DTH-Lab Fellowship Programme 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Young Nigerians & Africans in Digital Health

Students and early-career professionals aged 30 and below in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries — here’s a prestigious chance to contribute to the future of digital health policy and governance!

The DTH-Lab Fellowship Programme 2026 (Digital Transformations for Health Lab) is now open for applications. This selective 6-month research fellowship offers young talents the opportunity to support cutting-edge research on digital health transformations while building capacity to shape future health policy and governance.

Selected fellows will work on one of eight focused research topics, gain hands-on experience, collaborate with global experts, and strengthen their skills in digital health, AI in healthcare, and policy analysis.

Application Deadline: 12 April 2026 (23:59 CET) — Apply early as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews starting the week of 20 April 2026.

Table of Contents

1. About the DTH-Lab Fellowship Programme 2026
2. Who Can Apply? Full Eligibility Criteria
3. Research Topics (8 Fellowships Available)
4. Benefits & What You Gain
5. Important Dates
6. Step-by-Step Application Guide
7. Required Documents
8. Pro Tips to Stand Out
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
10. Conclusion & Next Steps

1. About the DTH-Lab Fellowship Programme 2026

The Digital Transformations for Health Lab (DTH-Lab) is a global initiative dedicated to shaping equitable and effective digital health systems. The 2026 Fellowship Programme aims to build the next generation of health leaders capable of influencing policy and governance around digital health transformations, including the role of AI.

Fellows will contribute directly to DTH-Lab’s ongoing research and analysis while developing critical skills in policy, research, and digital health innovation. It’s an excellent opportunity for young Nigerians passionate about technology, health systems, and public policy.

2. Who Can Apply? Full Eligibility Criteria

• Aged 30 years or under (as of the start of the fellowship)
• Currently a university student, early-career researcher, or young professional
• Based in a low- or middle-income country (Nigeria and most African countries qualify)
• Strong interest in digital health, policy, governance, or AI in healthcare
• Open to applicants from all backgrounds — diversity is encouraged

No prior extensive experience is strictly required, but passion and potential matter greatly.

3. Research Topics (8 Fellowships)

The programme is offering eight research fellowships focused on:

• National policies for young people’s digital well-being
• Mapping national digital health services for young people
• Digital citizenship for health
• AI competencies and the health workforce
• Emerging roles in an AI-enabled health workforce

(Additional topics may be available — check the official page for the full list.)

4. Benefits & What You Gain

• 6-month fellowship from 1 May to 31 October 2026
• Opportunity to contribute to real DTH-Lab research and analysis
• Hands-on experience in digital health policy and governance
• Mentorship and collaboration with global experts
• Skill development in research, policy analysis, and digital health
• Enhanced CV and professional network in global health and technology sectors
• Chance to influence future health systems and digital transformations

While specific stipend or funding details are not publicly listed, the programme is positioned as a high-impact, capacity-building opportunity with potential for travel or research support (confirm during application).

5. Important Dates

Event	Date
Applications Open	Already open
Application Deadline	12 April 2026 (23:59 CET)
Interviews for shortlisted	Week beginning 20 April 2026
Fellowship Start	1 May 2026
Fellowship End	31 October 2026

6. Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Visit the official application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf80m7F7doRDIpf8s3wke2UuDngn231d48Y20_K_4wFiMjD5g/viewform?usp=header
2. Prepare your CV/Resume (include date of birth and nationality)
3. Provide details of two referees
4. Complete the Google Form with accurate information
5. Submit before the deadline

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Due to high volume, not all applicants will receive individual responses.

For more background information, email: team@dthlab.org

7. Required Documents

• Updated Curriculum Vitae / Resume (must include date of birth and nationality)
• Contact details of two referees
• Any additional information requested in the form

All applications must be submitted in English.

8. Pro Tips to Stand Out

• Clearly show your passion for digital health, AI, or policy/governance in your responses.
• Highlight any relevant experience, academic work, or personal projects (even small ones count).
• Choose a research topic that genuinely interests you and explain why.
• Ensure your referees can speak to your potential and commitment.
• Submit early to avoid last-minute issues.
• Be authentic — the programme values diverse perspectives and fresh ideas.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the DTH-Lab Fellowship 2026 open to Nigerians?
A: Yes — Nigeria is a low/middle-income country, so Nigerians are eligible.

Q: What is the age limit?
A: 30 years or under.

Q: Is prior experience in digital health required?
A: No — strong interest and potential are key.

Q: Is the fellowship fully funded?
A: It provides a structured research opportunity with capacity-building support (specific stipend/travel details available upon shortlisting).

Q: When do interviews take place?
A: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the week of 20 April 2026.

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No — completely free to apply.

10. Conclusion & Next Steps

The DTH-Lab Fellowship Programme 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for young Nigerians and Africans to gain international-level research experience in digital health, AI, and policy — while contributing to shaping the future of health systems.

With the deadline on 12 April 2026, now is the time to prepare and submit your application.

Apply Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf80m7F7doRDIpf8s3wke2UuDngn231d48Y20_K_4wFiMjD5g/viewform?usp=header

Share this post with university students, young researchers, health tech enthusiasts, and early-career professionals in your network. Someone could gain valuable global exposure through this fellowship!

Don’t miss this chance to build your expertise in digital health. Apply today!