WHO Fellowship Programme 2026: International Health Training Opportunity for Health Workers and Scientists
The WHO Fellowship Programme 2026 offers eligible health workers and scientists an opportunity to strengthen their professional knowledge, technical skills and practical experience through specialised training and international learning opportunities. The programme supports health workforce development by helping participating countries address gaps in specialised knowledge and technical expertise.
Unlike a conventional scholarship that individuals independently apply for, WHO fellowships are generally developed in collaboration with national health authorities, WHO offices, training institutions and participating countries. Depending on the approved programme, training may take place internationally or through distance learning.
What Is the WHO Fellowship Programme?
The WHO Fellowships Programme is a professional development initiative designed to help health personnel acquire specialised knowledge and practical skills that can contribute to stronger national health systems.
Fellowship opportunities may include undergraduate or postgraduate education, short-term specialised training, long-term training programmes, study tours and distance learning. The exact type and duration of training depends on the professional development needs of the candidate and the health priorities identified by the participating country.
The programme is particularly relevant where specialised technical skills are not sufficiently available within a candidate’s home country.
Who Can Apply for the WHO Fellowship?
The programme is primarily intended for health workers and scientists from WHO Member States in the Western Pacific Region. However, eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific fellowship opportunity and the candidate’s country, profession and proposed area of training.
There is therefore no single academic qualification, age limit or nationality requirement that applies universally to every WHO fellowship.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements attached to the specific fellowship opportunity available in their country.
For study tours, candidates are generally expected to be health workers or scientists in good health and are normally nominated by their national health administrations. Study-tour candidates are typically expected to be 55 years old or younger.
What Training Does the Fellowship Provide?
Successful fellows may undertake different forms of professional and academic training.
These may include:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate education
- Short-term specialised professional training
- Long-term training programmes
- Distance learning
- International study tours
- Practical exposure to health programmes and systems
This flexible structure allows training to respond to national workforce needs while giving health professionals opportunities to develop expertise that can be applied within their home health systems.
How Does the Selection Process Work?
The WHO Fellowship Programme generally involves several stages.
Planning and Identification
WHO representatives and national health authorities identify training opportunities that correspond with national health priorities, workforce gaps and professional development requirements.
Candidate Selection
Fellowships lasting three months or longer may be advertised through the relevant WHO structures. Candidates may then be required to submit applications online, depending on the particular opportunity.
Applicants should therefore monitor official announcements and guidance from their national health authorities rather than assume that the programme is permanently open for applications.
Training
Selected fellows undertake their approved training programme. During the fellowship, participants are expected to meet the requirements of their programme and may be required to submit academic or progress reports.
Follow-Up
After completing their training, fellows may be required to submit final reports. The programme also places importance on fellows returning to and contributing to their national health systems, allowing newly acquired knowledge and expertise to benefit local healthcare services.
Where Can Fellows Study?
Depending on the approved fellowship, participants may be placed at recognised universities and training institutions in participating countries.
Institutions associated with fellowship opportunities have included Fiji National University, University of Fiji, Sapporo Medical University, Massey University, University of Otago, University of Papua New Guinea and the National University of Samoa, among others.
The availability of a particular institution depends on the candidate’s approved training programme and professional requirements.
Is the WHO Fellowship Fully Funded?
Financial support varies according to the specific fellowship arrangement. WHO information indicates that selected fellows receive applicable entitlements and have corresponding responsibilities during their training.
However, there is no single universal stipend or funding package that applies to every WHO fellowship.
Applicants should therefore check the specific fellowship announcement for information about travel, accommodation, allowances, tuition fees and other forms of financial support. Candidates should not assume that every WHO fellowship provides identical benefits.
How to Apply for the WHO Fellowship Programme 2026
Interested health workers and scientists should first determine whether a relevant fellowship opportunity is available for their country, professional background and area of expertise.
Where an opportunity is advertised, applicants should follow the official application instructions carefully. Depending on the fellowship, candidates may also need to be nominated or supported by their national health administration.
For fellowship-related enquiries concerning the Western Pacific Region, applicants can contact wprocal@who.int.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Fellowship Programme 2026 provides a valuable professional development pathway for eligible health workers and scientists seeking specialised training, academic development and international exposure.
Through postgraduate education, specialised training, distance learning and study tours, the programme aims to strengthen health workforce capacity and support the development of stronger national health systems.
Because eligibility, funding, training arrangements and application procedures vary, applicants should always verify the details of the specific fellowship opportunity with WHO and their relevant national health authorities before applying.
Important: This is not a single universally open scholarship application. Interested professionals should look for the specific WHO fellowship opportunity available to their country and professional field.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, 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.
