The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in promoting global health, addressing healthcare challenges, and advancing medical knowledge. As part of its mission to build a healthier future, WHO offers various scholarships and fellowship opportunities to equip healthcare professionals, researchers, and students with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle pressing global health issues.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the types of scholarships and fellowships offered by WHO, who can apply, and how these programs can shape your career in global health.

2025 WHO Scholarships and Grants for International Students

1. TDR Postgraduate Training Scheme

This initiative by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) focuses on students from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Scholarships are awarded for master’s degree programs in fields relevant to implementation research—a crucial area for improving health systems in resource-limited settings.

• Partner Universities: Institutions in regions like Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East participate, such as the University of Ghana and Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia.
• Coverage: Full tuition, research costs, travel, and learning materials.
• Eligibility: Candidates must secure admission to partner universities before applying for the scholarship.

2. Global Health Equity Scholars (GHES) Fellowship

Supported by the NIH, this fellowship targets doctoral and postdoctoral researchers focused on health equity. Collaborating with institutions like Yale and Stanford, it offers:

• Training opportunities in 17 countries.
• Full-time research for one year, emphasizing low-resource settings.
• Travel requirements to partner institutions in the U.S. or LMICs.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to global health research and have a strong academic background.

3. Other Health-Focused Opportunities

• Commonwealth Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, supporting master’s and Ph.D. students from Commonwealth nations.
• DAAD Scholarships: For development-related postgraduate courses in Germany.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: For doctoral students excelling in research.

These programs often emphasize research in areas like infectious diseases, healthcare policy, and sustainable development.

4. WHO Internship Programme

While not a traditional scholarship, the WHO Internship Programme provides an invaluable opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience.

• Eligibility: Students or graduates in public health, medicine, international relations, or related fields.
• Benefits:
  • Stipend for living expenses (available for some placements).
  • Direct exposure to WHO’s operations and projects.

5. Regional Scholarships and Training Opportunities

WHO collaborates with regional offices and partner institutions to offer scholarships tailored to specific needs:

• AFRO (Africa Region): Focus on healthcare systems and communicable diseases.
• SEARO (Southeast Asia Region): Capacity-building programs in public health.
• EMRO (Eastern Mediterranean Region): Training in emergency preparedness and healthcare delivery.

Why Pursue a WHO Scholarship?

WHO scholarships and fellowships are prestigious opportunities that:

• Provide funding for education and training in public health, epidemiology, medicine, and related fields.
• Support professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to address healthcare disparities.
• Connect recipients to global networks of experts, researchers, and policymakers.
• Equip participants with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

How to Apply

1. Research Opportunities: Visit the official WHO website or specific program pages to identify scholarships and fellowships relevant to your goals.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Common requirements include a CV, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
3. Submit Your Application: Follow the application guidelines and deadlines for each program. Some opportunities may require endorsement from a government or institution.
4. Stay Updated: Sign up for newsletters or alerts on WHO’s website to stay informed about new opportunities.

Tips for Success

1. Highlight Your Impact: Demonstrate how your work aligns with WHO’s mission and how the scholarship will amplify your contributions.
2. Showcase Local Relevance: Emphasize your commitment to addressing health challenges in your community or country.
3. Engage in Public Health Initiatives: Gain experience through volunteering or projects that build your credentials.
4. Seek Endorsements: Strong recommendations from mentors or supervisors can boost your application.

UNICEF does not directly offer scholarships for international students. However, it partners with various organizations and institutions to support educational initiatives, including scholarships, particularly in developing countries.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in international development or humanitarian work, you can explore scholarships offered by other organizations such as:

• The United Nations: Offers various fellowships and scholarships for individuals interested in working for the UN.
• The World Bank: Provides scholarships and grants for graduate studies in development-related fields.
• Fulbright Program: Offers scholarships for graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and professional exchanges.

How to apply for a World Bank grant?

The World Bank offers various grant programs, each with its own specific application process. Here’s a general guide on how to apply for a World Bank grant: 

1. Identify Relevant Grant Programs:

• Visit the World Bank website: Explore the website to find grant programs that align with your project or organization’s goals.
• Check eligibility criteria: Ensure that your organization or project meets the specific eligibility requirements of the grant program.

2. Prepare Your Application:

• Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as a project proposal, budget, financial statements, and organizational documents.
• Follow application guidelines: Adhere to the specific guidelines and formatting requirements outlined in the grant application.
• Write a strong proposal: Clearly articulate your project’s objectives, activities, budget, and expected impact.
• Highlight your organization’s capacity: Demonstrate your organization’s ability to implement the project successfully.

3. Submit Your Application:

• Online submission: Most World Bank grant applications are submitted online through the World Bank’s Grants Portal.
• Deadline: Pay close attention to the application deadlines and submit your application well in advance.

Additional Tips:

• Network: Connect with World Bank staff or other organizations that have received World Bank grants to gain insights into the application process.
• Seek guidance: If you have any questions, contact the relevant program officer or the World Bank’s Grants Department for clarification.
• Be patient: The grant application and review process can take time. Stay patient and follow up as needed.

Important Note:

The specific application process and requirements may vary depending on the grant program and the region where you are located. It’s crucial to carefully review the guidelines and instructions for each grant program you are interested in.

Conclusion

WHO scholarships and fellowships are gateways to becoming a global health leader. They provide not only financial support but also access to a network of experts and opportunities to work on real-world health challenges. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional, these programs can help you make a tangible impact in the field of global health.

Take the first step today by exploring the opportunities on WHO’s official website and preparing your application. The world is waiting for your contribution to a healthier tomorrow!