If you’re a committed researcher in sub-Saharan Africa working on public health challenges, the 2025 EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a golden opportunity. This fellowship offers full financial support for a Master’s in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology through distance learning, followed by a valuable internship to elevate your career in research or policy. Whether you’re already enrolled or planning to start your MSc program, this fellowship is crafted to empower professionals shaping Africa’s health future.

About the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The LSHTM is a world-renowned institution. This institution has consistently ranked among the top globally for public health, health policy, and social science research. Known for its impactful research, LSHTM frequently collaborates with governments and institutions across Africa, promoting health equity and data-driven policy worldwide.

EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship 2025 Overview

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship
Host Institution	London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Degree Level	Master’s (Distance Learning – MSc Clinical Trials or Epidemiology)
Eligibility	Nationals of sub-Saharan African countries
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Fellowship Components	MSc coursework + 6–12 month internship
Application Deadline	15 August 2025

Fellowship Benefits

• Full financial coverage for MSc in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology by Distance Learning (DL)
• Gain hands-on experience through a 6- or 12-month internship with leading host institutions across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Monthly stipend during the internship period
• Mentorship from LSHTM and partner institutions
• Support for women, non-anglophone scholars, and those from under-researched African countries
• Opportunity to choose your own host institution or be matched by LSHTM
• Access to LSHTM’s global research networks and resources

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a national of a sub-Saharan African country
• Must have been employed continuously for the past 12 months by an organization based in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Actively engaged in public health research in one or more of the following areas:

1. HIV, TB, malaria, neglected infectious diseases
2. Diarrhoeal and lower respiratory tract infections
3. Maternal and child health
4. Climate change-induced disease trends
5. Antimicrobial resistance and co-infections

• Must be supported by current employer with a commitment to retain you for 2 years post-fellowship
• Must not be receiving external funding for the MSc program, apart from support provided by your employing organization.
• Meet the academic requirements for LSHTM’s MSc by DL programs:

1. You must either hold 1st or 2nd class honours degree or any degree equivalent to it, or
2. An appropriate technical/professional qualification plus 3 years of relevant experience

Application Process

• Visit the official application portal.
• Submit documents verifying:

1. Nationality
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Academic transcripts or degree certificates
4. Employer’s letter of support
5. Cover letter explaining motivation and alignment with fellowship focus

• Apply separately for the MSc in Clinical Trials or Epidemiology by Distance Learning if not already enrolled
• Deadline to apply: 15 August 2025, 23:59 GMT
• Fellowship selection is subject to acceptance into the MSc program

Comparison of COMPASS Fellowship vs Similar African Health Fellowships

Fellowship Name	Degree Level	Coverage	Internship	Eligibility Region	Host
EDCTP COMPASS	MSc (DL)	Full + Internship	Yes (6–12 months)	Sub-Saharan Africa	LSHTM
Wellcome International Masters	MSc	Tuition + stipend	No	LMICs	Varies
Africa CDC Kofi Annan Fellowship	Short-term	Travel + stipend	Yes	Africa	Africa CDC
DAAD In-Country/In-Region	MSc/PhD	Full	No	African countries	African Universities
WHO TDR Postgraduate Training	MSc/PhD	It covers tuition fees as well as research support	Yes	LMICs	WHO/TDR Host Institutes

FAQs About EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship 2025 

1. Can I apply for this fellowship if I am not yet registered for the MSc by DL program at LSHTM?
   Yes, but the fellowship is conditional, pending your acceptance into the MSc Clinical Trials or Epidemiology program.
2. Can women and non-anglophone candidates apply?
   Absolutely. Women and candidates from French- or Portuguese-speaking African countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
3. Can I choose my own internship institution?
   Yes. You can either propose your own host institution or be matched with one by LSHTM.
4. Is it possible to apply only for the EDCTP COMPASS Fellowship 2025 or solely for the MSc training?
   Yes. You can apply for a part-fellowship supporting only one component (either MSc or internship).
5. What happens if I leave my job after the fellowship?
   If you leave your position within the first year post-fellowship, you may be asked to repay 100% of the funds; 50% if in the second year.
6. Can previous LSHTM students apply?
   Yes, if you’re currently enrolled and meet the academic timeline requirements mentioned in the eligibility section.
7. What costs does EDCTP LSHTM fellowship 2025 cover?
   Full tuition for MSc DL program and internship-related costs, including stipends and mentorship.
8. Can I reapply after this year’s rejection?
   Yes, but not with the same proposal if previously rejected.
9. Do I need a PhD to apply for EDCTP LSHTM fellowship?
   No. You only an undergraduate or professional degree (with experience) for MSc eligibility.

10. Will I receive mentorship during the internship?

    Yes. Host institutions will provide academic or professional mentors throughout the internship.

If you’re passionate about tackling Africa’s pressing public health challenges and want to combine flexible study with hands-on research, this fellowship is for you. Begin your journey toward a fully-funded MSc and a meaningful internship that can transform your career and your community. Start your application today through the official portal before 15 August 2025. APPLY NOW. Follow the official page for further details.