Pursuing a master’s degree in public health can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities to make a significant impact on global health outcomes. However, the financial burden often presents a major hurdle for many aspiring students, especially those from international backgrounds. Scholarships for masters in public health programs in the USA provide a lifeline, enabling talented individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals without the weight of excessive financial strain.
For international students eyeing a career in public health, the USA offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities. From MPH scholarships to public health grants, these financial aid options cater to various specializations within the field. This article explores some of the most prestigious scholarships available, including those from renowned organizations like the CDC, WHO, and UNICEF. Whether you’re interested in environmental health, global health, or public administration, there’s likely a scholarship program tailored to your aspirations in public health.
Public Health Scholarships for International Students in USA
CDC Public Health Scholarships

Program Overview
The CDC’s Office of Health Equity (OHE) supports the CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health (Lewis) Scholars Program. This initiative introduces undergraduate and recently graduated students to topics in minority health and health equity while supporting their career development. The program partners with seven institutions to deliver individualized programs focusing on various public health areas, including maternal and child health, occupational health, social determinants of health, elimination of health disparities, environmental justice, climate and health, and developmental disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Lewis Scholars Program, applicants must be undergraduate students or recent graduates. The program aims to prepare a diverse body of students for careers in public health, ensuring a future where the American public benefits from a more diverse and better-trained public health workforce.
How to Apply
Applications for the Lewis Scholars Program open each fall, with exact dates varying between programs. Students interested in applying should visit the CDC’s website for more information. It’s important to note that while students may apply to multiple Lewis Scholars sites, those interested in the Future Public Health Leaders Program (FPHLP) must complete the FPHLP online application specifically.
Funding Details
While specific funding details are not provided in the given information, the Lewis Scholars Program offers valuable opportunities for students to gain experience in public health without mentioning direct financial support.
Career Opportunities
The Lewis Scholars Program has a significant impact on the field of public health. Since its founding in 2011, the program has accepted approximately 1,600 students from more than 35,000 applicants, maintaining a competitive 5% acceptance rate. A 2020 retrospective outcome evaluation revealed that 67% of respondents (517 out of 775) were enrolled in an advanced degree program in public health or another health-related field. This high percentage demonstrates the program’s success in guiding students towards careers in public health.
Participants in the Lewis Scholars Program have the opportunity to work on a range of important and emerging public health problems. This hands-on experience proves invaluable for their future careers in the field. The program’s focus on diversity and inclusion also helps to shape a more representative public health workforce, better equipped to address the health needs of diverse communities across the United States.
WHO Internships and Scholarships

The World Health Organization (WHO) offers a diverse range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience in global health through its Internship Program. This initiative allows participants to contribute to the advancement of public health while enhancing their knowledge and skills in various technical and administrative areas.
Types of Opportunities
WHO provides internships in technical fields related to public health and medical sciences, as well as in administrative programs such as communication, external relations, and human resources. These positions offer hands-on experience and the chance to work alongside top-tier mentors on pressing global health issues.
Applicant Requirements
To be eligible for WHO internships, candidates must:
- Be at least 20 years old
- Be enrolled in or have completed a university course leading to a formal qualification
- Have completed three years of full-time studies at a university
- Be fluent in at least one of the working languages of the assigned office
- Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State
- Not be related to a WHO staff member
- Not have previously participated in WHO’s Internship Program
Application Process
- Visit the WHO Careers site (www.who.int)
- Navigate to the employment section
- Select the WHO internship program
- Create a profile and apply to the global internship requisition announcement
- Choose preferred locations to work, such as regional or country offices
Applications are accepted twice a year, from January to June and from July to December. Candidates should apply through the WHO online recruitment system (Stellis) when vacancy notices are open.
Financial Support
As of January 2020, WHO provides living allowances to eligible interns who require financial assistance. All interns must complete a Declaration of Interests form to determine their eligibility for financial support. Additionally, WHO offers medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship period.
Professional Growth
Interns can expect to:
- Gain insight into WHO’s technical and administrative programs
- Contribute to capacity-building opportunities
- Work on a range of important and emerging public health issues
- Collaborate with experts in the field
Internships last between 6 to 24 weeks, depending on the needs of the WHO technical unit. This experience can be a significant stepping stone for those pursuing careers in global health, offering a unique opportunity to make a difference on an international scale.
Rotary Peace Fellowships

Program Description
The Rotary Peace Fellowships program offers fully funded opportunities for leaders and aspiring leaders to pursue advanced studies in peace and conflict resolution. This initiative, established in 2002, has supported over 1,700 fellows who now work in more than 140 countries. The program aims to develop the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for positive change globally.
Two distinct paths are available:
- Master’s Degree Program: This 15 to 24-month program includes academic training, a two to three-month field study, and research-informed teaching. It requires at least three years of relevant full-time work experience.
- Professional Development Certificate: This intensive three-month program is designed for professionals with at least five years of relevant full-time work experience. It includes two to three weeks of field study and focuses on practical skills for promoting peace.
Who Can Apply
The Rotary Peace Fellowships target individuals committed to peace and development with:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Strong leadership skills
- Proficiency in English
- A minimum of three years of full-time relevant experience for the master’s program, or five years for the certificate program
- A demonstrated commitment to peace and conflict resolution
Candidates must have a three-year gap between their most recent academic degree and the fellowship start date. The program encourages applications from people with disabilities and diverse backgrounds.
Application Steps
- Review eligibility requirements
- Choose between master’s degree or professional development certificate
- Select preferred Rotary Peace Centers
- Prepare application materials
- Submit application through a local Rotary club
- Club forwards application to district level
- District submits endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation
- Final selection by The Rotary Foundation
Scholarship Benefits
The fellowship covers:
- Full tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Round-trip transportation
- Internship and field study expenses
- Funding for academic conferences
Alumni Network
Upon completion, Rotary Peace Fellows join an active, global network of alumni. This network facilitates collaboration on peace-building initiatives worldwide, providing ongoing support and opportunities for professional growth. Alumni work in various sectors, including governments, NGOs, education, research institutions, peacekeeping agencies, and international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank.
UNICEF Internship Program

