#  How to Apply 

 



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**Fellowships applications for 2026-2027 are no longer available.**

Fellowship Application Deadline: December 8, 2025

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Application Deadline: December 8, 2025

Harvard Kennedy School Application Deadline: December 1, 2025



 

## Purpose of the Fellowship

The Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Policy Leadership at Harvard University is a one-year, full-time, academic degree-granting program designed to prepare physicians to become leaders who improve the health for all, with emphasis on disadvantaged, vulnerable, and uninsured populations.

We seek applications from highly motivated individuals with great potential for leadership and for becoming change agents in health care delivery systems.

## Eligibility

- Physicians who have completed residency in the U.S., either BE/BC. Additional experience beyond residency, such as chief residency, is preferred.
- Experience or interest in advancing systems change to improve the health of all, with emphasis on disadvantaged, vulnerable, and uninsured populations.
- Strong evidence of leadership experience or potential, especially as related to community efforts, quality improvement, transformation of health care delivery systems, and/or health policy.
- Intention to pursue a career in policy, public service, and/or academia.
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency.

## Application Process Overview

**Step 1: Learn**

- [About](https://cff.hms.harvard.edu/about)
- Watch the informational webinar from Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to learn more about the fellowship and application process:
- 
- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](https://cff.hms.harvard.edu/how-apply/faq)

**Step 2: Gather Application Materials**

To apply for the Fellowship, you will need to gather the following for entry into the application form:

- Essay questions (see [sample application](https://cff.hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/CFF_files/pdf/2026-2027/CFF_Application_2026-2027_sample_final.pdf))
- Contact information for three recommenders who can attest to your leadership potential. References will include:
    - Individual from your current employer who has supervised your work
    - A minimum of one academic reference is desirable
    - Individuals who can provide your leadership potential and abilities
- [Sample Fellowship Application](https://cff.hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/CFF_files/pdf/2026-2027/CFF_Application_2026-2027_sample_final.pdf)
- [Sample Recommendation Form](https://cff.hms.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/CFF_files/pdf/2026-2027/CFF_Recommendation_Form_2026-2027_final_sample.pdf)
- [Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health MPH Instructions on SOPHAS](https://sophas.org/)
- [Harvard Kennedy School MPA Instructions](https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/masters-program-admissions/how-apply)

**Step 3: Register to Apply**

- [Complete the screening](https://cff.hms.harvard.edu/how-apply/request-application) to apply.

## Contact

Phone: 617-432-2922  
Email: [cff\_occe@hms.harvard.edu](mailto:cff_occe@hms.harvard.edu)