This call closed on 21 October 2026. The Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection (FOR-GHP) was a 1.5-year blended-learning programme for public health and biomedical professionals who live and work in sub-Saharan Africa. It suited professionals whose employers backed them for three workshops. Applications closed on 21 October 2026 at midnight CET, and tuition was free.
At a glance
| Deadline | Closed on 21 October 2026 |
| Who can apply | Public health or biomedical professionals from and working in sub-Saharan Africa, with two years of experience and a relevant degree |
| Benefit | No tuition fees. Flights, visa fees, accommodation and meals for three workshops. Certificate and 10 ECTS points from the University of Basel |
| Format | eLearning, then workshops in Hamburg, Accra and Kampala |
| Cost to apply | No application fee mentioned on the official page |
| Official page | FOR-GHP programme page |
Who could apply
Applicants needed origin and employment in sub-Saharan Africa, at least two years of professional experience in the public health or biomedical sector (preferably with some infectious disease engagement) and a degree in public health, medicine, epidemiology, microbiology, biology or an allied health science. Advanced English was essential, shown by TOEFL Paper 550, IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent test.
Two documents depended on other people. The employer had to confirm that the applicant was released for the three workshops and would support case study work at the institution. One current reference had to write a recommendation letter that was not older than three years.
What the fellowship offered
There were no tuition fees. The fellowship budget covered economy-class flights, visa fees, accommodation and meals for the three workshops, and no daily allowances were paid. Fellows who complete the programme receive a certificate and 10 ECTS points from the University of Basel.
The German Federal Ministry of Health funds the programme through its Global Health Protection Programme. A consortium of the Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, the Robert Koch Institute and Swiss TPH runs it.
Key dates
- 21 October 2026, midnight CET: application deadline (passed).
- 1 December 2026 to 1 January 2027: seven eLearning modules, graded as part of selection.
- 12 to 17 April 2027: first workshop in Hamburg, Germany.
- 11 to 15 October 2027: second workshop in Accra, Ghana.
- 3 to 7 July 2028: third workshop in Kampala, Uganda.
How to apply
- Applicants were asked to read the official programme page and check each criterion.
- The file consisted of a motivation letter as a PDF in English, the employer endorsement, the recommendation letter and proof of English.
- Applicants opened the online application form, which the programme page links to, and submitted it with the documents until 21 October 2026, midnight CET. If the programme reopens, check the official page.
Selection has three stages. In December 2026 a steering board chooses applicants for eLearning access. In January 2027 come a test on the modules, a short essay and a one-to-one interview on Zoom in English. Final selection ends with a signed learning contract. Questions go to forghp@bnitm.de.
Advice from the Africapreneurs team
- The employer endorsement covered three workshops across 2027 and 2028 plus support for case study work, so it was the slowest document to secure and the one to raise first.
- The eLearning modules run from 1 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 and are graded, so the year-end break counts as working time for those selected.
- Managers of health staff or health organizations could pass the call to team members who met the experience rule. The case study work happens at the institution, so the employer benefits too.
FAQ
The page states that there are no tuition fees and mentions no application fee.
No. The page says no daily allowances are provided.
English. The motivation letter was a PDF in English, and interviews are held in English.
