The World Health Summit 2026 Stipend and Fellowship Program is offering up to 15 fully funded places for global health professionals and advocates from low- and middle-income countries — or those with lived experience in global health challenges — to attend the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany from October 11 to 13, 2026. If you are actively engaged in global health and meet the eligibility criteria, this World Health Summit 2026 Stipend Fellowship Program Berlin opportunity covers everything from your flight to your hotel. Selection is rolling — apply early.
About This Program
The World Health Summit is one of the most significant global health gatherings held annually, bringing together heads of state, ministers of health, scientists, civil society leaders, and practitioners from around the world. The Stipend and Fellowship Program exists specifically to make attendance accessible to voices that matter most but are least represented — professionals and advocates from low- and middle-income countries and those with direct lived experience of the health challenges the summit addresses.
This is not a competitive grant requiring a research proposal or institutional affiliation. It is a funded attendance program that covers the real costs that typically prevent participation — international flights, accommodation, and local transport — so that you can show up, engage, network, and contribute to the global health conversation at the highest level.
Up to 15 places are available for the 2026 program. Given the limited number of fellowships and rolling selection, submitting your application early significantly improves your chances.
What the Fellowship Covers
This is a fully funded program. The following costs are covered or reimbursed for selected fellows:
- Roundtrip economy class flights to Berlin, Germany
- Four nights hotel accommodation for the duration of the summit
- Summit registration tickets for all three days — October 11, 12, and 13, 2026
- Visa application costs, passport fees, and local transport reimbursement
- An invitation to the official Kick-Off reception ahead of the summit
Fellows are expected to cover any personal expenses beyond the above, but all core participation costs are taken care of.
Key Responsibilities and Expectations
Being selected as a fellow is not a passive opportunity. The program expects active, engaged participation. As a fellow you will be expected to:
- Attend and actively participate across all three days of the World Health Summit — October 11 to 13, 2026 in Berlin
- Engage with sessions, speakers, and fellow participants in a manner that reflects the program’s goal of amplifying diverse global health voices
- Attend the Kick-Off reception as part of the official program schedule
- Represent your community, country, or area of lived experience with integrity and professionalism throughout the summit
Eligibility Requirements
Essential:
- Hold the nationality of and currently reside in a low- or middle-income country as classified by the World Bank — OR demonstrate lived experience relevant to global health challenges
- Be actively engaged in global health — through professional work, research, advocacy, community health, policy, or related practice
- Be fluent in English — the summit is conducted in English and German, with English being the primary working language for international participants
- Be eligible to apply for and obtain a short-term Schengen visa for Germany — fellows must be able to travel to Berlin for the summit dates
Important: You must both hold nationality of and currently reside in an eligible low- or middle-income country. Holding nationality alone or residing alone without the matching citizenship does not satisfy this requirement, unless you qualify under the lived experience criterion.
Skills and Profile This Program Looks For
- Active, demonstrated engagement in global health — not just academic interest but real involvement in health systems, policy, advocacy, or community health work
- A clear perspective or contribution you would bring to the summit based on your work or lived experience
- Professionalism and the maturity to represent your community within a high-level international event
- Readiness to engage across sessions, side events, and networking opportunities throughout the summit
About the World Health Summit
The World Health Summit is an annual international conference held in Berlin, Germany, recognised as one of the world’s leading forums on global health policy and innovation. Founded in 2009, the summit convenes over 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries each year — including government leaders, international organisations, academic institutions, civil society groups, and the private sector — to address the most pressing challenges in global health.
The summit operates under the patronage of the German Federal Government and the European Commission, and is hosted in partnership with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. It serves as a platform for shaping global health agendas, forging partnerships, and advancing concrete commitments on issues ranging from pandemic preparedness to universal health coverage, climate and health, and health equity.
The Stipend and Fellowship Program is a direct expression of the summit’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the voices of those most affected by global health challenges are part of the conversation at the highest level.
How to Apply
Apply directly through the official World Health Summit website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official application page using the link below
- Review the full eligibility criteria and program details on the official page before starting your application
- Complete the online application form — be specific and honest about your global health engagement, your country of residence, and what you would contribute as a fellow
- Submit your application as early as possible — selection is rolling and places are limited to 15 fellows
Apply Now – World Health Summit 2026 Stipend & Fellowship Program
Application Deadline
Rolling selection — apply as early as possible. Places are limited to 15 and may fill before any formal closing date.
Documents Required
- Completed online application via the official link above
- Be prepared to demonstrate active engagement in global health and confirm your eligibility within the application form
