Looking to advance your career in public health, medicine, or healthcare leadership? The World Health Organization (WHO) Fellowships Programme offers health professionals from eligible countries the opportunity to gain advanced technical knowledge, specialized training, and international experience through fully supported fellowships and study tours.
Whether you are pursuing postgraduate education, specialized technical training, or leadership development, the WHO Fellowships Programme is designed to strengthen health systems by building the skills of future health leaders.
About the WHO Fellowships Programme
The WHO Fellowships Programme aims to strengthen the health workforce across Member States by providing opportunities for technical capacity-building through:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- Short-term technical courses
- Long-term professional training
- Distance learning programmes
- International study tours
- Specialized health workforce development
The programme helps health professionals acquire knowledge and skills that may not be available in their home countries while encouraging collaboration between international health institutions and governments.
The fellowship is a partnership involving:
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- Fellows
- National Ministries of Health
- Training institutions
- Host countries
Why Apply?
Successful fellows can benefit from:
- Fully supported technical training
- International exposure
- Professional networking opportunities
- Leadership development
- Advanced public health knowledge
- Specialized medical and healthcare training
- Capacity building for national health systems
- Opportunities to study at internationally recognized universities
WHO Fellowship Areas
Training opportunities may include:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Policy
- Health Systems Strengthening
- Nursing
- Clinical Medicine
- Disease Prevention
- Health Management
- Maternal and Child Health
- Environmental Health
- Medical Research
- Digital Health
- Laboratory Sciences
- Emergency Preparedness
- Health Promotion
Four Stages of the WHO Fellowships Programme
1. Planning Stage
WHO works closely with national health authorities to identify workforce gaps and ensure fellowship opportunities align with national health priorities.
2. Selection Stage
For fellowships lasting three months or longer:
- Opportunities are advertised publicly.
- Candidates submit online applications.
- Applications are reviewed by the WHO Regional Office.
3. Operational Stage
Selected fellows begin their training.
During this stage, fellows receive programme benefits while completing academic or technical training and are expected to submit progress reports.
4. Follow-up Stage
After completing the fellowship, participants must:
- Submit a final report.
- Return to serve within their country’s national health administration.
Study Tours
WHO also organizes Study Tours, which allow groups of health professionals and scientists to visit other countries to learn about successful health programmes and best practices.
Study tours provide opportunities to:
- Observe health systems in practice
- Exchange scientific knowledge
- Build international partnerships
- Learn innovative approaches to healthcare delivery
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally should:
- Be health professionals or scientists.
- Be nominated by their national health administration.
- Be in good health.
- Meet the academic requirements for the proposed training.
- Usually be under 55 years of age.
- Commit to returning to their home country after completing the fellowship.
Specific eligibility may vary depending on the fellowship programme.
Host Institutions
WHO works with leading universities and health institutions across the Western Pacific Region.
Recent host institutions include:
Fiji
- Fiji National University
- University of Fiji
Japan
- Sapporo Medical University
New Zealand
- Massey University
- University of Otago
Papua New Guinea
- University of Papua New Guinea
Samoa
- National University of Samoa
- Pacific Islands Orthopedic Association (PIOA)
Additional accredited institutions may also host fellows depending on programme needs.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Public Health Specialists
- Medical Researchers
- Laboratory Scientists
- Health Programme Managers
- Epidemiologists
- Health Policy Professionals
- Government Health Officials
- Healthcare Educators
Benefits of Participating
The WHO Fellowships Programme helps participants:
- Develop advanced technical expertise
- Improve leadership and management skills
- Expand professional networks
- Learn from international experts
- Strengthen national healthcare systems
- Contribute to improved public health outcomes
How to Apply
For fellowship opportunities lasting three months or longer, eligible candidates must submit an online application after being nominated by their national health administration.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their interest with their Ministry of Health or the relevant government authority responsible for WHO fellowship nominations.
For more information, visit the official WHO Fellowships Programme page and consult the latest Fellowships Information Booklet.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The WHO Fellowships Programme is an outstanding opportunity for health professionals seeking advanced training while contributing to stronger healthcare systems in their home countries. Through international collaboration, technical education, and leadership development, WHO continues to invest in the next generation of healthcare leaders.
If you are passionate about improving health outcomes and advancing your professional skills, this fellowship could be the next step in your career.
