If you are an experienced education leader in the Global South working to give girls and young women a fairer chance at learning, the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027 could be your next step. Hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., this six-month fellowship gives researchers, practitioners and policymakers the time, mentorship and platform to produce research that shapes education policy back home. Applications close on 1 December 2026.
Programme Overview
- Host: Center for Universal Education, Brookings Institution
- Focus: Gender-transformative education, that is, improving learning and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people
- Length: Six-month fellowship, with ongoing support after the residency
- Location: Washington, D.C., with research and data collection in your home country
- Stipend: A reported $26,500 USD
- Deadline: 1 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
How the Fellowship Works
The programme runs in four stages:
- Kickoff and research design retreat (April 2027): Scholars meet, sharpen their research questions and plan their projects.
- Pre-residency (from mid-June 2027): Scholars start work from their home countries, including collecting data where needed.
- Residency in Washington, D.C. (August to December 2027): Scholars work alongside Brookings experts, write up their research and take part in seminars and policy events.
- Post-residency (2028–2029): Scholars receive continued support to share their findings and turn them into action in their countries.
Benefits
- Funding: A stipend (reported at $26,500) to support your research and time at Brookings
- A world-class platform: Research produced during the fellowship is typically published and promoted by Brookings, reaching policymakers and funders worldwide
- Mentorship: Close guidance from senior Brookings researchers on research design, writing and policy communication
- Global network: Join the Echidna alumni community, a network of education leaders across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East
- Lasting impact: Support after the residency helps you put your findings to work back home
Eligibility
The programme looks for experienced professionals. You should:
- Be from, or have strong ties to, a country in the Global South, and plan to return there after the fellowship
- Work in research, academia, an NGO, a community or civil society organisation, or government
- Have at least 10 years of professional experience
- Hold a master’s degree or higher in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities field
- Understand education development and gender issues
- Be proficient in English, since visa applicants may be asked to show this
- Be comfortable working collaboratively and taking feedback on your work
Required Documents
The application is refreshingly light. You only need:
- A CV or résumé listing your education, work experience, publications, fellowships, honours and any funded research
- The completed Echidna application, which includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal
Recommendation letters, writing samples and transcripts are not required at this stage.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Make your proposal specific to your context. Name the country, region or community, the problem facing girls’ education there and the data you can realistically gather.
- Connect research to policy. Explain who will use your findings, such as a ministry, NGO or school system, and what could change as a result.
- Show your track record. Highlight past leadership, publications or programmes that show you can deliver.
- Attend the information session. Brookings holds a virtual information session before the deadline, and it is a good chance to hear what reviewers look for.
How to Apply
- Read the full programme details on the official Brookings page.
- Prepare your CV and complete the application questionnaire and research proposal.
- Upload everything through the Brookings careers portal before 1 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST.
Apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027
More information: Echidna Global Scholars Program on Brookings.edu. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
