Applications are now open for the WHO Summer School 2027 in Nice, France. This four-day international training programme offers postgraduate students, researchers and public health professionals an opportunity to learn from World Health Organization (WHO) experts and leading specialists in public health innovation.
The programme will take place from 20 to 23 July 2027. It focuses on systems thinking, noncommunicable disease prevention and healthy ageing. Through lectures, practical workshops and project-based activities, participants will learn how to address complex public health challenges.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe is organising the summer school alongside the WHO Collaborating Centre at Université Côte d’Azur and Ulysseus European University.
Participation is free, and the organisers will provide lunches, coffee breaks and a welcome dinner. However, participants must pay for their own travel, accommodation and other personal expenses. Therefore, applicants should understand that this is a free training opportunity rather than a fully funded scholarship.
Only 30 participants will attend the programme in person. Applications close on 23 November 2026, while successful candidates will receive notification by 18 December 2026.
This guide explains the eligibility requirements, programme benefits, curriculum, selection criteria and application process. It also provides practical advice on preparing a competitive personal statement.
WHO Summer School 2027: Programme Overview
| Programme information | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | WHO Summer School 2027 |
| Main theme | Systems Thinking and Innovation for NCD Prevention and Healthy Ageing |
| Host country | France |
| Location | Nice |
| Programme dates | 20–23 July 2027 |
| Duration | Four days |
| Organisers | WHO/Europe, Université Côte d’Azur WHO Collaborating Centre and Ulysseus European University |
| Available places | 30 |
| Language | English |
| Delivery | In person |
| Participation fee | Free |
| Meals | Lunches, coffee breaks and welcome dinner |
| Travel and accommodation | Not covered |
| Certificate | Certificate of participation |
| Application deadline | 23 November 2026 |
| Selection results | By 18 December 2026 |
The programme targets individuals who already have an academic or professional interest in public health. Consequently, applicants should be ready to explain how the training connects with their research, current responsibilities or future professional plans.
What Is the WHO Summer School 2027?
The WHO Summer School 2027 is an intensive professional training programme that introduces participants to systems-based approaches for addressing complex public health problems.
Its central theme is the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of healthy ageing.
Noncommunicable diseases include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions. Unlike infectious diseases, they do not spread directly from person to person.
Nevertheless, their causes often involve several connected factors. These include living conditions, income, diet, physical activity, environmental influences and access to healthcare.
For example, a government may encourage healthier eating through public awareness campaigns. Yet those campaigns may have limited results when nutritious food remains expensive or difficult to access.
Similarly, encouraging physical activity may not be enough in communities without safe walking routes, parks or recreational facilities.
These examples illustrate why public health problems often require coordinated solutions.
The summer school will help participants examine such relationships and explore ways to design more effective interventions.
How Does the Summer School Differ From a WHO Internship?
The summer school provides short-term training, whereas an internship offers practical experience within an organisation over a longer period.
For instance, WHO internships can involve research, programme support, communications and other professional activities. Their eligibility conditions and financial arrangements also differ from those of the summer school.
Students seeking longer professional placements can explore our WHO Internship Programme 2026/27 guide, which explains eligibility, application procedures and available support.
Why Is WHO Organising This Summer School?
Noncommunicable diseases remain a major cause of death and disability across Europe.
According to WHO/Europe, NCDs account for more than 80% of deaths in the WHO European Region. They also create substantial economic and social costs.
Although public health systems have made progress in preventing some diseases, several challenges remain.
Population ageing continues to increase demand for healthcare services. Meanwhile, obesity, insufficient physical activity, tobacco consumption and harmful alcohol use contribute to preventable illness.
These problems rarely have a single cause.
For example, obesity may reflect interactions between household income, food marketing, urban development, employment patterns and individual behaviour.
As a result, policies that address only one factor may fail to produce lasting improvements.
