How to apply for University of California Global Health Institute Program for Fellows and Scholars

About US Government, Fogarty International Center

The Fogarty International Center is part of the National Institutes of Health and funds global health research training. The University of California Global Health Institute Program for Fellows and Scholars places researchers at international sites partnered with all 10 UC campuses across 22 countries. This is a government-sponsored fellowship, not a private company, so the structure and funding differ from a standard job.

About the role

This is a 12-month mentored research fellowship for doctoral, professional, and postdoctoral researchers. Fellows conduct independent research on global health topics such as HIV, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, global surgery, cancer, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, or planetary health. Fellows spend at least 11 consecutive months at an international research site and receive mentorship from UC and international faculty.

A typical day

A typical day depends on your project and site, but you will spend most of your time at the international research site conducting independent research under a mentor. You may collect data, run analyses, meet with local and UC mentors, and complete online coursework in responsible conduct of research and clinical research design. The program does not specify a fixed daily schedule, so ask current fellows about their routines.

Who US Government, Fogarty International Center is looking for

• Enrolled in or completed a PhD, DrPH, MD, DDS, DVM, or PharmD program, or a postdoctoral position in a relevant field.
• Has a research interest in one of the listed disease or health areas, such as HIV, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, global surgery, cancer, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, or planetary health.
• Can commit to at least 11 consecutive months at an international research site in a low- or middle-income country.
• Is affiliated with a UC campus or an international site partnered with a UC campus, or is a foreign postdoctoral fellow from an affiliated international site.

Tips for this application

• Confirm your eligibility category first: US doctoral student, professional student, postdoctoral fellow, or foreign postdoctoral fellow from an affiliated international site. The program does not accept all applicant types.
• Identify a specific UC campus and an international research site among the 22 partner countries before you apply. Your application should name the site and explain why it fits your research.
• Describe your research project in one of the listed areas: HIV, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, global surgery, cancer, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, or planetary health. Do not propose a topic outside this list.
• State clearly that you can spend at least 11 consecutive months at the international site. Address any scheduling, visa, or personal constraints in your application.
• Mention your willingness to complete the week-long NIH orientation and the online courses in responsible conduct of research and clinical research design. These are required components.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your specific research question and how it fits one of the program's listed health areas.", 'The UC campus and international research site you plan to work with, and why that pairing supports your project.', 'Your confirmed ability to spend at least 11 consecutive months abroad and to participate in the NIH orientation and online courses.', "Your mentorship needs and how the program's faculty network at UC and international institutions will support your work."]

Research before applying

• Read the Fogarty International Center's page on the University of California Global Health Institute Program for Fellows and Scholars to confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and funding details.
• Review the list of UC campuses and the 22 partner countries to find sites that match your research topic.
• Look up past fellows and their projects to understand the expected scope and output of the fellowship.
• Contact the program coordinator at your intended UC campus to ask about site availability, mentorship, and application logistics.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your proposed research project: objectives, methods, and feasibility at the international site.
• Why you chose a specific UC campus and international partner site among the 22 countries.
• How you will handle the 11-month continuous stay abroad, including logistics, language, and cultural adaptation.
• Your previous research experience and how it prepares you for independent work in a low- or middle-income country.
• How you will complete the responsible conduct of research and clinical research design courses alongside your fieldwork.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Proposing a research topic outside the listed areas, such as a health issue not named in the program description.
• Applying without confirming you belong to an eligible applicant category, such as a master's student or a postdoc not affiliated with a partner site.
• Ignoring the 11-month continuous stay requirement or assuming you can split the time across multiple locations.