The World Health Summit (WHS) 2026 Stipend & Fellowship Program is designed to support participation from individuals in low- and middle-income countries, as well as those with lived experience in global health challenges.
Backed by the Wellcome Trust, the initiative aims to promote diverse voices and equitable representation at one of the world’s leading global health gatherings.
As of April 27, 2026, the program has officially closed after receiving more than 7,000 applications—highlighting the strong global demand for inclusive opportunities in health leadership and collaboration.
What the Fellowship Covers
Selected participants benefit from a comprehensive support package that enables full participation in the summit without financial barriers. The stipend includes:
- Roundtrip economy-class airfare to Berlin, Germany
- Four nights of accommodation (October 10–14, 2026), including breakfast and within walking distance of the venue
- Full registration to the World Health Summit 2026, including meals and refreshments
- Reimbursement of up to €200 for local transportation and incidental expenses
- Reimbursement of up to €200 for visa and passport-related costs
- Exclusive invitation to the WHS Kick-Off Reception on October 10, 2026
This all-inclusive structure ensures that fellows can focus on networking, learning, and contributing to global health discussions.
Eligibility Criteria
To maintain a strong focus on inclusivity and impact, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Candidates are expected to:
- Be nationals and residents of countries classified as low- or middle-income under the World Bank 2025–2026 framework, or demonstrate relevant lived experience
- Show active involvement in global health through professional work, advocacy, or community engagement
- Be fluent in English, the official language of the summit
- Qualify for a short-term Schengen visa
These criteria are designed to identify individuals who are both committed to global health and able to fully engage in the summit experience.
Application Process Overview
Applications were submitted through an official online portal and reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to limited slots—only up to 15 stipends available—early application was strongly encouraged.
A complete application included:
- Personal details, including nationality and country of residence
- A current curriculum vitae (CV)
- A motivation letter (1–2 pages) outlining interest and impact
- Supporting evidence of involvement in global health (e.g., work samples, advocacy records, or recommendations)
Successful applicants are contacted via email, while additional candidates may be placed on a waitlist in case of withdrawals.
Selection and Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on completeness and the quality of submitted materials. Given the high number of qualified candidates, the selection process may include a lottery system if applications exceed available stipends. This approach ensures fairness while maintaining regional diversity among selected fellows.
Important Considerations for Selected Fellows
Recipients of the stipend must adhere to several important conditions:
- Visa Responsibility: Participants must apply for their visas promptly. While the summit provides invitation letters and support, visa approval cannot be guaranteed.
- Reimbursement Requirements: Expenses for visas, passports, and incidentals are reimbursed only upon submission of valid receipts detailing date, purpose, and cost.
- Travel Policy: Flights are booked in economy class using the most direct and cost-effective routes. Additional expenses such as rebooking or travel insurance are not covered.
- Accommodation Rules: The program covers standard accommodation only; extra charges such as minibar use or room upgrades are excluded.
Participation Expectations
Stipend recipients attend the summit as participants, not speakers, but have full access to open sessions and networking opportunities. In addition, fellows are expected to:
- Contribute to communication efforts, including blog posts, videos, or social media content about their experience
- Collaborate with the WHS communications team for storytelling and outreach
- Complete a post-event evaluation survey to help improve future programs
These contributions help amplify the impact of the program and share insights with a wider audience.
World Health Summit 2026 Stipend & Fellowship Program: Final Thoughts
The World Health Summit 2026 Stipend & Fellowship Program reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity in global health leadership. By removing financial barriers and prioritizing diverse perspectives, the program creates meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders to engage in high-level discussions and collaborations.
Although applications for 2026 are now closed, the overwhelming response signals continued interest in such initiatives. Future applicants are encouraged to prepare early, strengthen their global health engagement, and monitor announcements for upcoming opportunities.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