WHO wants to strengthen the use of systems thinking in public health. The approach helps researchers and policymakers examine how different factors influence one another.
The summer school will therefore focus on translating this understanding into practical strategies for disease prevention and healthy ageing.
What Will Participants Learn at the WHO Summer School 2027?
The programme combines theoretical learning with practical exercises.
Participants will attend lectures, workshops and training sessions that use real-world public health scenarios. In addition, they will have opportunities to apply systems-thinking approaches to their own projects.
WHO is still finalising the curriculum. However, the official announcement identifies several important learning areas.
1. Understanding Systems Thinking
Systems thinking examines how different parts of a system interact.
In public health, these parts may include individuals, communities, governments, healthcare institutions, businesses and social environments.
Rather than studying each factor separately, participants will learn to consider how changes in one area influence others.
For instance, improving access to preventive healthcare may reduce disease complications. However, the results may also depend on transport systems, household finances and public awareness.
Understanding these relationships can help policymakers develop more effective strategies.
2. Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases
Participants will examine the challenges involved in preventing and controlling NCDs.
The training will consider how social, environmental and institutional factors influence health risks.
Furthermore, it will explore how public health interventions can address several connected causes rather than focusing on individual behaviour alone.
3. Identifying Systems Archetypes
Systems archetypes describe patterns that appear repeatedly in complex systems.
Recognising these patterns can help researchers understand why certain interventions produce unexpected results.
For example, a short-term policy might reduce an immediate problem while creating new difficulties elsewhere.
Participants will explore how these patterns can inform better policy decisions.
4. Developing Policy Scenarios
Public health professionals often need to evaluate several possible interventions before recommending a policy.
The summer school will introduce approaches for developing and analysing policy scenarios.
As a result, participants can better understand how alternative decisions might influence health outcomes over time.
5. Applying Systems-Thinking Tools
The curriculum includes practical training in systems-thinking methods.
Participants will explore tools for identifying relationships, examining complex problems and supporting decision-making.
However, WHO has not published a complete list of software packages or technical tools for the programme.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the training includes certification in a particular statistical or programming application.
6. Translating Research Into Policy
Research findings do not always lead to effective public policies.
Sometimes, institutions lack the resources or coordination needed to implement recommendations. In other cases, political, economic or social factors create additional barriers.
The programme will explore ways to connect research evidence with practical policy development.
This component may be particularly useful for researchers who want their findings to influence real-world interventions.
7. Artificial Intelligence and Public Health Innovation
The announced curriculum also includes opportunities for artificial intelligence in public health.
AI can support activities such as analysing large datasets, identifying patterns and improving certain decision-making processes.
Nevertheless, the summer school is not primarily an AI training programme.
Its main objective remains the application of systems thinking to public health challenges.
WHO Summer School 2027 Curriculum Summary
| Learning area | Main focus | Practical relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Systems thinking | Understanding connected public health problems | Research and policy analysis |
| NCD prevention | Examining disease risks and prevention strategies | Health promotion |
| Systems archetypes | Recognising recurring patterns | Identifying policy barriers |
| Policy scenarios | Exploring alternative interventions | Policy planning |
| Systems-thinking tools | Analysing complex relationships | Programme evaluation |
| Research translation | Connecting evidence with decisions | Policy implementation |
| Public health innovation | Developing practical solutions | Health systems improvement |
| Artificial intelligence | Exploring AI opportunities in public health | Research and innovation |
WHO Summer School 2027 Benefits and Financial Coverage
One of the programme’s main attractions is its free participation.
However, applicants should distinguish between the training benefits and the expenses they must cover independently.
What Does the WHO Summer School Cover?
Selected participants will receive:
- Free access to the four-day training programme.
- Lectures and workshops involving WHO and international experts.
- Practical exercises and project-based learning.
- Lunches and coffee breaks during the programme.
- A welcome dinner on 21 July 2027.
- A certificate of participation.
