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The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), in collaboration with the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), invites applications for the 2025–26 COMPASS Fellowship Scheme. This prestigious fellowship is designed to support nationals of sub-Saharan African countries in pursuing a fully funded master’s degree by distance learning in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology, along with a policy or research-focused internship.
Key Details:
* Funding Type: Fully Funded
* Location: UK Universities
* Degree Level: Fellowship level programs
* Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
* Status: Applications are currently open
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Program Overview
The COMPASS Fellowship aims to strengthen public health capacity in Africa by providing:
1. A two-year master's program in either:
* MSc Clinical Trials by Distance Learning
* MSc Epidemiology by Distance Learning
2. A 6- to 12-month research or policy internship with a host institution in sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with LSHTM or other recognized partners.
Fellows can apply for either a full fellowship (training + internship) or a partial fellowship (either component only).
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Benefits
* Tuition Coverage: 100% tuition for MSc by Distance Learning in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology.
* Internship: Paid internship in a sub-Saharan African institution engaged in research with LSHTM.
* Mentorship: Guidance from academic or research professionals.
* Networking: Access to global public health research networks.
Internship placements will be hosted in institutions that:
* Are located in sub-Saharan Africa.
* Are involved in ongoing collaborative research with LSHTM.
* Have staff capable of mentoring fellows on-site.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the LSHTM COMPASS Fellowship 2025–26, candidates must:
1. Be a national of a sub-Saharan African country.
2. Be employed for at least 12 months by an organization based in sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Work in public health research in areas such as:
* HIV, TB, malaria
* Neglected infectious diseases
* Maternal and child health
* Emerging/re-emerging infections
* Antimicrobial resistance
* Climate change and disease incidence
4. Have employer support to pursue the fellowship, with a commitment to retain the fellow for at least two years post-fellowship.
5. Not be receiving other MSc funding, except from their employer.
6. Meet LSHTM academic entry requirements for MSc by Distance Learning.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
* A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject, or
* An appropriate professional/technical qualification with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Current MSc by DL students may apply if they:
* Are in their first year and plan to complete the full MSc, or
* Are in the final year and committed to completing their coursework.
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Who Should Apply?
The COMPASS Fellowship encourages applications from:
* Women researchers.
* Non-anglophone applicants (must meet English language requirements).
* Researchers in low-capacity African institutions.
* Candidates with a post-training placement arranged, or those open to being matched to one.
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Application Procedure
Applicants must apply through the COMPASS Fellowship portal and submit:
1. Proof of nationality (passport, national ID).
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Cover letter.
4. Letter of support from employer confirming commitment.
5. Any documents demonstrating alignment with eligibility criteria.
Note: This application is separate from the MSc program application. You must also apply directly to LSHTM’s MSc in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology by Distance Learning programs if not already enrolled.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
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Contact Information
For more details or inquiries, contact:
* Email: compass@lshtm.ac.uk [compass@lshtm.ac.uk]
Submit your application by August 15, 2025, and begin your journey as a future leader in public health.
For more information and to apply, visit the LSHTM COMPASS Fellowship page [https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/funding-scholarships/2025-26-edctp-compass-fellowship-scheme].