The UNICEF Internship Program offers students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the humanitarian sector. This program provides valuable insights into UNICEF’s work and contributes to the personal and professional development of participants.
Program Highlights
UNICEF internships last between 6 to 26 weeks and can be full-time or part-time. Interns work on various projects, including research, database management, and communications. The program offers flexibility, with some internships available remotely or in a hybrid format. Interns join a cohort and receive invitations to intern-specific events and workshops, as well as organization-wide activities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a UNICEF internship, candidates must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program, or have graduated within the past two years
- Be proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages: English, French, or Spanish
- Have access to the internet and a computer for remote or hybrid internships
How to Apply
Internship opportunities are available throughout the year. To apply:
- Visit the UNICEF vacancies page
- Review the requirements for each internship opportunity
- Customize your profile to highlight your suitability for the role
- Submit your application through the online system
Stipend Information
UNICEF provides financial support to interns:
- A monthly stipend to contribute to living expenses
- A one-time lump sum payment to cover travel and visa costs (when funding is available)
- Tax exemption on salaries, grants, and allowances paid by the United Nations
Interns working for UNICEF USA are paid $17.00 per hour and may work up to 20 hours per week during Spring and Fall, and 30 hours per week in Summer.
Skills Development
Interns at UNICEF have the opportunity to:
- Gain practical work experience in their field of study
- Develop transferable skills valuable for future careers
- Expand their professional network
- Learn about UNICEF’s global impact and contribute to its mission
- Discover and hone their natural talents using Gallup’s CliftonStrengths® tool
- Work with a dedicated manager/mentor and access the wider UNICEF network
Interns may also have the chance to receive course credit for their internship experience, further enhancing their academic and professional growth.
ASPH/EPA Environmental Health Fellowship Program

Fellowship Overview
The ASPPH/EPA Environmental Health Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for early-career public health professionals to gain valuable experience at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This professional development program, established in 2003, enables recent graduates to work on current and emerging environmental public health needs. Fellows are placed in various EPA offices, primarily in the Washington, D.C. area, but opportunities may also be available in EPA laboratories and regional offices nationwide.
The fellowship positions are full-time, lasting for one year with the possibility of a one-year extension. Placements typically begin between October 1 and November 1, ending 12 months later. Fellows work closely with nationally recognized experts in environmental health, contributing to the EPA’s mission of protecting public health and the environment.
Applicant Qualifications
To be eligible for the ASPPH/EPA Environmental Health Fellowship Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s or Doctorate degree from a CEPH-accredited, ASPPH member school or program of public health
- Have graduated within the past five years (no earlier than May 2019) or be set to graduate before the fellowship begins (no later than August 2024)
- Be a U.S. citizen or hold a visa permitting permanent residence (“Green Card”) in the U.S.
Preference is given to candidates who hold Certification in Public Health (CPH).
Application Procedure
Interested candidates can apply for the fellowship through the following steps:
- Review detailed program information and application instructions on the ASPPH website
- Prepare necessary application materials
- Submit applications to ASPPH from December through January of each year
For any questions regarding the application process, candidates can contact ASPPH Graduate Training Programs at [email protected].
Funding Provided
The fellowship offers competitive financial support to participants:
- Annual training stipend: $62,285 for Master’s level candidates; $75,835 for candidates with advanced graduate degrees (MD, PhD, DrPH, JD, etc.)
- Access to a $10,000 “general fellowship allowance” to offset health insurance premium expenses and cover approved project-related costs
Research Opportunities
Fellows have the chance to engage in a wide range of environmental health research and projects, including:
- Collaborating with experts in fields such as toxicology, epidemiology, and risk assessment
- Participating in projects on cross-cutting health assessment issues
- Gaining exposure to environmental research laboratories and specialized equipment
- Observing the development of science policy guidance at the Agency level
- Attending workshops and visiting research laboratories and field sites
These opportunities provide fellows with valuable skills, experience, and knowledge to enhance their careers as public health researchers and practitioners.
Conclusion
The diverse range of scholarships and internship programs highlighted in this article opens up a world of possibilities for aspiring public health professionals. From the CDC’s Lewis Scholars Program to UNICEF’s Internship Program, these opportunities have a significant impact on shaping the future of global health. They not only provide financial support but also offer invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop the next generation of public health leaders.
As the field of public health continues to evolve, these programs play a crucial role to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex health challenges. Whether it’s environmental health, peace and conflict resolution, or global health initiatives, these scholarships and internships pave the way for students to make a real difference in communities worldwide. By taking advantage of these opportunities, aspiring public health professionals can jumpstart their careers and contribute to improving health outcomes on a global scale.