potential.

3. Complete Full Application
   Submit detailed info, like CV, references, and project ideas. Only invited candidates do this. Deadline is late June or early July 2026.

4. Selection and Notification
   From full applications, 18 fellows are chosen for the 2026/27 cohort.

Apply via the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health site. Prepare documents early to avoid rush. Strong applications highlight leadership examples and commitment to gender equity.

Key Dates to Remember

• EOI Deadline: May 22, 2026
• Full Application Deadline: End of June or early July 2026 (exact date shared with invitees)
• In-Person Academy: Early 2027 in Kenya

Mark these dates. Late submissions are not accepted. Check the official site for updates.

This fellowship opens doors for African women to shape global health. With full funding and expert guidance, it equips leaders for lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions