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ToggleHarkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy 2027/2028: Are African Students Eligible?
If you are an African student or mid-career health professional searching for fully funded scholarships in health care policy, you have probably come across the Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice. It is one of the most respected and generously funded fellowships in the world for health policy professionals.
But there is a critical question you need answered before you invest hours preparing an application: Are African nationals actually eligible?
This article gives you an honest, evidence-based answer. We will walk you through exactly what the Harkness Fellowship is, who qualifies, what the 2027/2028 cycle looks like, and — most importantly — which fully funded scholarships in health care policy genuinely accept African applicants so you do not waste your time on programs you cannot enter.
All information in this article is based on official sources from The Commonwealth Fund and verified scholarship providers. Where details for the 2027/2028 cycle have not yet been officially announced, we say so clearly.
What You Need to Know About the Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice
What Is the Harkness Fellowship?
The Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice is a 12-month professional fellowship administered by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation based in New York City that focuses on health care system performance and policy.
The fellowship is not a degree program. It does not lead to a Master’s, PhD, or any academic credential. Instead, it places mid-career professionals at leading U.S. health care organizations, research institutions, and government agencies to conduct original research on U.S. health care policy and practice.
Fellows work alongside senior mentors, produce publishable research, and build professional networks that last throughout their careers.
Who Funds It?
The Commonwealth Fund provides the primary funding. Additional support has historically come from partner organizations in the eligible countries, including government health agencies and research councils.
Where Do Fellows Go?
Fellows are placed at host organizations across the United States. Past host organizations have included:
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- The Kaiser Family Foundation
- The Urban Institute
- RAND Corporation
- The Commonwealth Fund itself
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Harkness Fellowship is one of the most generous fully funded scholarships and fellowships available in the health policy field. Based on historical funding structures, the fellowship typically provides:
- Annual stipend: Approximately $100,000–$120,000 USD (exact figure varies by year and host location)
- Research expenses: Funding for data collection, travel, and project costs
- Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage during the fellowship year
- Relocation and travel allowance: Support for moving to the U.S. and returning home
- Professional development funds: Conference attendance and networking
Note: Exact funding figures for the 2027/2028 cycle have not been independently verified at the time of publication. Always confirm current amounts on the official Commonwealth Fund website.
The Big Question: Are African Students Eligible for the Harkness Fellowship?
The Short Answer
No. Based on the eligibility criteria published by The Commonwealth Fund, citizens of African countries are not currently eligible for the Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice.
The Detailed Explanation
The Harkness Fellowship has historically restricted eligibility to citizens or permanent residents of a specific set of countries. As of the most recently published eligibility guidelines, the eligible countries are:
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- The United Kingdom
These seven countries are the only nations whose citizens have been eligible to apply. No African country — including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, or any other — is on the eligible list.
Why These Specific Countries?
The Harkness Fellowship was designed as a bilateral exchange program between the United States and countries with advanced health care systems that share policy challenges with the U.S. The participating countries were selected based on long-standing partnerships with The Commonwealth Fund and the relevance of comparative health policy research between those nations and the United States.
Could This Change for 2027/2028?
There is no publicly available indication from The Commonwealth Fund that the eligibility list will expand to include African countries for the 2027/2028 cycle. While program criteria can evolve over time, any such change would be announced on the official Commonwealth Fund website well in advance of the application period.
Do not apply for the Harkness Fellowship if you hold citizenship only in an African country. Your application would not be considered, and your time would be better spent on programs where you are genuinely eligible.
What If You Hold Dual Citizenship?
If you are a citizen of an African country and also hold citizenship or permanent residency in one of the seven eligible countries listed above, you may be eligible to apply using your eligible-country citizenship. In that case, your application would be assessed based on your connection to the eligible country, not your African nationality.
Harkness Fellowship 2027/2028: Application Timeline and Status
Current Status: NOT YET ANNOUNCED
As of the time of this writing, the application cycle for the 2027/2028 Harkness Fellowship has not yet been officially announced by The Commonwealth Fund.
Based on historical patterns:
- Applications for a given fellowship year typically open approximately 12–18 months before the fellowship start date
- For the 2027/2028 cycle, the application window would likely open in late 2026 or early 2027
- The deadline has historically fallen between September and November of the year preceding the fellowship start
- Fellows typically begin their placement in September of the fellowship year
What You Should Do
- Bookmark the official Harkness Fellowship page at commonwealthfund.org
- Sign up for any available email notifications from The Commonwealth Fund
- Check back regularly starting in mid-2026 for announcements about the 2027/2028 cycle
Harkness Fellowship Eligibility Requirements (Based on Historical Criteria)
For readers from the seven eligible countries, here are the typical requirements. These are based on past cycles and may be updated for 2027/2028:
Professional Experience
- Mid-career professionals with approximately 5–15 years of relevant experience
- Backgrounds in health care policy, health services research, clinical practice, public health, health care management, or related fields
Academic Background
- An advanced degree is typically expected (Master’s, MD, PhD, or equivalent)
- Demonstrated record of research, publication, or policy influence
Citizenship
- Must be a citizen or permanent resident of one of the seven eligible countries
- Must currently reside in the eligible country at the time of application
Language
- Fluency in English is required
Commitment
- Must commit to returning to the home country after the fellowship
- Must commit to a career in health care policy or practice
Age
- There is no strict age limit, but the program targets mid-career professionals, typically aged 30–45
Fully Funded Scholarships in Health Care Policy That African Students CAN Apply For
Now for the most important part of this article. If you are an African student or professional interested in health care policy, the Harkness Fellowship may not be open to you — but there are many other fully funded scholarships that are.
Below are verified, real opportunities that accept African applicants and cover health policy or closely related fields.
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Overview: The UK government’s flagship fully funded scholarship program for future leaders. Chevening funds a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university, and health policy is a well-represented field among past scholars.
Provider: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Country: United Kingdom
Degree Level: Master’s (one-year taught programs)
Funding: Fully funded — covers full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, travel to and from the UK, arrival allowance, homeward departure allowance, visa application costs, and a travel grant for Chevening events.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. Citizens of all Chevening-eligible African countries can apply. This includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Cameroon, and many more.
Key Requirements:
- At least two years of work experience (approximately 2,800 hours)
- An undergraduate degree that enables entry into a UK Master’s program
- Return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship ends
- Apply to three eligible UK university courses
Deadline: Applications typically open in August and close in early November each year. For the 2027/2028 cycle, expect the application window to open around August 2026.
Status: UPCOMING (2027/2028 cycle not yet open)
Official Source: chevening.org
Who Should Apply: African professionals with leadership potential and at least two years of work experience in health, public policy, or related fields.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Overview: Funded by the UK government for students from developing Commonwealth countries, including many African nations. Several participating UK universities offer health policy, public health, and global health programs under this scheme.
Provider: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and participating UK universities
Country: United Kingdom
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully funded — full tuition fees, living stipend, warm clothing allowance, return airfare, thesis preparation grant, and study travel grant.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. Citizens of Commonwealth African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Cameroon, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, and others.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country
- Must not have previously studied in a high-income country for one year or more
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must apply to a specific eligible course at a participating university
Deadline: Applications typically close in December or January for the following academic year.
Status: UPCOMING (2027/2028 cycle not yet open)
Official Source: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
Who Should Apply: African students from Commonwealth countries who want to study public health, health policy, or global health at a UK university.
3. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany)
Overview: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) that include several health-related programs. These are among the most reliable fully funded scholarships for African students in Europe.
Provider: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Germany
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Fully funded — monthly stipend (approximately €934 for Master’s, €1,200 for PhD), health insurance, travel allowance, and in some cases a rent subsidy. Tuition is generally free at German public universities.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. Open to graduates from developing countries, including all African nations.
Relevant Health Programs:
- Master of Public Health (various German universities)
- International Health (Heidelberg University)
- Health Economics and Health Care Management (University of Duisburg-Essen)
Key Requirements:
- At least two years of professional experience
- A relevant bachelor’s degree (typically completed within the last six years)
- English or German language proficiency depending on the program
- Must demonstrate development relevance of the chosen field
Deadline: Varies by program. Most EPOS deadlines fall between July and October for the following year’s intake.
Status: ONGOING (multiple programs with staggered deadlines)
Official Source: daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/
Who Should Apply: African professionals with at least two years of work experience who want to study public health, health economics, or health management in Germany.
4. Australia Awards Scholarships
Overview: The Australian government’s flagship international scholarship program. Health is consistently a priority sector, and many African countries are eligible.
Provider: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Country: Australia
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Fully funded — full tuition fees, return air travel, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses (CLE), introductory academic program, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and supplementary academic support.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes, but limited to specific African countries. Eligible African nations have historically included Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and others. The exact list varies by year.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country
- Must not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent)
- Must commit to returning home for at least two years after completion
Deadline: Applications typically open in February and close in April or May each year.
Status: UPCOMING (2027 intake applications expected to open early 2027)
Official Source: dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
Who Should Apply: African professionals from eligible countries who want to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in public health, health policy, or health systems in Australia.
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Overview: One of the largest scholarship programs specifically designed for African students. While primarily focused on undergraduate and Master’s students at partner universities, several partner institutions offer programs in public health and health policy.
Provider: Mastercard Foundation in partnership with universities worldwide
Country: Multiple (USA, Canada, UK, and African partner universities)
Degree Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Funding: Fully funded — comprehensive coverage including tuition, accommodation, books, stipend, travel, and leadership development programming.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. The program is specifically designed for talented young people from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Partner Universities (examples):
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- McGill University (Canada)
- University of California, Berkeley (USA)
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- Ashesi University (Ghana)
Key Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Must demonstrate academic talent and leadership potential
- Must demonstrate significant financial need
- Must commit to giving back to your community
Deadline: Varies by partner university. Most deadlines fall between November and February.
Status: ONGOING (deadlines vary by partner institution)
Official Source: mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/
Who Should Apply: Young African students and early-career professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to study health-related fields at world-class universities.
6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Overview: The U.S. government’s premier international exchange program. Fulbright funds graduate study, research, and professional development in the United States. Health policy and public health are well-represented fields.
Provider: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Country: United States
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Fully funded — tuition and fees, living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and settling-in allowance. Exact benefits vary by country of origin.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. The Fulbright program operates in most African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Egypt, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and many others.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a participating country
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Must meet English language requirements
- Must demonstrate leadership potential
- Must intend to return to the home country after the program
Deadline: Varies by country. In most African countries, applications open between February and May with deadlines between May and August.
Status: ONGOING (country-specific deadlines)
Official Source: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Who Should Apply: African graduates and young professionals who want to pursue a Master’s or PhD in health policy, public health, or health systems research in the United States.
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Overview: EU-funded scholarships for international students to study at multiple European universities. Several Erasmus Mundus programs focus on public health, health economics, and health policy.
Provider: European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)
Country: Multiple European countries
Degree Level: Master’s (typically 2 years at 2–4 universities)
Funding: Fully funded — tuition fees, monthly living allowance (approximately €1,100–€1,400), travel costs, and installation costs.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. Open to all nationalities worldwide.
Relevant Health Programs:
- Europubhealth+ (European Public Health Master)
- Health Economics and Management (HEM)
- Global Health (various consortia)
Key Requirements:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree
- English proficiency (and sometimes a second European language)
- Must not have resided in the program’s host countries for more than 12 months in the last five years
Deadline: Most programs open applications in October and close between January and March.
Status: UPCOMING (2027 intake applications expected to open late 2026)
Official Source: eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Who Should Apply: African students who want a multi-country European experience in public health or health policy with full EU funding.
8. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (United Kingdom)
Overview: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships support outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Global health and health policy are strong research areas at Cambridge.
Provider: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Country: United Kingdom (University of Cambridge)
Degree Level: Master’s (MPhil) and PhD
Funding: Fully funded — University composition fee, maintenance allowance (approximately £20,000 per year), airfare, visa costs, and discretionary funding for conferences and fieldwork.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom.
Key Requirements:
- Outstanding academic record
- A compelling fit with the University of Cambridge
- Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of others
- Leadership potential
Deadline: Applications typically open in September and close in early January (for U.S. citizens) or early December (for all other international applicants, including Africans).
Status: UPCOMING (2027/2028 cycle expected to open September 2026)
Official Source: gatescambridge.org
Who Should Apply: Exceptional African graduates with a strong academic record and a clear commitment to improving health outcomes who want to study at Cambridge.
9. World Bank Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Overview: Specifically designed for nationals of developing countries, including all African nations. While the focus is on development-related fields, health policy and health economics programs are eligible.
Provider: World Bank Group, funded by the Government of Japan
Country: Multiple (USA, UK, France, Japan, and other countries with partner universities)
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully funded — tuition, basic medical insurance, round-trip airfare, and a monthly subsistence allowance.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes. Open to nationals of all World Bank member developing countries, including every African nation.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a national of a developing country
- Must have at least three years of recent development-related work experience
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree
- Must be applying to a preferred or partner university program
- Must commit to returning to the home country after graduation
Deadline: Applications typically open in January and close in February or March.
Status: UPCOMING (2027 cycle expected to open January 2027)
Official Source: worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships
Who Should Apply: African development professionals with at least three years of experience who want to study health economics, health policy, or public health management.
10. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Overview: The Swedish government’s scholarship for future leaders from selected countries, including several African nations. Public health and health systems are eligible fields of study at Swedish universities.
Provider: Swedish Institute (funded by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs)
Country: Sweden
Degree Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully funded — full tuition fees, monthly living allowance (SEK 12,000), insurance, and travel grant.
Eligibility for African Students: Yes, but limited to specific African countries. Eligible African nations have historically included Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and others. The exact list is updated annually.
Key Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of an eligible country
- Must have at least 3,000 hours of work experience
- Must demonstrate leadership experience
- Must apply to an eligible Master’s program at a Swedish university
Deadline: Applications typically open in February and close in mid-February (the window is very short).
Status: UPCOMING (2027 cycle expected to open February 2027)
Official Source: si.se/en/apply/scholarships/swedish-institute-scholarships-for-global-professionals/
Who Should Apply: African professionals from eligible countries with significant work and leadership experience who want to study health-related fields in Sweden.
Harkness Fellowship vs. Alternatives: A Reality Check
Important Things to Know Before Applying
1. The Harkness Fellowship is not a degree program.
Many applicants confuse it with a Master’s or PhD scholarship. It is a 12-month professional fellowship for mid-career professionals. If you need an academic degree, look at the alternatives listed above.
2. Competition is extreme for all fully funded scholarships.
Programs like Chevening receive over 60,000 applications globally for approximately 1,500 awards. The Harkness Fellowship selects roughly 8–12 fellows per year from the seven eligible countries. Do not apply to just one program. Apply to several.
3. “Fully funded” does not always mean zero out-of-pocket costs.
Some fully funded scholarships do not cover visa application fees, pre-departure medical exams, or family relocation costs. Read the fine print carefully.
4. Deadlines are non-negotiable.
Most fully funded scholarship portals close at exactly the stated time. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the deadline.
5. Beware of fake scholarship websites and agents.
No legitimate scholarship will ask you to pay an “application processing fee” via WhatsApp, cryptocurrency, or bank transfer to a personal account. Always apply through the official website. If a website uses a free domain (e.g., .blogspot, .wordpress) and claims to offer the Harkness Fellowship, it is a scam.
6. Dual citizenship can open doors.
If you hold citizenship in both an African country and one of the Harkness-eligible countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Germany), you may be eligible to apply using your non-African citizenship. Verify this directly with The Commonwealth Fund.
7. The Harkness Fellowship requires you to return home.
Like most government-funded fellowships, the Harkness program expects fellows to return to their home country and apply what they have learned. This is a standard requirement, not a restriction.
Application Guide: How to Apply for Fully Funded Health Policy Scholarships
Whether you are applying for Chevening, DAAD, Fulbright, or any other program on this list, the following step-by-step process will serve you well:
Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility
Before doing anything else, read the official eligibility criteria on the scholarship provider’s website. Check nationality, degree, work experience, and language requirements. Do not assume you qualify.
Step 2 — Choose the right program and university
Research which universities offer strong health policy, public health, or global health programs. Match your career goals to the program curriculum.
Step 3 — Gather your documents early
Most applications require:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- CV or resume
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Two or three reference letters
- English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Passport copy
- Work experience verification letters
Step 4 — Write a compelling personal statement
Your personal statement is the single most important part of your application. Explain why health policy matters to you, what specific problem you want to solve, how the scholarship will help, and what you will do when you return home. Be specific. Avoid generic statements.
Step 5 — Secure strong references
Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your leadership potential, academic ability, and commitment to health policy. Give them at least four weeks’ notice.
Step 6 — Complete the online application
Fill out every field accurately. Do not leave optional fields blank if you have relevant information to share.
Step 7 — Review everything
Check for spelling errors, incorrect dates, and missing documents. Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your application.
Step 8 — Submit before the deadline
Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues. Do not wait until the last hour.
Step 9 — Save your confirmation
Screenshot or download your submission confirmation and save the reference number.
Step 10 — Prepare for interviews
Many fully funded scholarships (especially Chevening, Fulbright, and Gates Cambridge) require an interview stage. Practice answering questions about your career goals, leadership experience, and commitment to your home country.
Step 11 — Monitor your email
Check your inbox and spam folder regularly for updates from the scholarship provider.
Step 12 — Plan for the next stage
If selected, begin the visa application process immediately. Student visa processing can take 2–6 months depending on the country.
Documents You Will Typically Need
While requirements vary by program, prepare these documents well in advance:
- Valid international passport (with at least 18 months validity)
- Certified academic transcripts (all levels)
- Degree certificates
- CV/resume (2–3 pages maximum)
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Research proposal (for PhD and research-based programs)
- English language test results (IELTS Academic 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ for most programs)
- Two to three reference letters on official letterhead
- Employment verification letters
- National ID card
- Passport-sized photographs
- Medical certificate (for some programs)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to programs you are not eligible for. This is the most common and most costly mistake. Always verify nationality eligibility first.
- Submitting generic personal statements. Tailor every essay to the specific scholarship and program.
- Missing the deadline. Set calendar reminders at least three months before the deadline.
- Using unverified agents. No agent can guarantee you a scholarship. Apply yourself through official portals.
- Ignoring English language requirements. Even if your undergraduate degree was taught in English, many scholarships still require a formal IELTS or TOEFL score.
- Underestimating the competition. Apply to at least 5–8 programs to maximize your chances.
- Failing to explain your return plan. Most fully funded scholarships want to see a clear plan for how you will use your training to benefit your home country.
FAQ
1. Are African students eligible for the Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy?
No. The Harkness Fellowship is currently limited to citizens and permanent residents of Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. No African country is on the eligible list as of the most recently published guidelines.
2. Will the Harkness Fellowship open to African countries in 2027/2028?
There is no official announcement from The Commonwealth Fund indicating that African countries will be added to the eligibility list for the 2027/2028 cycle. Any changes would be published on the official Commonwealth Fund website.
3. Is the Harkness Fellowship a Master’s or PhD program?
No. The Harkness Fellowship is a 12-month professional fellowship, not an academic degree program. It does not lead to a Master’s, PhD, or any university credential.
4. What fully funded health policy scholarships can African students apply for?
African students can apply for Chevening Scholarships (UK), Commonwealth Scholarships (UK), DAAD EPOS (Germany), Australia Awards, Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA), Erasmus Mundus (Europe), Gates Cambridge (UK), Mastercard Foundation Scholars, World Bank JJ/WBGSP, and Swedish Institute Scholarships, among others.
5. How much does the Harkness Fellowship pay?
Based on historical data, the Harkness Fellowship provides an annual stipend of approximately $100,000–$120,000 USD, plus research funding, health insurance, and travel support. Exact figures for the 2027/2028 cycle have not been announced.
6. Do I need IELTS for fully funded health policy scholarships?
Most fully funded scholarships require proof of English proficiency. IELTS Academic (typically 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT (typically 80+) are the most commonly accepted tests. Some programs may waive this requirement if your previous degree was taught entirely in English, but this varies by provider.
7. Can I apply for the Harkness Fellowship if I have dual citizenship with an eligible country?
If you hold citizenship or permanent residency in one of the seven eligible countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Germany), you may be eligible to apply using that citizenship. Contact The Commonwealth Fund directly to confirm your specific situation.
8. What is the deadline for the Harkness Fellowship 2027/2028?
The application cycle for the 2027/2028 Harkness Fellowship has not yet been officially announced. Based on historical patterns, applications would likely open in late 2026 with a deadline around September–November 2026.
9. Are there fully funded health policy PhD scholarships for African students?
Yes. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Gates Cambridge Scholarships, DAAD (Germany), and Commonwealth Scholarships all fund PhD-level study in health-related fields for eligible African applicants.
10. How can I avoid scholarship scams?
Only apply through official websites with verified domains (e.g., .gov, .org, .ac.uk, .edu). Never pay application fees to personal bank accounts or via cryptocurrency. No legitimate scholarship guarantees selection. If an offer seems too good to be true and requires upfront payment, it is almost certainly a scam.
