The World Health Organization (WHO) Fellowships Programme is now accepting fellowship applications to strengthen the capacity of health professionals across the WHO Western Pacific Region. The programme provides undergraduate, postgraduate, short-term, and long-term training opportunities that equip participants with specialized knowledge and skills to improve health systems in their home countries.
The fellowship supports the development of future health leaders by offering professional training that may not be available in the participant’s country while promoting international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and excellence in public health and medical education.
About the WHO Fellowships Programme
The WHO Fellowships Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to help Member States strengthen their health workforce and improve health outcomes.
Through this programme, WHO prepares health professionals to assume leadership roles in national health services by supporting technical training through:
- Undergraduate courses.
- Postgraduate courses.
- Short-term training programmes.
- Long-term training programmes.
- Distance learning where appropriate.
- Overseas training where necessary.
The programme contributes to:
- Building technical knowledge and specialized skills.
- Strengthening national health systems.
- Promoting international scientific and medical collaboration.
- Facilitating the exchange of medical and scientific knowledge.
- Improving standards of teaching and professional health training.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows may receive:
- Specialized technical training in their chosen health field.
- Undergraduate or postgraduate educational opportunities.
- Short-term or long-term professional development.
- Overseas training where required.
- Distance learning opportunities when suitable.
- Access to international health experts and institutions.
- Professional networking with health professionals worldwide.
- Skills that contribute directly to strengthening national healthcare systems.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for health professionals from WHO Member States in the Western Pacific Region whose training aligns with national health priorities.
Fellowships are awarded to candidates whose proposed training addresses human resource gaps within their country’s health system and supports national health plans.
Types of Training Supported
The WHO Fellowships Programme supports training in various formats, including:
- Undergraduate studies.
- Postgraduate studies.
- Specialized health training.
- Technical capacity-building programmes.
- Short-term fellowships.
- Long-term fellowships.
- Overseas study.
- Distance learning programmes where appropriate.
Fellowship Selection Process
The programme follows four stages:
1. Planning Stage
WHO Representatives work with national health authorities to ensure fellowship opportunities align with national health priorities and address workforce gaps.
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2. Selection Stage
For fellowships lasting three months or longer, opportunities are advertised publicly. Interested candidates submit online applications, which are reviewed and forwarded to the WHO Regional Office for processing.
3. Placement Stage
Successful candidates are matched with suitable training institutions or programmes that meet the approved learning objectives.
4. Evaluation Stage
After completing the fellowship, participants and relevant stakeholders evaluate the training outcomes to ensure the knowledge gained contributes to national health capacity development.
Responsibilities of Fellows
A WHO Fellowship represents a shared commitment between:
- The World Health Organization.
- The selected fellow.
- National health administrations of both the sending and receiving countries.
- The host training institution.
Participants are expected to complete the approved training programme and contribute the acquired knowledge and skills to strengthen healthcare services in their home country.
Why You Should Apply
The WHO Fellowships Programme offers an exceptional opportunity to gain internationally recognized training while contributing to the future of healthcare in your country. Fellows benefit from advanced technical education, exposure to international best practices, collaboration with global health experts, and professional development that supports stronger national health systems.
Whether your goal is to advance your expertise in medicine, nursing, public health, laboratory sciences, epidemiology, health policy, or another health-related field, this programme provides valuable learning experiences that can accelerate your career and expand your impact.
Application Deadline
Application timelines vary depending on the specific fellowship opportunity and the participating Member State. Fellowships lasting three months or longer are advertised when available. Applicants should regularly monitor the official WHO Western Pacific Fellowships portal for current openings and deadlines.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official WHO Western Pacific Fellowships portal.
- Review available fellowship opportunities.
- Confirm eligibility requirements for the advertised programme.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the stated deadline for the specific fellowship opportunity.
Conclusion
The WHO Fellowships Programme is an outstanding opportunity for health professionals seeking international training, technical capacity building, and leadership development. By investing in the education and professional growth of healthcare workers, WHO continues to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes across the Western Pacific Region.
If you are eligible and passionate about advancing your expertise in the health sector, keep an eye on the official fellowship announcements and apply when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