Participants will also have opportunities to exchange ideas with researchers and professionals from different backgrounds.
These interactions may support future professional relationships and research collaborations.
However, the programme does not guarantee employment with WHO or funding for future research.
What Expenses Are Not Covered?
Participants must arrange and finance their travel and accommodation.
They should also plan for other costs associated with staying in Nice.
| Expense | Financial coverage |
|---|---|
| Training and workshops | Free |
| Lunches | Provided |
| Coffee breaks | Provided |
| Welcome dinner | Provided |
| Certificate | Provided |
| International flights | Not covered |
| Accommodation | Not covered |
| Visa expenses | No funding announced |
| Local transportation | Not covered |
| Travel insurance | No funding announced |
| Personal expenses | Not covered |
Is the WHO Summer School 2027 Fully Funded?
No. The WHO Summer School 2027 is free to attend, but it is not fully funded.
This distinction matters, especially for international applicants who may need to travel long distances.
Although participants will not pay tuition fees, they must cover their flights, accommodation and other personal expenses.
Therefore, applicants should assess their financial situation before accepting an offer.
Some universities and employers provide professional development or research mobility funding. Consequently, selected participants may wish to investigate whether their institutions can support their travel.
However, such funding would come from separate sources rather than from the WHO Summer School itself.
Who Can Apply for the WHO Summer School 2027?
The programme targets PhD students and early- to mid-career professionals with relevant interests or experience.
WHO specifically identifies postgraduate students, researchers, health practitioners and policymakers among its intended participants.
Applicants should demonstrate a connection with public health, innovation, healthy ageing, NCD prevention or related fields.
Can PhD Students Apply?
Yes. PhD students are explicitly included in the target audience.
The programme may be particularly useful for doctoral researchers studying epidemiology, health policy, disease prevention, ageing or healthcare systems.
For example, a PhD student investigating diabetes prevention could use systems-thinking methods to examine how social conditions and healthcare policies influence programme outcomes.
Applicants should explain how the training could strengthen their research.
Can Master’s Students Apply?
The official announcement includes postgraduate students among the intended participants.
Therefore, master’s students with relevant academic interests may have suitable backgrounds.
However, the programme is not a general summer school for every master’s student.
Applicants should demonstrate how their studies or research connect with its objectives.
Can Early-Career Professionals Apply?
Yes. Early-career professionals are among the intended participants.
Relevant applicants may include public health officers, healthcare practitioners, policy analysts and researchers.
For instance, someone working on community health programmes could explain how systems thinking might improve programme design and implementation.
Can Mid-Career Professionals Apply?
Yes. WHO also welcomes mid-career professionals.
Applicants who manage public health programmes, conduct research or contribute to policy development may find the training relevant.
However, professional experience alone does not guarantee selection.
Candidates must demonstrate a clear connection between their work and the programme’s learning objectives.
Relevant Academic and Professional Backgrounds
WHO does not provide an exhaustive list of eligible degrees.
Instead, it emphasises relevant education, experience and professional interests.
The following backgrounds may be relevant, depending on the applicant’s work and research.
| Academic or professional field | Potential connection with the programme |
|---|---|
| Public health | Disease prevention and health promotion |
| Epidemiology | Population health and disease patterns |
| Medicine | Prevention and management of chronic diseases |
| Nursing | Community health and patient care |
| Health economics | Economic factors influencing health outcomes |
| Public policy | Evidence-based policy development |
| Health systems management | Healthcare organisation and service delivery |
| Social sciences | Social determinants of health |
| Data science | Public health analysis and innovation |
| Gerontology | Ageing and population health |
| Nutrition | Dietary risks and disease prevention |
These examples illustrate potential relevance rather than confirmed eligibility for every applicant.
Can International Applicants Apply?
The official announcement does not publish a nationality restriction limiting participation to French citizens or residents of the WHO European Region.
However, it also does not provide a complete list of eligible countries.
