Applications are open for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Program at Brookings’ Center for Universal Education (CUE). This visiting fellowship program aims to amplify the impact of local leaders advancing gender-transformative education across the Global South.
The CUE hosts the Echidna Global Scholars Program’s Visiting Fellowship within the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.
During their six-month Fellowship, Echidna Global Scholars conduct individual research to improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people. Additionally, they will develop their leadership and evidence-based policy skills, gain substantive knowledge of gender and global education issues, and broaden their impact pathways.
After completing the Fellowship, scholars join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network, a dedicated community of practice. They will start promoting their significant, persistent, and collective influence on gender-transformative education internationally, regionally, and locally.
Key Details
- Timing and Application Deadlines:
- Application deadline: December 1, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
- Phone screen interviews: December 7-18, 2026
- Program and final panel: January and February 2027
- Selection and invitations sent: February 16, 2027
- Acceptance date: February 23, 2027
- Kickoff and research design retreat: April 2027 (TBD)
- Fellowship – pre-residency start date: June 15, 2027
- Fellowship – residency in Washington, D.C.: August-December 2027
- Location: Washington, DC, USA
- Job ID: 2026-3918
- Qualification Required: Master’s Degree
- Experience Required: 10 years
- Language Requirement:English
- Fellowship Type: Full-time and fully funded
- Host Institution: Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution
Fellowship Structure
The Fellowship has three key phases:
- Pre-Residency: Scholars begin in-country research, data collection, and analysis while participating in virtual workshops and advisory sessions. They develop leadership skills and an impact strategy with a weekly commitment of about 15–20 hours
- Residency (Washington, D.C.): Focuses on refining research, expanding policy impact, and leadership development. Scholars analyze their data, write policy briefs with Brookings’ support, and present findings at the Gender Equality in and through Education Symposium.
- Post-Residency: Over two years, alumni implement impact projects in their home countries with continued mentorship from the CUE team. Graduates join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network (EGSAN)—a global community advancing gender equality in education through collaboration and research.
Benefits of the Echidna Global Scholars Program
The program benefits are as follows:
- Stipend of $26,500 USD for living costs during pre-residency and residency (subject to U.S. tax).
- Visa processing costs are fully covered.
- Single-occupancy housing provided for the 4-month residency period.
- Round-trip travel expenses covered.
- Limited health insurance plan included.
Fellows Responsibilities
Selected Echidna Global Scholars complete a two-month remote pre-residency and a four-month full-time residency at the Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C. During this period, they collaborate with the Center for Universal Education (CUE) to conduct research and design policy strategies that improve education and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people.
After residency, scholars implement community-based projects in their home countries and join the Echidna Alumni Network.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth research and produce an evidence-based policy paper.
- Present findings at Brookings events and engage in leadership development workshops.
- Develop a post-residency project to expand the research’s local impact.
- Actively participate in Brookings and CUE programs, discussions, and networking.
- Collaborate with education and gender equality stakeholders globally.
Qualification & Experience
Applicants should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements before applying to the Echidna Global Scholars Program:
- Applicants must have substantial professional experience and ties to the Global South.
- Should intend to return to the Global South after the Brookings residency.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving education and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people.
- Background in education, gender/women’s studies, development, public policy, economics, or social sciences/humanities.
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, NGOs, civil society, or government.
- Candidates with combined academic/government and community experience are highly encouraged.
- Master’s degree required.
- Strong knowledge of education, gender, and development issues.
- Excellent analytical, writing, and collaborative skills.
- Open to feedback, adaptable, and eager to learn.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in English.
Priority Areas for 2027
The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027 invites applications from education and gender equality leaders across the Global South, with priority given to the following:
- Geographic Focus: West Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America & the Caribbean, Southwest Asia, and North Africa.
- Context Focus: Regions affected by conflict, crisis, gender-based violence, child marriage, or limited sexual and reproductive rights.
- Target Communities: Marginalized girls, young women, gender non-conforming youth, displaced or nomadic populations, and out-of-schoo
l children.
- Research Focus: Projects advancing gender-transformative education, improving learning and life outcomes, and addressing systemic barriers through intersectional or decolonial approaches.
Applicants from other fields are welcome if they demonstrate how gender equality in education aligns with their ongoing or future work.
Required Documents
All applications must be submitted via the iCIMS system and include:
- CV or résumé including education, professional experience, publications, awards, and fellowships.
- Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application, which includes a written questionnaire and research proposal (upload under “Writing Sample”).
- Save files as: LastName_FirstName_DocumentName (e.g., Doe_Jane_CV).
Note: No letters of recommendation, transcripts, or additional writing samples are required at this stage.
Also, check these opportunities:
MOPGA Visiting Fellowship 2027 for Early Career Researchers
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program 2026 ($6,600 Stipend)
2026 Stanford Asia Health Policy Program Postdoctoral Fellowship