The Fellowship in Outbreak Readiness for Global Health Protection (FOR-GHP) is a 1.5-year blended-learning programme for public health and biomedical professionals who live and work in sub-Saharan Africa. It suits professionals whose employers will back them for three workshops. Applications close on 21 October 2026 at midnight CET, and tuition is free.
At a glance
| Deadline | 21 October 2026, midnight CET |
| 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 can apply
You need 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 is essential, shown by TOEFL Paper 550, IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent test.
Two documents depend on other people. Your employer must confirm that you are released for the three workshops and will support case study work at your institution. One current reference must write a recommendation letter that is not older than three years.
What you get
There are no tuition fees. The fellowship budget covers economy-class flights, visa fees, accommodation and meals for the three workshops, and no daily allowances are 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.
- 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
- Read the official programme page and check each criterion.
- Prepare a motivation letter as a PDF in English, the employer endorsement, the recommendation letter and your proof of English.
- Open the online application form, which the programme page links to, and submit it with the documents before 21 October 2026, midnight CET.
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
- Talk to your employer first. The endorsement covers three workshops across 2027 and 2028 plus support for case study work, so it is the slowest document to secure.
- Check your calendar for the eLearning window. The modules run from 1 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 and are graded, so the year-end break is working time.
- If you manage health staff or run a health organization, pass this to team members who meet the experience rule. The case study work happens at your institution, so the employer benefits too.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply?
The page states that there are no tuition fees and mentions no application fee.
Does the fellowship pay a daily allowance?
No. The page says no daily allowances are provided.
In which language must I apply?
English. The motivation letter is a PDF in English, and interviews are held in English.