Therefore, international applicants should check the official application form for any additional requirements.
Can African Applicants Apply?
Applicants from African countries who have relevant academic or professional backgrounds may consider applying.
The published announcement does not expressly exclude them.
Nevertheless, applicants should confirm their eligibility through the official application process.
They should also consider travel expenses and any applicable visa requirements.
For example, an applicant travelling from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana or Kenya may need to arrange international flights, accommodation and permission to enter France.
Since WHO does not cover these expenses, financial planning is particularly important.
WHO Summer School 2027 Selection Criteria
WHO will review applications through a selection panel.
The official announcement identifies education, relevant experience, personal statements and potential for future collaboration among the selection considerations.
Because the programme has only 30 places, applicants should prepare carefully.
| Selection criterion | What applicants should demonstrate |
|---|---|
| Education | Relevant academic preparation |
| Professional experience | Work connected with public health, innovation or NCD prevention |
| Personal statement | Clear motivation and programme fit |
| Research or professional interests | A meaningful connection with the summer school’s objectives |
| Future collaboration | Potential to apply learning and work with relevant networks |
WHO has not published a numerical scoring system.
Therefore, applicants should avoid assuming that one qualification or professional achievement automatically guarantees selection.
A convincing application should explain how the training will contribute to a specific academic or professional objective.
How to Write a Strong Personal Statement for the WHO Summer School
The personal statement is an important part of the selection process.
It gives applicants an opportunity to explain their experience, motivation and intended use of the training.
A strong statement should go beyond expressing admiration for WHO.
Instead, it should demonstrate why the programme is relevant to the applicant’s work.
Begin With Your Academic or Professional Background
Introduce your current studies, research or professional role.
Then explain how your experience connects with public health or related challenges.
For example, a researcher studying hypertension could describe their interest in understanding how healthcare access, lifestyle and social conditions influence disease prevention.
This provides a clear foundation for the rest of the statement.
Identify a Specific Public Health Challenge
Choose a problem that genuinely interests you.
It might involve diabetes prevention, healthy ageing, healthcare access or the implementation of public health policies.
However, avoid presenting an overly broad problem without explaining your connection to it.
A specific example will make your motivation more credible.
Explain Why Systems Thinking Matters
Next, describe how systems-thinking methods could help you understand or address the problem.
For instance, a community health worker might observe that health education programmes sometimes fail because participants face financial or environmental barriers.
Systems thinking could help identify how these barriers interact.
This explanation demonstrates that you understand the programme’s purpose.
Describe How You Will Use the Training
Explain what you hope to accomplish after the summer school.
You might apply the methods to a research project, improve an existing programme or contribute to policy analysis.
Where possible, connect your goals with activities you already undertake.
This makes your proposed outcomes more realistic.
Demonstrate Potential for Collaboration
WHO also considers potential for future collaboration.
Therefore, explain how the programme could help you engage with other researchers, institutions or professional networks.
For example, you might hope to exchange methods with professionals addressing similar health challenges in different countries.
Avoid promising outcomes that depend on opportunities the programme does not guarantee.
Suggested Personal Statement Structure
| Section | Recommended content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Current academic or professional role |
| Relevant experience | Research, employment or projects related to public health |
| Main challenge | A specific problem you want to address |
| Programme motivation | Why systems thinking is relevant |
| Future application | How you intend to use the training |
| Collaboration | How the experience could support professional exchange |
Applicants should follow the actual questions and word limits in the official application form.
How to Apply for the WHO Summer School 2027
WHO requires applicants to submit their applications through its official online form.
The deadline is 23 November 2026.
Step 1: Review the Official Announcement
Start by reading the programme description carefully.
Check the eligibility expectations, curriculum, selection criteria and financial arrangements.
This will help you decide whether the opportunity aligns with your goals.
Step 2: Access the Official Application Form
Open the WHO application form provided at the end of this article.
Read each question and follow the instructions displayed.
