The Fellowships Programme is a mechanism used by WHO to help national health administrators raise the level of health education among public health professionals (Fellows) through opportunities for:

• training and study in health areas that are not available in the candidate’s own country (training can be provided abroad or through distance/virtual learning);
• international exchange of scientific knowledge and transfer of technology; and
• specialist training in the candidate’s own country where suitable facilities exist.

Eligibility Criteria

• All requests of a duration of more than four weeks only falls under the Fellowships mechanism.

To be eligible for the programme, a Fellow must: 

• be engaged in medical or health work in their national health organizations, and whose applications are supported by their national health administration.
• be a national of a country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region (SEAR);
• be a government employee and should have completed at least two years of service;
• have at least 5 years of service before reaching the mandatory retirement age stipulated by their country;
• be able to speak, read, and write a language which can be used for the proposed studies.

Application and Selection of WHO Fellows

Fellows are nominated by their government.

• The fields of study for a Fellowships should align within the context of national needs and priorities.
• Candidates must apply through their home country's Ministry of Health (MOH) and obtain endorsement from the relevant Ministry or Health Authority.
• The selection committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office, carefully evaluates and selects the successful candidates.
• Selected applications are submitted to the WHO SEAR/WHO Country Office for processing and coordination of training activities.
• The Fellow is enrolled in a tailored program that aligns with the specific learning objectives of the Fellowships, ensuring a focused and enriching experience.
• Once a candidate is selected for the Fellowships, they must adhere to the rules and regulations governing the Fellowships award. They will be entitled to the benefits and provisions outlined in the WHO Fellowships programme.
• Funds for a Fellowships programme are generally provided by WHO Country Office

 Fellow’s obligation

WHO Fellows are required to:

• Maintain a conduct that upholds the dignity of their role as International Fellows and representatives of their Country.
• Fellows are required to submit a Completion of Studies Report to the WHO Regional Office within one month after the conclusion of their Fellowship.
• For Fellowships exceeding one year, Fellows must submit term and progress reports throughout the duration of their Fellowships Programme.

By signing the Fellowship application form and accepting this Fellowship, a Fellow agrees to continue in or place their services at the disposal of national health administration post-Fellowships as follows

• Fellowships of less than 6 months – 1 year of service
• Fellowships of 6 months – 2 years – 2 years of service
• Fellowships more than 2 years – 3 years of service

 Entitlement

WHO covers travel and provides a monthly stipend to cover the living costs for the duration of the fellowship.

• WHO covers travel and monthly stipend to cover the living costs for the duration of the Fellowships programme.
• Book Grant as per duration of Fellowships programme
• Fellowships Completion Allowance
• Health Insurance Premium Cost