Deadline: 01-Nov-2026
Applications are now open for the 2027–28 Harkness Fellowship, a prestigious international program that enables health policy and practice professionals to spend one year in the United States conducting comparative health policy research. Fellows receive comprehensive financial support, expert mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities to build international networks that advance health care policy and practice.
About the Harkness Fellowship
The Harkness Fellowship supports mid-career professionals and emerging leaders committed to improving health care systems and policies in their home countries. The program provides an opportunity to undertake internationally comparative research while working closely with leading U.S. experts and institutions.
During the fellowship year, participants gain first-hand insight into the U.S. health care system, explore innovative policy solutions, and develop professional relationships that foster long-term international collaboration.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides extensive financial and professional support, including:
- Monthly living stipend of USD 8,500
- Dedicated research funding
- Round-trip airfare to and from the United States
- Relocation assistance
- Health insurance coverage
- Payment of applicable U.S. federal and state withholding taxes
- Family supplement for Fellows with a partner and/or children under 18
In some cases:
- Fellows may receive salary support from their home institution
- Fellows may take paid leave instead of receiving the stipend
- Partial funding from other sources may be supplemented to ensure the full fellowship support level
Annual cost-of-living adjustments may apply to stipend amounts.
Fellowship Activities
During the fellowship, participants will:
- Conduct internationally comparative research projects
- Work under the mentorship of leading U.S. health policy experts
- Gain insight into the U.S. health care system
- Participate in leadership development programs
- Engage with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners
- Build international professional networks
- Promote knowledge exchange between countries
Research Focus
Research projects should address important issues in:
- Health care policy
- Health system performance
- Health care delivery and access
- Public health policy
- Health equity
- Health workforce development
- Quality improvement and patient outcomes
- Health system innovation
Projects should have clear relevance to both the fellow’s home country and the United States.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be health policy or health care practice professionals
- Demonstrate a commitment to improving health care policy and practice
- Be residing in an eligible participating country
- Propose an internationally comparative research project
Eligible countries include:
Why This Fellowship Matters
Health systems around the world face common challenges, including access to care, affordability, workforce shortages, and health inequalities. The Harkness Fellowship enables professionals to examine these issues from an international perspective and identify solutions that can improve health outcomes globally.
The program also strengthens international collaboration and helps develop future leaders capable of driving meaningful health policy reform.
How to Apply
- Confirm your eligibility and country participation status.
- Develop a research proposal focused on an important health policy issue.
- Demonstrate the comparative value of the proposed project.
- Prepare the required application materials and supporting documents.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
- Participate in the selection process if shortlisted.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Select a research topic with clear international relevance.
- Demonstrate potential policy impact and practical application.
- Explain how the project will benefit both the United States and your home country.
- Highlight leadership experience and professional achievements.
- Present a clear research methodology and expected outcomes.
- Show a strong commitment to advancing health care policy and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Harkness Fellowship?
It is a one-year fellowship in the United States for health policy and practice professionals conducting internationally comparative research.
How much financial support is provided?
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of USD 8,500 along with research funding, travel support, relocation assistance, health insurance, and other benefits.
Who can apply?
Eligible professionals residing in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts for one year in the United States.
What kind of research is supported?
Research related to health care policy, health systems, health equity, service delivery, and other health policy challenges with international relevance.
Are family members supported?
Yes. Additional family supplements are available for Fellows with a partner and/or dependent children under 18.
Do Fellows receive mentorship?
Yes. Fellows work closely with leading U.S. experts and institutions throughout their research project.
Conclusion
The Harkness Fellowship 2027–28 offers a unique opportunity for health policy and practice professionals to conduct high-impact research in the United States while receiving comprehensive financial support and expert mentorship. Through comparative research, leadership development, and international networking, Fellows gain the knowledge and connections needed to influence health policy and improve health systems in their home countries and beyond.
For more information, visit The Commonwealth Fund.