The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in partnership with the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), is accepting applications for the 2025–2026 COMPASS Fellowship.
This program is aimed at early-career African researchers, helping them advance in the field of public health and address critical issues related to infectious diseases across sub-Saharan Africa.
The fellowship offers a transformative experience, allowing participants to grow their expertise, design effective health solutions, and actively contribute to public health. By nurturing innovation and encouraging partnerships among professionals, the COMPASS Fellowship supports long-term health system improvements across the region.
🌍 What is the COMPASS Fellowship?
COMPASS (Creating Opportunities for Master’s Programmes in Africa: Support and Scholarships) is a prestigious initiative that helps develop research skills in sub-Saharan Africa. The program includes:
1. Academic Training
Fully-funded online Master’s degrees from LSHTM.
Available programs include:
MSc Clinical Trials (Distance Learning)
MSc Epidemiology (Distance Learning)
2. Internship Experience
A 6 or 12-month research or policy internship either at the applicant’s home institution or a partner organization working with LSHTM in sub-Saharan Africa.
Internships can be chosen from an LSHTM list or proposed by the applicant.
Applicants may apply for:
A full fellowship (includes both training and internship)
Training only
Internship only
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Full tuition coverage for the Master’s program
Financial and logistical support for internships
Academic and career mentorship by LSHTM faculty and global experts
Connection to international research networks
Flexible, remote learning opportunities
✅ Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
Live and work in sub-Saharan Africa
Have been working in the region for the last 12 months
Be involved in research areas such as:
HIV, TB, malaria
Neglected tropical diseases
Respiratory and diarrheal infections
Maternal and child health
Antimicrobial resistance
Climate-related infectious diseases
Co-infections and comorbidities
Provide proof of employer support, agreeing to retain the fellow for two years post-study
Not be receiving other MSc funding
Priority will be given to:
Women
Non-native English speakers with proof of language skills
Candidates from countries with limited access to research resources
Applicants with identified or flexible internship plans
🎓 Academic Qualifications
For new applicants:
At least a lower second-class honors degree or equivalent, OR
A professional qualification with at least 3 years of relevant work experience
For current MSc Distance Learning students:
Must be in their first year, or in their final year if they’ve completed over two years
How to Apply for the EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship 2025
Application Deadline: 15 August 2025.