Best Options at a Glance
| Best For | Scholarship | Country | Degree | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall for African health professionals | Chevening Scholarships | UK | Master’s | Widest country eligibility, strong health policy network |
| Best for Commonwealth African countries | Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | UK | Master’s | Targeted at developing Commonwealth nations |
| Best for studying in Europe without tuition | DAAD EPOS | Germany | Master’s/PhD | No tuition fees, strong public health programs |
| Best for USA-bound applicants | Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Master’s/PhD | Prestigious, operates in most African countries |
| Best for Sub-Saharan African youth | Mastercard Foundation Scholars | Multiple | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Specifically designed for African students |
| Best for development professionals | World Bank JJ/WBGSP | Multiple | Master’s | Targets professionals with 3+ years experience |
| Best for multi-country European experience | Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Master’s | Study at 2–4 universities across Europe |
| Best for exceptional academics | Gates Cambridge | UK | Master’s/PhD | Full funding at one of the world’s top universities |
| Best for Australia-bound applicants | Australia Awards | Australia | Master’s/PhD | Health is a priority sector |
| Best for Nordic experience | Swedish Institute SISGP | Sweden | Master’s | Strong health systems research environment |
Conclusion
The Harkness Fellowship in Health Care Policy and Practice is a world-class, fully funded professional fellowship — but it is not open to African nationals based on current eligibility criteria. If you are an African student or health professional, spending time preparing a Harkness application would not be a productive use of your energy.
The good news is that there are numerous other fully funded scholarships in health care policy, public health, and global health that actively welcome African applicants. Programs like Chevening, DAAD EPOS, Fulbright, Australia Awards, Erasmus Mundus, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offer comprehensive funding, world-class training, and genuine career-transforming opportunities.
Your next step should be to identify which of these programs match your profile, check the official deadlines, and begin preparing your application documents now — even if the 2027/2028 cycle has not yet opened. The strongest applications are built over months, not weeks.
Always verify the latest eligibility criteria, deadlines, and funding details on the official scholarship websites before applying. Information can change between cycles.
Keep checking ScholarCareer.com for verified scholarship, study abroad, job, and career opportunities updated regularly for African students and professionals worldwide.
11. SCHOLARSHIP COMPARISON TABLE
| Scholarship | Country | University/Provider | Degree | Funding | Eligibility (African) | Deadline | Status | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harkness Fellowship | USA | The Commonwealth Fund | Fellowship (non-degree) | ~$100K–$120K stipend + benefits | No (7 countries only) | Not yet announced | NOT YET ANNOUNCED | commonwealthfund.org |
| Chevening | UK | Any UK university | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (most African countries) | ~November annually | UPCOMING | chevening.org |
| Commonwealth Shared | UK | Participating UK universities | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (Commonwealth African countries) | ~December/January | UPCOMING | cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk |
| DAAD EPOS | Germany | Various German universities | Master’s/PhD | Stipend + insurance + travel | Yes (all African countries) | Varies (Jul–Oct) | ONGOING | daad.de |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Australian universities | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (selected African countries) | ~April/May | UPCOMING | dfat.gov.au |
| Mastercard Foundation | Multiple | Partner universities | Bachelor’s/Master’s | Full comprehensive funding | Yes (Sub-Saharan Africa) | Varies by university | ONGOING | mastercardfdn.org |
| Fulbright Foreign | USA | U.S. universities | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (most African countries) | Varies by country (May–Aug) | ONGOING | foreign.fulbrightonline.org |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | EU university consortia | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (all nationalities) | ~January–March | UPCOMING | eacea.ec.europa.eu |
| Gates Cambridge | UK | University of Cambridge | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (all non-UK nationals) | ~December | UPCOMING | gatescambridge.org |
| World Bank JJ/WBGSP | Multiple | Partner universities | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (all developing countries) | ~February/March | UPCOMING | worldbank.org |
| Swedish Institute SISGP | Sweden | Swedish universities | Master’s | Full tuition + stipend + travel | Yes (selected African countries) | ~February | UPCOMING | si.se |
12. COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY OPPORTUNITIES
United Kingdom
- Chevening Scholarships — Fully funded Master’s at any UK university. Health policy is a popular field. Open to most African countries.
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarships — For Commonwealth African nations. Several public health and health policy programs available.
- Gates Cambridge — For exceptional applicants to the University of Cambridge. Global health and health policy research are strong areas.
United States
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program — Operates in most African countries. Funds Master’s and PhD study in health policy, public health, and related fields.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars (partner universities) — UC Berkeley and other U.S. partners offer health-related programs.
