2026 cohort
Apply to the HEAL Fellowship
The HEAL Fellowship brings together undergraduate students around the world who are committed to advancing health equity. Begun as a flagship program of Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN), it has grown into the leading program of HEAL Society. From this cohort, every Fellow brings a health project of their own and leads it through the Fellowship term, supported by mentorship, monthly courses and a community of peers. Fellows present their projects at HEAL Nexus, where the strongest are selected to scale.
What's new this cohort
The HEAL Fellowship has always developed leaders who build and strengthen HEAL Societies on their campuses. From the 2026 cohort, it goes further: every Fellow joins one of five health tracks with a project of their own, leads it through the year, and presents it at HEAL Nexus. The Fellowship is also now open to undergraduates worldwide.
At a glance
- Who can apply
- Undergraduate students at any university, polytechnic or college worldwide, from first year to final year.
- Your project
- Every Fellow leads a health project of their own in one of five tracks. Group applications are not accepted.
- Confirmatory phase
- The first 3 months, before Fellows are formally recognised.
- HEAL Nexus
- An online round, followed by a physical event in Nigeria.
- Cost
- Free to apply. Fellows cover their own travel to the physical HEAL Nexus, and travel grants may be available depending on funding.
Five tracks
Choose one track when you apply, based on the main health issue your project addresses.
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Mental health
Projects on mental wellbeing, stigma and access to care.
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Infectious diseases
Projects on the prevention, testing and treatment of diseases such as malaria, HIV and tuberculosis.
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Climate and environmental health
Projects on how climate, air, water and sanitation shape the health of communities.
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Non-communicable diseases
Projects on conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
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Maternal and child health
Projects on maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health.
What we expect
We are telling you our standards now so you can decide whether this is right for you.
Selected applicants begin with a 3-month confirmatory phase before being formally recognised as HEAL Fellows. Throughout the Fellowship you are expected to:
- Attend the monthly course and complete its task
- Join the quarterly Fellows hangout
- Attend the annual convening of HEAL Societies
- Take part in the HEAL Nexus online round and attend the physical event in person
- Submit project updates at each milestone and a final project report
Your progress is recorded on a personal scoresheet that you can view at any time. Attendance is logged with your HEAL Society member ID or a check-in code. Fellows who become inactive will receive warnings, and fellowship status will be withdrawn if participation does not improve.
Meet our Fellows
Past HEAL Fellows have led HEAL Societies on their campuses, run health campaigns and contributed to HEAL Society's research and advocacy work.
HEAL Nexus
HEAL Nexus is where Fellows present the projects they have led through the Fellowship. It runs in two parts, and every Fellow takes part in both.
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The online round
Fellows present their projects online, ahead of the physical event.
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The physical event in Nigeria
Fellows present in person, projects are judged, and the strongest are selected to scale. The host city will be announced.
Fellows cover their own travel and accommodation. A limited number of travel grants may be awarded depending on available funding. Grants are not guaranteed, so please plan to fund your own attendance.
Questions
Is the Fellowship open outside Nigeria?
Yes. From the 2026 cohort, undergraduate students at any university, polytechnic or college in the world can apply.
Can postgraduate students apply?
No. The HEAL Fellowship is for undergraduate students only, from first year to final year.
I was a HEAL Fellow before. Can I apply again?
Yes. Past Fellows may reapply with a new project.
Do I have to attend HEAL Nexus in person?
Yes. All Fellows are expected to take part in both the online round and the physical event in Nigeria. Fellows cover their own travel and accommodation. A limited number of travel grants may be awarded depending on available funding. Grants are not guaranteed, so please plan to fund your own attendance.
Which track should I choose?
Choose the track that matches the main health issue your project addresses. If your project touches more than one area, pick the one closest to the problem you are trying to solve.
Can I apply with a team?
No. Every Fellow leads a project of their own.
Something not answered here? Write to healfellowship@srhin.org.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open
The application asks about you, your leadership and the health project you will lead through the Fellowship.
Start your application