The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027–2028 at Brookings Institution is now open for applications. This fellowship supports work in education, gender equality, and policy research.
Importantly, the fellowship value listed in the provided information is $26,500.
Application Deadline:
1 December 2026
Tell Me About The Program:
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 is a 6-month visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.. The program aims to catalyze and amplify the impact of local leaders working to advance gender-transformative education across the Global South. Scholars execute individual research projects focused on improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people. The fellowship combines a pre-residency phase in the scholar’s home country with an intensive 4-month in-person residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C..
Which Fields are Eligible?
Education, International Development, Public Policy, Economics, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, and related Humanities disciplines.
Type:
Visiting Research Fellowship / Mid-Career Leadership Program
Who can Apply?
- Educational Qualification: Must hold a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field at the time of application.
- Professional Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of professional experience in research, academia, non-governmental organizations, community/civil society organizations, or government.
- Global South Focus: Mid-career leaders with substantial professional experience in, close ties to, and a clear intent to return to a country in the Global South.
- Subject Focus: An intimate understanding of education development issues and gender-transformative approaches for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in English.
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates are evaluated based on their professional track record, leadership capacity, collaborative mindset, and the quality, relevance, and potential impact of their submitted 3–5 page research project proposal. (Note: Letters of recommendation, published writing samples, and academic transcripts are NOT required).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Global South countries across West Africa, Central America, South Asia, and other developing regions.
Where will the Program be Taken?
Hybrid model: Remote pre-residency in the scholar’s home country, followed by a 4-month residency at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., USA.
How Many Fellows:
A select annual cohort of mid-career global leaders.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Stipend: A living stipend totaling $26,500 USD over the duration of the fellowship (subject to U.S. tax withholding).
- Accommodation & Logistics: Provided single-occupancy housing during the 4-month residency period in Washington, D.C., plus covered visa fees, kick-off retreat expenses, and round-trip travel.
- Insurance: Limited medical health insurance coverage.
- Institutional Support: High-visibility publication and dissemination of research via Brookings platforms, leadership skill development, and lifelong access to the Echidna Alumni Network and collaborative funds.
How Long Will it Last:
6 months total (including a 4-month in-person residency period in Washington, D.C.).
How to Apply:
- Register for and attend the virtual information session on October 21, 2026 (optional).
- Prepare your application materials:
- Cover Letter and updated CV.
- Completed Application Questionnaire.
- A 3–5 page original Research Project Proposal aimed at increasing evidence and improving education/life outcomes for girls, young women, or gender non-conforming people in your home country.
- Upload all documents saved in the specified format (
Last Name_First Name_document name) to the Brookings career/fellowship application portal before December 1, 2026.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