The official announcement does not publish a complete standalone checklist of required uploads. Therefore, applicants should rely on the current form for specific requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Academic and Professional Information
Gather details of your qualifications, research activities and professional experience.
If the form requests a CV, ensure that it highlights relevant work.
For example, applicants may emphasise public health projects, research methods, programme evaluation or policy-related responsibilities.
Step 4: Prepare Your Personal Statement
Explain your motivation and demonstrate a clear connection with the programme.
Where possible, identify a practical challenge that systems thinking could help you address.
Also explain how you intend to apply the training.
Step 5: Review Your Application
Check your personal details, academic information and written responses.
Make sure your answers address the questions directly.
In addition, confirm that you have followed any document formatting or submission instructions.
Step 6: Submit Before 23 November 2026
Submit your application before the closing date.
Applying early gives you time to resolve possible technical problems.
After submission, follow any confirmation instructions provided by the system.
WHO expects to notify successful applicants by 18 December 2026.
What Documents Should Applicants Prepare?
The official announcement identifies the personal statement as a selection consideration.
However, it does not publish a complete document checklist.
Applicants should therefore verify the requirements in the online application form.
Nevertheless, preparing the following information in advance may make the process easier.
| Information | Preparation advice |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Confirm names and contact information |
| Academic qualifications | Prepare relevant education details |
| Professional experience | Identify roles connected with public health |
| Personal statement | Explain motivation and future application |
| CV | Keep an updated version ready if requested |
| Research interests | Summarise relevant projects or professional challenges |
| Institutional affiliation | Prepare university or employer details if applicable |
Applicants should not assume that every item in this table is a mandatory upload.
Other International Opportunities for Students and Graduates
The WHO Summer School is particularly suitable for postgraduate researchers and professionals who want short-term specialist training.
However, students seeking broader work experience may prefer structured internships.
For example, the UNICEF Internship Programme 2027 offers eligible students and recent graduates opportunities to gain professional experience in areas such as education, health, programme management and other relevant fields.
Unlike the four-day WHO Summer School, UNICEF internships are longer professional placements. Their financial arrangements also differ, and eligible interns may receive a stipend under the applicable programme conditions.
Therefore, applicants should compare each opportunity according to their qualifications, career stage and financial needs.
How Much Will It Cost to Attend the WHO Summer School in France?
Although WHO provides the training free of charge, international participants should prepare a realistic travel budget.
The total cost will depend on their country of departure, accommodation choices and travel requirements.
Flights and International Travel
Applicants travelling from outside France may need to purchase international flights.
Prices vary by route, booking period and travel dates.
Since the programme takes place in July, applicants should also consider the potential effect of summer travel demand.
Accommodation in Nice
Participants will need accommodation during their stay.
Depending on their travel schedules, they may need to arrive before the programme begins or depart after it ends.
Therefore, they should research accommodation options and transport connections once they know the practical arrangements.
Visa Requirements
Some participants may need a visa to enter France.
Requirements depend on nationality, residence status and individual circumstances.
Selection for the summer school does not automatically grant permission to enter France.
Applicants should consult the relevant French authorities and allow enough time for any required procedures.
Food and Personal Expenses
WHO will provide lunches, coffee breaks and a welcome dinner.
However, participants must cover other meals and personal expenses.
They should also consider local transportation and any travel insurance costs.
Can Universities or Employers Provide Travel Support?
Some institutions offer financial assistance for relevant professional development.
For example, doctoral students may have access to research mobility funds or departmental training budgets.
Similarly, employers may support staff attending programmes that relate directly to their responsibilities.
Applicants can investigate these possibilities before travelling.
However, WHO has not announced that it will reimburse such expenses.