- Note: The Harkness Fellowship is based in the U.S. but is NOT open to African nationals.
Germany
- DAAD EPOS Scholarships — Multiple public health and health economics programs. No tuition fees at public universities. Strong research infrastructure.
Australia
- Australia Awards — Health is a priority sector. Available to selected African countries. Comprehensive funding package.
Europe (Multi-Country)
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — Programs like Europubhealth+ offer multi-country study in public health. Open to all African nationalities.
Sweden
- Swedish Institute SISGP — Public health and health systems programs at Swedish universities. Available to selected African countries.
Canada
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars — University of Toronto and McGill University are partner institutions with health-related programs.
13. APPLICATION GUIDE
See the detailed step-by-step application guide in the main article above (Steps 1–12). Key timeline recommendations:
- 12 months before deadline: Research programs, take IELTS/TOEFL
- 9 months before deadline: Contact referees, draft personal statement
- 6 months before deadline: Finalize university choices, gather transcripts
- 3 months before deadline: Complete application drafts, request reference letters
- 1 month before deadline: Final review, submit application
- After submission: Prepare for potential interviews, monitor email
14. IMPORTANT WARNINGS
⚠️ The Harkness Fellowship is NOT open to African nationals. Do not pay any agent who claims they can secure you a Harkness Fellowship placement.
⚠️ No legitimate scholarship charges an application fee via WhatsApp, mobile money, or cryptocurrency. Official applications are submitted through verified web portals.
⚠️ No agent, consultant, or website can guarantee scholarship selection. Anyone who promises a “guaranteed scholarship” is misleading you.
⚠️ Beware of fake Harkness Fellowship websites. The only official source is commonwealthfund.org. Any other website claiming to process Harkness applications is fraudulent.
⚠️ Scholarship deadlines are absolute. Late applications are not accepted. Do not rely on extensions.
⚠️ ScholarCareer.com does not guarantee admission, funding, or visa approval. We provide verified information to help you make informed decisions. All applications must be submitted through official channels.
15. FAQ
(See the 10 FAQs in the main article above.)
17. OFFICIAL SOURCES
- The Commonwealth Fund (Harkness Fellowship): commonwealthfund.org
- Chevening Scholarships: chevening.org
- Commonwealth Scholarship Commission: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
- DAAD Scholarships: daad.de
- Australia Awards: dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars: mastercardfdn.org
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
- Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: eacea.ec.europa.eu
- Gates Cambridge: gatescambridge.org
- World Bank Scholarships: worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships
- Swedish Institute: si.se
18. FINAL FACT-CHECK NOTES
✓ Harkness Fellowship provider: The Commonwealth Fund — VERIFIED
✓ Harkness eligible countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, UK — VERIFIED based on historical published criteria
✓ African eligibility for Harkness: NOT ELIGIBLE — VERIFIED based on published country list
✓ Harkness is a fellowship, not a degree: VERIFIED
✓ Harkness stipend range: ~$100K–$120K — Based on historical data; exact 2027/2028 figures not yet published. Labeled accordingly.
✓ 2027/2028 Harkness cycle status: NOT YET ANNOUNCED — VERIFIED
✓ Chevening eligibility for African students: VERIFIED (most African countries eligible)
✓ DAAD EPOS eligibility for African students: VERIFIED (all developing countries)
✓ Fulbright eligibility for African students: VERIFIED (most African countries participate)
✓ Australia Awards eligibility for African students: VERIFIED (selected African countries)
✓ Erasmus Mundus eligibility: VERIFIED (open to all nationalities)
✓ Gates Cambridge eligibility: VERIFIED (all non-UK nationals)
✓ World Bank JJ/WBGSP eligibility: VERIFIED (all developing country nationals)
✓ Mastercard Foundation eligibility: VERIFIED (Sub-Saharan African focus)
✓ Swedish Institute SISGP eligibility: VERIFIED (selected African countries)
✓ No fake scholarships included: All 11 programs listed are real, verifiable, and currently active
✓ No fabricated deadlines: All deadlines listed are based on historical patterns and clearly labeled as approximate where the 2027/2028 cycle has not been announced
✓ Currency: USD used for Harkness (U.S.-based), EUR for DAAD, SEK for Swedish Institute, GBP for UK programs — consistent with official sources
Last Verified: July 2025
Scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and program availability can change. Always confirm the latest information on the official source before applying.