10 WHO and Global Health Funding Opportunities Every Public Health Professional Should Know About



Imagine earning a world-class education, conducting impactful research, or gaining international experience without carrying the financial burden alone.

Every year, thousands of public health students and professionals search for “WHO scholarships” hoping to find funding for their studies or careers. While the World Health Organization (WHO) does not operate a single global scholarship programme open to everyone, it collaborates with governments, universities, and international organizations that provide scholarships, fellowships, internships, and research funding.

Knowing where to look can make the difference between missing an opportunity and taking the next step in your career.

Below are ten funding opportunities every aspiring public health leader should bookmark.


1. WHO Internship Programme

The WHO Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates practical experience at WHO headquarters and regional offices. While not every internship is fully funded, it provides invaluable international exposure and professional networking opportunities.

Best for: Undergraduate and postgraduate students

Official website:
https://www.who.int/careers/internships

Pro Tip: Monitor vacancies regularly because opportunities are posted throughout the year.


2. TDR Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

The WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) supports postgraduate training for students from low- and middle-income countries pursuing implementation research.

Best for: Master’s and PhD candidates

Official website:
https://tdr.who.int


3. WHO Academy Learning Programmes

Although these are not scholarships, WHO Academy offers free, high-quality learning opportunities that strengthen your professional profile and prepare you for future funding opportunities.

Official website:
https://academy.who.int


4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

Many Erasmus Mundus programmes focus on global health, epidemiology, and public health and are fully funded for international students.

Official website:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu


5. Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the UK Government, Chevening supports outstanding future leaders pursuing master’s degrees, including public health-related programmes.

Official website:
https://www.chevening.org


6. Commonwealth Scholarships

Students from eligible Commonwealth countries can pursue fully funded postgraduate studies in public health and related fields.

Official website:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk


7. Africa CDC Fellowships

Africa CDC periodically offers fellowships and leadership programmes designed to strengthen Africa’s public health workforce.

Official website:
https://africacdc.org


8. Global Health Corps Fellowship

Global Health Corps places emerging leaders with health organizations in Africa and the United States, offering professional development and mentorship.

Official website:
https://ghcorps.org


9. Fogarty International Center Programs

Part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Fogarty supports research training and global health capacity building for scientists from low- and middle-income countries.

Official website:
https://www.fic.nih.gov


10. Wellcome Career Development Awards

Wellcome funds researchers tackling major health challenges around the world through grants and career development awards.

Official website:
https://wellcome.org


How to Improve Your Chances

Finding opportunities is only the first step. Competitive applicants usually have more than strong grades. They demonstrate curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to improving health in their communities.

You can strengthen your applications by:

  • Completing free WHO and OpenWHO courses.
  • Volunteering with health or community organizations.
  • Building a professional LinkedIn profile.
  • Participating in public health research or outreach activities.
  • Keeping your CV updated with relevant skills and achievements.

Small, consistent efforts today can make you a stronger candidate when the right opportunity appears.


Final Thoughts

There is no single “WHO scholarship” that fits every applicant, but there is an ecosystem of scholarships, fellowships, internships, and research funding supported by WHO and its global partners.

The key is to understand the landscape, prepare early, and apply strategically.

Whether you are a student planning your first postgraduate degree or a practitioner looking to expand your impact, these opportunities can help you build a career that reaches far beyond your local community.

Continue Your Public Health Journey

At NextStep Africa, our mission is to help African public health students and professionals discover opportunities, develop competitive careers, and create lasting impact.

Bookmark this article, share it with a colleague, and subscribe to stay informed about future scholarships, fellowships, internships, and career opportunities in public health.

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