Echidna Global Scholars 2027: $26,500 Stipend, Apply Now

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Applications are now open for the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027, a Visiting Fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Selected Scholars receive a $26,500 stipend, a four-month residency at Brookings and support to turn their research into policy action. The program targets experienced professionals from the Global South who are committed to gender equality in and through education.

For African education leaders, researchers and policy advocates, this is a rare chance to join a respected alumni network and bring evidence to decision-makers. Since 2012, the program has hosted fifteen cohorts, and its alumni now work in more than 25 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas.

About the Echidna Global Scholars Program

The program aims to speed up systemic change for gender equality in and through education. It does this by strengthening leadership and ecosystems at local, regional and global levels. The Visiting Fellowship is the first stage, where Scholars conduct individual research, build policy and leadership skills and widen their pathways for impact.

The Center for Universal Education works with educators, policymakers, communities and young people to make learning inclusive, equitable and relevant. The Echidna program supports that mission by building evidence on gender equality in education across the Global South. Scholars understand their own communities well, so they are well placed to design solutions that fit local barriers.

The Four Phases of the Fellowship

Kickoff and research design retreat (April 2027): A one-week in-person retreat to refine your research proposal with the CUE team.
Pre-residency (June to July 2027): Intensive data collection and analysis in your home country, with virtual workshops and advisory sessions. Expect about 15 to 20 hours per week.
Residency (August to December 2027): Four months in Washington, D.C., analysing data, writing a policy brief and building leadership skills. This is a full-time commitment of roughly 40 hours per week.
Post-residency (2028 to 2029): Support to carry out impact projects at home and participation in a research and policy symposium.

Benefits of the Fellowship

$26,500 stipend: Covers living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods. It is subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting.
Visa support: CUE covers visa process costs.
Housing: Single-occupancy housing is provided for the four-month residency.
Travel: Round-trip travel and retreat costs are covered.
Health cover: A limited health insurance plan is included.
Publication: Your policy brief and commentaries are published on Brookings platforms.
Leadership development: Take part in an individualised leadership program.
Alumni network: Join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network (EGSAN).
Seed funding: You may be invited to apply for funds to implement an impact project.

Eligibility Requirements

The program selects professionals who:

Hold a Master’s degree (required)
Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in research or academia, NGOs, community or civil society organisations, or government
Have a background in education, gender or women’s studies, development, public policy, economics or a related social science or humanities field
Have substantial experience in and ties to the Global South, and a clear intent to return there after the residency
Show a proven commitment to gender equality in and through education
Demonstrate proficiency in English

Candidates with experience in both academic or government settings and community organisations are especially encouraged to apply. You must also be able to join the pre-residency activities and be available full time on site for the whole residency.

Application Process and Key Dates

All applications go through the iCIMS system on the Brookings careers site. Submit both of these documents:

A CV or resume listing your education, experience, publications, fellowships, awards and funded research
The completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application, which includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal (upload it in the “Writing sample” section)

Name your files as Last Name_First Name_document name, for example Doe_Jane_CV. Letters of recommendation, writing samples and transcripts are not required.

Key dates:

October 21, 2026: Information session, 8:00 to 9:00 am ET
December 1, 2026: Application deadline, 11:59 pm EST
December 7 to 18, 2026: Phone screen interviews
January to February 2027: Program and final panel
February 16, 2027: Selection and invitations sent
February 23, 2027: Acceptance date
April 2027: Kickoff and research design retreat
June 15, 2027: Pre-residency begins
August to December 2027: Residency in Washington, D.C.

Only applicants chosen for interviews will be contacted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Visa Information

Scholars must obtain a J-1 visa before the residency. Brookings will help but cannot guarantee a visa or entry into the U.S. Applicants who need visa sponsorship will have their English proficiency verified through an objective assessment.

Why You Should Apply: Tips for a Strong Application

Frame a clear policy problem. Your research proposal should name a specific gender and education barrier in your context.
Keep the scope realistic. The research must be completed within six months, with data collected before you travel.
Show Global South ties. Explain your community connections and your plan to return home.
Link research to action. Describe who needs your findings and how you will reach them.
Highlight cross-sector experience. Combine academic, government and community work if you have it.
Check your availability. The fellowship dates are fixed and will not change.
Attend the information session. It is a chance to ask questions before you submit.
Follow the file instructions. Use the correct naming format and upload both documents.

Conclusion

The Echidna Global Scholars Program gives experienced Global South leaders funding, a Washington residency and lasting support to advance gender equality in education. If you have the experience and a strong research idea, this fellowship can amplify your impact.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn

Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities global opportunities