WHO Summer School 2027 Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Official call published | 15 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 23 November 2026 |
| Notification of successful applicants | By 18 December 2026 |
| Programme begins | 20 July 2027 at 09:00 |
| Welcome dinner | 21 July 2027 |
| Programme ends | 23 July 2027 at 14:00 |
Applicants should confirm the latest information through WHO before making travel commitments.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming All Expenses Are Covered
The programme provides free training, but participants must cover travel and accommodation.
Therefore, applicants should assess the financial implications before accepting a place.
Applying Without Relevant Interests
The summer school targets individuals working or studying in relevant areas.
Applicants should explain their connection with public health, innovation, NCD prevention or healthy ageing.
Using a Generic Personal Statement
A statement that focuses only on WHO’s international reputation may not demonstrate sufficient programme fit.
Instead, applicants should connect their experience with specific learning objectives.
Ignoring the Practical Nature of the Training
The programme includes hands-on exercises and project-based activities.
Therefore, applicants should think about how the training could support their current work.
Overlooking Visa Requirements
International participants may need permission to enter France.
Applicants should investigate the applicable requirements early rather than assume that selection guarantees travel approval.
Waiting Until the Deadline
The application deadline is 23 November 2026.
Submitting early reduces the risk of last-minute technical problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the WHO Summer School 2027
Is the WHO Summer School 2027 free?
Yes. The training is free, and the organisers will provide lunches, coffee breaks and a welcome dinner.
However, participants must pay for travel, accommodation and other personal expenses.
Is the WHO Summer School 2027 fully funded?
No. WHO does not cover the full cost of attending the programme.
Where will the summer school take place?
The programme will take place in Nice, France.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 23 November 2026.
When will successful applicants receive notification?
WHO expects to notify successful applicants by 18 December 2026.
How many participants will attend?
The programme will accommodate 30 participants in person.
Can master’s students apply?
The intended audience includes postgraduate students. However, applicants should demonstrate relevant interests and verify the detailed requirements in the application form.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. PhD students are explicitly included in the programme’s target audience.
Can working professionals apply?
Yes. Early- and mid-career professionals with relevant experience may apply.
Can African applicants apply?
The published announcement does not expressly exclude applicants from African countries. However, international applicants should verify any additional requirements in the official application form.
Is IELTS required?
The programme will take place in English. However, the official announcement does not specify a universal IELTS or TOEFL requirement.
Applicants should check the application form for any additional language instructions.
Is there an application fee?
The official announcement confirms that the training is free. However, it does not separately specify an application processing fee.
Applicants should follow the official application form and avoid paying unofficial agents.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. WHO states that participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Does WHO provide accommodation?
No accommodation support is announced. Participants must arrange and finance their own accommodation.
Does WHO pay for flights?
No. Participants must cover their own travel expenses.
Can participants attend online?
The announced programme will take place in person in Nice. WHO has not advertised an online attendance option.
Does the summer school guarantee a WHO job?
No. The programme provides professional training rather than employment.
Can applicants from non-medical backgrounds apply?
Potentially, if their academic or professional experience is relevant to the programme.
However, applicants should demonstrate a clear connection with its objectives rather than assume that every degree qualifies automatically.
Final Thoughts
The WHO Summer School 2027 offers an opportunity for postgraduate students, researchers and professionals to strengthen their understanding of systems thinking and public health innovation.
Through lectures, practical exercises and project-based learning, participants will explore approaches to preventing noncommunicable diseases and promoting healthy ageing.
The programme also provides access to international expertise and opportunities for professional exchange.
Nevertheless, applicants should consider two important factors.
First, only 30 participants will attend, making careful preparation essential. Second, although the training is free, WHO will not cover travel or accommodation.
Applicants who can demonstrate relevant experience, clear motivation and a practical plan for using the training may present stronger applications.
Interested candidates should review the official programme information and submit their applications before 23 November 2026.
Official Links
1. WHO Summer School 2027 — Official Announcement
2. WHO Summer School 2027 — Official Application Form
https://extranet.who.int/dataformv6/index.php/525327?lang=en
