Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded Visiting Fellowship at Brookings Institution in the USA
Applications are now open for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE) in the United States.
The Echidna Global Scholars Program supports local leaders from the Global South who are working to advance gender-transformative education and improve learning opportunities for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people.
The six-month visiting fellowship provides an opportunity for selected scholars to conduct independent research, strengthen their leadership and policy skills, and develop strategies for influencing education systems and policies in their home countries.
Researchers, education practitioners, gender equality advocates and development leaders committed to advancing educational equity are encouraged to explore this opportunity.
Application deadline: 1 December 2026.
Fellowship Overview
- Programme: Echidna Global Scholars Program
- Host Institution: Brookings Institution
- Research Centre: Center for Universal Education (CUE)
- Location: United States
- Duration: Six months
- Programme Type: Visiting Research Fellowship
- Focus Areas: Girls’ education, gender equality, education policy and social development
- Eligible Regions: Global South
- Application Status: Open
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
About the Echidna Global Scholars Program
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is an initiative of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution.
The programme seeks to strengthen the influence of local leaders working to improve educational opportunities and advance gender equality across the Global South.
Since its establishment in 2012, the programme has hosted 14 cohorts and developed an alumni network of 48 scholars representing 25 countries.
Through research, leadership development and international collaboration, the programme supports individuals working to address barriers affecting girls’ education and gender equality.
The initiative is made possible through the generous contribution of Echidna Giving.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Selected scholars participate in a six-month visiting fellowship designed to strengthen their research, leadership and policy influence.
The programme provides opportunities to:
- Conduct individual research on gender-transformative education.
- Strengthen leadership and evidence-based policy development skills.
- Develop deeper knowledge of gender and global education challenges.
- Engage with researchers, policymakers and education experts.
- Build international professional networks.
- Develop pathways for influencing education policies and systems.
- Join the Echidna Alumni Network after completing the fellowship.
The fellowship also provides a platform for scholars to share their research and contribute to global discussions on educational equity.
Applicants should consult the official programme information for details of financial support, travel arrangements and other fellowship benefits.
Research Areas and Focus
The programme focuses on advancing gender-transformative education, particularly in communities across the Global South.
Potential research interests include:
Girls’ Education: Improving access to quality education and addressing barriers that prevent girls from completing their education.
Gender Equality: Examining how education systems, policies and institutions can promote gender equality.
Young Women’s Leadership: Strengthening opportunities for young women to participate in leadership and decision-making.
Education Policy: Developing evidence-based recommendations to improve education outcomes.
Social and Economic Inclusion: Addressing structural inequalities that affect educational opportunities and life outcomes.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is designed for local leaders, researchers, activists, policymakers and practitioners working to advance gender-transformative education in the Global South.
Potential applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to improving educational opportunities for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people.
The programme is particularly relevant to professionals working in:
- Education and education policy.
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Research and academia.
- International development.
- Civil society and advocacy.
- Education leadership and institutional reform.
Applicants should demonstrate how their research and professional experience can contribute to meaningful improvements in education systems and opportunities.
Fellowship Structure
The six-month fellowship combines individual research with leadership development and policy engagement.
During the programme, scholars work on research projects addressing challenges affecting gender equality and education.
They also strengthen their ability to translate research findings into practical policy recommendations and initiatives.
After completing the fellowship, participants join the Echidna Alumni Network, a growing community of scholars committed to advancing gender-transformative education locally and globally.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Echidna Global Scholars Program application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria, application instructions and supporting documentation requirements before beginning their applications.
For additional information, applicants can:
- Visit the official programme website.
- Watch the virtual information session.
- Review the application guidance.
- Explore publications from previous scholars.
- Contact the programme team with questions.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship are currently open.
The programme offers an opportunity for Global South leaders to strengthen their research, leadership and policy influence while contributing to more equitable education systems.
Interested applicants should consult the official Brookings website for the complete application requirements and submission instructions.
Explore more international fellowships, research opportunities, scholarships and development programmes through ResearchJobsHub.
