Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 — $26,500 Stipend for Global South Education Leaders

About the programme

The Echidna Global Scholars Program is hosted by the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. It supports local leaders working to improve educational opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people in countries across the Global South.

The 2027 Visiting Fellowship is intended for experienced professionals who want to use research, policy engagement and leadership development to address challenges affecting gender equality in education.

During the fellowship, scholars develop an original research project, examine education policy issues in their home countries, and work with Brookings researchers to translate evidence into policy recommendations. The programme also helps fellows strengthen their professional networks and develop plans for applying their research after returning home.

The fellowship combines research in the scholar's home country with a four-month residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C. Participants receive continued support after the residency to help them turn their research findings into practical change.

Who can apply

Applicants must meet the programme's professional, academic and experience requirements.

• Have substantial professional experience and established ties to a country in the Global South.
• Demonstrate a clear intention to return to their home country after completing the Washington, D.C. residency.
• Hold a master's degree or higher.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, government, nongovernmental organisations, community organisations or civil society.
• Have a background in education, gender or women's studies, international or global development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities discipline.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing gender equality in and through education.
• Understand education development and gender-related challenges in their country or region.
• Have strong research, analytical and writing skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Be willing to participate in the pre-residency activities and commit to the full-time, in-person residency in Washington, D.C.

Applicants with experience across academic or government institutions and community organisations are particularly encouraged.

This fellowship is designed for mid-career leaders rather than recent graduates or applicants seeking funding for a first degree.

What you get

1. US$26,500 stipend

Selected fellows receive a total stipend of US$26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency phases. The stipend is subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting.

2. Travel and visa support

The programme covers costs associated with the visa process and round-trip travel expenses. Scholars should note that visa support does not guarantee visa approval.

3. Accommodation and health insurance

Brookings provides single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency and a limited health insurance plan during the relevant period.

4. Research and policy development

Fellows receive support from the Center for Universal Education team to carry out research, analyse findings, and produce an evidence-based policy paper and other policy-focused outputs.

5. Leadership development

The programme includes individual and group workshops, research guidance, leadership development activities, and opportunities to engage with researchers, policymakers and other practitioners.

6. Post-residency support

After the residency, scholars receive support to implement impact projects in their home countries. They also join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network and may participate in additional collaborative research and policy activities.

The fellowship is not a permanent job with Brookings, and the stipend should not be interpreted as an annual salary.

Fellowship structure

The programme has four phases.

Phase 1 — Kickoff and research-design retreat, April 2027

Scholars meet with the programme team to refine their research questions, establish a research design, plan data collection and develop a strategy for policy impact.

Phase 2 — Pre-residency, June–July 2027

Fellows work remotely from their home countries, undertaking data collection and initial analysis. They also participate in virtual workshops and advisory sessions. The expected time commitment is approximately 15–20 hours per week.

Phase 3 — Residency at Brookings, August–December 2027

Scholars spend four months in Washington, D.C., working full-time on research analysis, policy writing and leadership development. They engage with Brookings staff, participate in relevant events and develop policy recommendations based on their findings.

Phase 4 — Post-residency, 2028–2029

Fellows receive continued support to apply their research in their home countries, develop impact projects and participate in the programme's research and policy network.

How to apply

1. Read the official fellowship information: https://www.brookings.edu/echidna-global-scholars-program/
2. Review the application process and eligibility requirements: https://www.brookings.edu/about-the-echidna-global-scholars-program-and-the-application-process/
3. Open the official Brookings recruitment page: https://careers-brookings.icims.com/jobs/3918/echidna-global-scholar/job
4. Prepare your CV or résumé, detailing your education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards and funded research.
5. Complete the Echidna Global Scholars Program application, which includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal.
6. Upload the required documents through Brookings' iCIMS application system. Follow the prescribed file-naming instructions.
7. Submit the completed application by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide additional information or references.

Documents required

The initial application requires:

• CV or résumé: Include education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards and relevant funded research.
• Completed application questionnaire: Answer the questions required by the Echidna Global Scholars Program.
• Research proposal: Submit a 3–5 page proposal for an original project focused on improving educational opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people in the applicant's country.
• Cover letter: Include the cover letter requested in the programme's application guidance.

The documents should be saved according to Brookings' file-naming instructions, which use the applicant's surname, first name and document name.

Letters of recommendation, separate writing samples and academic transcripts are not required with the initial application. Brookings may request additional materials or references from candidates selected for interviews.

Important dates

• October 6, 2026: Official vacancy posted.
• December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time: Application deadline.
• December 7–18, 2026: Scheduled initial phone-screen interviews.
• January–February 2027: Programme and final-panel assessment.
• February 16, 2027: Expected selection announcements and invitations.
• February 23, 2027: Expected acceptance deadline.
• April 2027: Research-design retreat.
• June 15, 2027: Expected pre-residency start.
• August–December 2027: Residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C.
• 2028–2029: Post-residency support and impact activities.

Dates are provided in the official fellowship vacancy and may be subject to change.

Official links

Programme information: https://www.brookings.edu/echidna-global-scholars-program/

Application process: https://www.brookings.edu/about-the-echidna-global-scholars-program-and-the-application-process/

Official application portal: https://careers-brookings.icims.com/jobs/3918/echidna-global-scholar/job

Host institution: Brookings Institution, Center for Universal Education.