We get these questions a lot. Here are our best answers...
Who gets invited to complete a Global Impact Fellowship?
High-achieving and deserving undergraduate students are selected based on their commitment to global healthcare and are pursuing a health-related degree.
Our goal is to find the most qualified and motivated students to complete projects that make a real impact on communities around the world.
What are the program fees?
The Global Impact Fellowship has an annual tuition of $199. However, we strive for financial inclusivity at the CGHS and are proud to offer a low monthly cost of $29 for any student wanting to complete the Fellowship program. Our goal is to offer a flexible, all-inclusive program that delivers a valuable, hands-on healthcare experience at a fraction of typical tuition costs.
Why should I pay for a Fellowship? I thought they were free
University-based fellowships are funded by your tuition, and similarly, our program fees support the costs of delivering a high-quality, hands-on Fellowship experience. The difference? Our Fellowship program offers the same impactful opportunities at a fraction of the cost compared to university tuition.
How do the program fees get used?
Program fees directly support creating a remarkable, hands-on educational experience. This includes the planning and resources needed to deliver real-world healthcare projects, personalized mentorship, and leadership training. Fees also help fund on-campus events and activities, ensuring you gain valuable skills and connections throughout the program.
Is the Council a Non-Profit?
We deeply respect the work of non-profit organizations and academic institutions. However, we believe in financial transparency and independence. The Council is self-sustaining through tuition from our programs, ensuring we can focus entirely on delivering high-quality experiences and resources directly to our students, without relying on public funding.
Will becoming a Fellow help a student gain admission to a competitive masters program or medical school?
The Council has partnered with one of the leading medical school admissions companies to help aspiring healthcare leaders maximize their chances for admission. Moreover, completing a Fellowship demonstrates a true commitment to service in the healthcare field. Qualified Fellows will receive a certificate, a recommendation letter, and an Honors distinction, all of which can significantly help in the graduate admissions process.
How long does the Fellowship program? Is it really two years long?
The first year of the program is 28 weeks long and requires about one hour of work per week, including group work and online coursework. If you decide to pursue the accredited version of the program, there may be some additional coursework.
The second year of the program is focuses on implementing a pilot of the solution proposed during your first year. Successful implementation of your pilot will result in an invitation to the Council as an Honors Fellow.
Is travel a requirement for the program?
Any individual may apply to complete the Global Impact Fellowship. Students who have received an invitation are permitted to enroll without an application. Students who are admitted without an on-campus chapter will complete their program as a member of the Global Chapter which has it’s own live events & networking.
Is the CGHS accredited?
CGHS is accredited by Array Global, the parent organization that partners for co-accreditation with WASC (Western Accrediting Commission for Schools) and MSA-CCS (Middle States Association – Commission for Colleges and Schools), both listed on the DAPIP (Database of Accredited Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs)
Is this program only for undergraduate students?
Graduate students and/or faculty members are welcome to enroll into the Global Impact Fellowship however they will be members of our Global Chapter where they will collaborate with other Fellows across the country vs. our on-campus undergraduate experience.
How much of a time commitment is the program?
We’ve designed the Fellowship to fit seamlessly with a full undergraduate courseload, ensuring it’s manageable for busy students. The time commitment for the program is 1-2 hours per week.
How long has the program been around for?
The Global Impact Fellowship program may be new to some University Chapters, but a variation of it was previously implemented through our partner, Global Medical Brigades®, at over 200 universities. The Global Impact Fellowship is an evolution of that program, now featuring a dedicated Chapter to provide students with a more focused and impactful journey.
How does a Fellowship differ than Internship?
A Fellowship differs from an internship by being more outcome-focused and impactful. While internships often involve limited tasks to gain experience, Fellowships provide deeper engagement through research, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. Fellowships allow students to work on meaningful projects that create lasting change, especially in healthcare, and develop leadership skills along the way. Unlike internships, where the focus is typically on adding experience to your resume, Fellowships emphasize making a tangible impact and are designed to foster long-term professional growth and expertise in your field.
Who is on the Council?
The Council is composed of distinguished medical practitioners, executive leaders, healthcare professionals, and non-profit leaders, all of whom share the goal of developing tomorrow's healthcare leaders to meet the global needs of the future.
How is the Council associated with Global Medical Brigades?
The Council is a cooperative venture of several organizations focused on developing tomorrow's healthcare leaders by supporting today’s communities in need. Global Medical Brigades is one of the organizations partnered with the CGHS in this cooperative venture.
Do I have to be enrolled at a University with an on-campus chapter to complete the Fellowship?
Any individual may apply to complete the Global Impact Fellowship. Students who have received an invitation are permitted to enroll without an application. Students who are admitted without an on-campus chapter will complete their program as a member of the Global Chapter which has it’s own live events & networking.
How did the Council get formed?
The Council for Global Health Scholars was created by bringing together organizations with over 60 years of experience in shaping healthcare leaders. These organizations have come together to form the Council, uniting their expertise to provide students with hands-on healthcare experience, leadership development, and a proven path to career success in global healthcare. By joining the Council, you become part of this collective legacy. You’ll engage in real-world healthcare projects, develop the skills graduate and medical schools seek, and collaborate with peers to make a lasting impact on communities in need. With the Council, you’re joining a community that has transformed the lives of countless students and continues to build the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
What if I don't love the program? Can I get a refund?
Students who elect the annual tuition option have 30 days to withdraw and receive a full refund of their program fees. Students who select the monthly payment option may withdraw at any time but are not entitled to a refund.
Does the CGHS offer scholarships or financial aid?
We do not offer traditional financial aid or scholarships, but we’ve designed our program fees to be financially inclusive and as low as possible. Our all-inclusive monthly fees are a small fraction of typical tuition costs, ensuring accessibility while providing exceptional value for hands-on, real-world healthcare experience.