Gates Foundation & Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development 2026: Paid Summer Internships for Graduate STEM Fellows
The Gates Foundation and the Hertz Foundation are offering an exceptional opportunity for outstanding graduate students through the Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development. This prestigious programme combines the academic excellence of the Hertz Fellowship with paid summer internships at the Gates Foundation, allowing future scientific leaders to apply their knowledge to some of the world’s most pressing health and development challenges.
Since the partnership was launched, 17 Hertz Fellows have benefited from this unique experience, made possible through a $5 million grant from the Gates Foundation. The programme is designed to inspire emerging scientists and engineers to use innovation, research, and technology to improve lives around the world while gaining practical experience at one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations.
About the Fellowship
The Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development expands the traditional Hertz Fellowship by providing selected fellows with the opportunity to complete two paid summer internships within the Gates Foundation’s Global Health or Global Development programmes.
These internships expose fellows to real-world challenges in global health, disease prevention, poverty reduction, agricultural development, nutrition, gender equality, and international development. Participants work alongside leading experts, researchers, and programme teams who are developing innovative solutions that improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The programme is ideal for graduate students who want to combine advanced scientific research with meaningful global impact.
Internship Structure
Successful fellows may participate in the programme for two consecutive summers.
Each internship includes:
- 11 to 12 weeks of full-time work
- Placement within the Gates Foundation’s Global Health or Global Development teams
- Hands-on experience working on high-impact global initiatives
- Collaboration with internationally recognised experts
- Opportunities to contribute to projects addressing complex global challenges
Participants must be at least 18 years old to take part in the programme.
Financial Benefits
The Gates Foundation provides comprehensive financial support throughout the internship period, allowing fellows to focus entirely on learning and professional development.
Benefits include:
- Competitive internship salary
- Corporate housing support
- Travel reimbursement
- Professional mentorship
- Exposure to world-class research and policy experts
- Networking opportunities with global leaders in science, technology, and development
These benefits ensure that fellows gain valuable professional experience without the financial burden often associated with internships.
Eligibility Criteria
The opportunity is available exclusively to in-school Hertz Fellows.
Applicants must:
- Be an active Hertz Fellow.
- Be enrolled in graduate school.
- Have at least one remaining semester of graduate study after completing their final internship.
- Meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years.
Students applying for the Hertz Fellowship who wish to participate immediately after being selected should indicate their interest during the Hertz Fellowship application process and discuss the opportunity during the finalist stage.
Selection Process
Applications are submitted through the Hertz Foundation.
The selection process includes several stages:
- Interested Hertz Fellows apply between December and March.
- The Hertz Foundation reviews and pre-screens applications.
- Selected candidates are recommended to the Gates Foundation.
- Finalists are interviewed by the Gates Foundation.
- Internship offers are typically made within four weeks of the interviews.
Successful applicants are contacted directly by the Gates Foundation.
Why Apply?
The Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development offers far more than a traditional internship. Participants gain first-hand experience applying advanced science and technology to global problems while working alongside some of the world’s leading experts in international development.
Whether your interests lie in public health, biotechnology, engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, environmental sustainability, or global policy, the programme provides a unique opportunity to see how research can be translated into solutions that improve lives around the world.
In addition to professional growth, fellows build lasting relationships with experts across multiple disciplines, preparing them for future leadership roles in academia, industry, government, and the non-profit sector.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, working to help every person lead a healthy and productive life. Its programmes focus on improving global health, reducing poverty, expanding educational opportunities, promoting gender equality, and supporting innovation through science and technology.
Through partnerships such as the Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development, the Foundation continues to invest in the next generation of scientific leaders committed to solving humanity’s greatest challenges.
Learn More
For additional information about the programme or the application process, prospective applicants can contact the Hertz Fellowship team at fellowshipinfo@hertzfoundation.org.
The Hertz Fellowship in Global Health and Development represents an outstanding opportunity for exceptional graduate students to combine academic excellence with practical experience, contribute to meaningful global initiatives, and accelerate their careers while making a lasting impact on communities around the world.
