About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Brookings Institution Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 in the USA | $26,500 Stipend
The Brookings Institution Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity for experienced professionals committed to advancing gender equality through education in the Global South. The programme supports leaders working to improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution, the six-month fellowship helps selected scholars strengthen their research, leadership and evidence-based policymaking skills while expanding their influence on education and gender-related issues.
Successful applicants will receive a stipend of up to US$26,500, alongside support for travel, accommodation during the residency period, visa-related expenses and other eligible programme costs.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
Fellowship Overview
Host Organisation: The Brookings Institution
Programme: Echidna Global Scholars Program
Host Department: Center for Universal Education (CUE)
Location: Washington, D.C., United States
Opportunity Type: Visiting fellowship
Duration: Six months
Stipend: US$26,500
Target Applicants: Experienced professionals working on gender equality and education in the Global South
Deadline: December 1, 2026
About the Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship
The Echidna Global Scholars Program seeks to strengthen the leadership and influence of professionals working to advance gender-transformative education across the Global South.
Through this fellowship, selected scholars conduct individual research projects focused on improving educational opportunities and outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming individuals. They also develop skills in leadership, research, policy engagement and evidence-based advocacy.
The programme provides an opportunity to engage with researchers, policymakers and other professionals working on education, gender equality and international development.
A central expectation is that fellows will use the knowledge, research and professional networks gained during the programme to advance meaningful change in their home regions after completing their residency.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Selected Echidna Global Scholars will receive the following support:
US$26,500 stipend: Financial support to assist with living expenses during the pre-residency and residency periods. The stipend is subject to applicable US tax withholding and reporting requirements.
Visa-related expenses: Support for eligible costs associated with the visa process.
Accommodation: Single-occupancy housing during the four-month residency period.
Round-trip travel: Coverage of eligible travel expenses associated with travelling to and from the United States.
Medical insurance: Access to a limited medical insurance plan.
Research and programme activities: Support for eligible costs associated with the programme's kick-off and research design retreat.
Professional development: Opportunities to strengthen leadership, research and evidence-based policy skills.
Networking and collaboration: Engagement with professionals and experts working on gender equality, education and development.
Note: Applicants should review the official fellowship guidelines for the exact coverage, payment arrangements and any exclusions.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is designed for experienced professionals with a strong commitment to gender equality and education in the Global South.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
1. Professional Experience
Applicants must have at least 10 years of professional experience in relevant areas, including:
Research and academia.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Community-based or civil society organisations.
Government institutions.
Education, gender equality or international development.
Candidates with experience across both academic or government institutions and community organisations are particularly encouraged to apply.
2. Academic Qualifications
A Master’s degree is required. Applicants should have an academic background in one or more relevant fields, such as:
Education.
Gender studies or women's studies.
International or global development.
Public policy.
Economics.
Related social sciences or humanities disciplines.
3. Commitment to Gender Equality
Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing gender equality in and through education. Their professional work, research interests or community engagement should reflect this commitment.
4. Experience in the Global South
Applicants should have substantial professional experience and established ties to the Global South.
They must also demonstrate a clear intention to return to the Global South after completing their residency at Brookings and apply their knowledge and experience to support positive change.
5. Research and Analytical Skills
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
Strong analytical and writing skills.
An in-depth understanding of education, development and gender issues.
The ability to collaborate effectively with others.
Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Flexibility and the ability to learn quickly.
6. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English to participate effectively in research, programme activities and professional discussions.
Required Application Documents
The application must include both of the following attachments:
1. CV or résumé
Your CV should outline your educational qualifications and professional experience. It should also include relevant publications, fellowships, honours, awards, funded research projects and foundation support received, where applicable.
2. Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application
The application includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal. Applicants should complete the required sections and upload the document in the designated application area.
File Naming Requirements
Documents should be saved using the following format:
Last Name_First Name_Document Title
For example:
Doe_Jane_CV
Follow the programme's instructions carefully when naming and uploading your files.
Important: According to the supplied announcement, letters of recommendation, writing samples and academic transcripts are not required. Check the official application instructions in case requirements have changed.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Review the fellowship guidelines: Read the official programme information to understand the objectives, eligibility criteria and expectations.
Prepare your CV: Highlight your relevant professional experience, academic background, publications, awards and contributions to gender equality or education.
Develop your research proposal: Prepare a focused proposal addressing an issue related to gender-transformative education and the programme's objectives.
Complete the application form: Answer the written questionnaire and provide the required information.
Name your documents correctly: Use the prescribed file-naming format for your CV and completed application.
Submit your application: Follow the official instructions to upload both required attachments before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that their research proposals demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem they intend to address and explain how the research could contribute to improved educational opportunities and outcomes.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2026
Interested professionals should begin preparing their application documents early to allow sufficient time to develop a strong research proposal and demonstrate their experience in advancing gender equality through education.
Official Application Website
Visit the Brookings Institution's official website to find the Echidna Global Scholars Program information and application instructions:
Website: https://www.brookings.edu/
Look for the Center for Universal Education and the Echidna Global Scholars Program to locate the relevant application materials.
Final Note
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship is particularly relevant to experienced researchers, educators, policy professionals and civil society leaders seeking to strengthen their contribution to gender equality and education in the Global South.
Before applying, confirm the deadline, stipend conditions, residency arrangements and current eligibility requirements through the official Brookings Institution website.
How to apply