The Brookings Institution is inviting applications for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship, offering a $26,500 stipend, travel support, housing and health insurance for eligible mid-career professionals advancing girls’ education in the Global South. Apply by 1 December 2026.
Background & Job Description
The Brookings Institution is accepting applications for its 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Program Visiting Fellowship, hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) in Washington, D.C., United States.
The programme supports experienced professionals working to advance gender equality through education across the Global South. It brings together researchers, educators, policy specialists and community leaders seeking to improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people.
Selected scholars receive a total stipend of US$26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods. The programme also covers round-trip travel expenses, single-occupancy housing during the four-month residency, visa-related costs, specified retreat expenses and a limited health insurance plan.
The fellowship combines independent research, leadership development, policy engagement and professional networking. Scholars develop evidence-based research and policy recommendations, with support to translate their findings into practical improvements in their home countries.
Applications close on 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Brookings Institution |
| Programme | Echidna Global Scholars Program |
| Host centre | Center for Universal Education (CUE) |
| Fellowship year | 2027 |
| Main location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Pre-residency | June–July 2027 |
| Residency | August–December 2027 |
| Total stipend | US$26,500 |
| Education requirement | Master’s degree or higher |
| Professional experience | At least 10 years |
| Eligible applicants | Experienced professionals with substantial ties to the Global South |
| Application deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| Official application | Brookings Echidna Global Scholar Vacancy |
Tasks
Echidna Global Scholars will conduct individual research projects focused on improving gender equality in and through education. The programme aims to strengthen the evidence available to policymakers and practitioners while helping scholars develop strategies for lasting impact in their countries.
Responsibilities include collecting and analysing data, developing research proposals, writing evidence-based policy papers and presenting findings and recommendations at Brookings-organised events.
Participants will also take part in leadership development activities, workshops, research discussions and networking opportunities. They will engage with policymakers, educators, researchers and community organisations in their home countries and internationally.
During the residency, scholars work closely with the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education team to turn their research into an action-oriented policy brief and strategic commentaries for publication through Brookings platforms.
Following the residency, scholars will be supported as they develop and implement impact projects in their home countries.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or higher.
Relevant academic backgrounds include:
- Education.
- Gender and women’s studies.
- International or global development.
- Public policy.
- Economics.
- Related social science or humanities disciplines.
Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of education, development and gender equality issues.
Professional Experience
The programme targets mid-career professionals with at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, non-governmental organisations, community organisations, civil society or government.
Candidates with experience spanning both academic or government institutions and community organisations are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate substantial professional experience in and connections to the Global South, a clear intention to return to a country in the region after the Washington, D.C., residency, and a strong commitment to improving educational opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people.
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, English proficiency and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
The programme also values openness to feedback, flexibility, leadership potential and the capacity to translate research into evidence-informed policy and practical community change.
Additional Information
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship offers the following financial and professional support:
- US$26,500 total stipend to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods, subject to US tax withholding and reporting.
- Round-trip travel expenses.
- Single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency in Washington, D.C.
- Support for visa-related costs.
- Coverage of costs associated with the April 2027 kickoff and research design retreat.
- A limited health insurance plan.
- Leadership development, research mentorship and access to Brookings’ academic and policy networks.
This is a short-term fellowship, not an employee position at Brookings. Applicants should also note that the institution cannot guarantee visa issuance or admission into the United States.
Fellowship Structure
The programme consists of four phases.
1. Kickoff and Research Design Retreat — April 2027
Scholars will meet with the CUE team to refine their research proposals, identify policy problems, develop study designs and plan data collection.
2. Pre-residency — June–July 2027
Participants will work from their home countries, conducting data collection and initial analysis. They will also attend virtual workshops, group working meetings and individual advisory sessions. The expected commitment is approximately 15–20 hours per week.
3. Residency — August–December 2027
Scholars will undertake a full-time, on-site residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C., requiring approximately 40 hours per week. They will complete research analysis and writing, develop policy recommendations, participate in leadership development and build professional networks.
4. Post-residency — 2028–2029
Following the residency, scholars will receive continued guidance and leadership support as they implement research-informed impact projects in their home countries. They will also join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The published recruitment schedule includes phone screening interviews from 7–18 December 2026, further programme and final panel interviews during January and February 2027, and selection notifications on 16 February 2027. Successful candidates are expected to accept their invitations by 23 February 2027.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit both of the following:
- CV or résumé: Include education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards, funded research and foundation support received.
- Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application: This includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal of three to five pages.
The application documents must be saved using the required naming format:
Last Name_First Name_document name
For example: Doe_Jane_CV.
The application form must be uploaded in the designated “Writing sample” section of the online application.
Brookings states that letters of recommendation, separate writing samples and academic transcripts are not required at the initial application stage. Additional materials and references may be requested from candidates selected for interviews.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the official fellowship information.
Visit the Echidna Global Scholars Program application guidance to understand the eligibility requirements and application process.
Step 2: Prepare your CV and research proposal.
Compile your professional background, publications and relevant awards. Complete the programme application, including the questionnaire and research proposal focused on improving gender equality in and through education in your country.
Step 3: Submit your application online.
Applications must be submitted through Brookings’ iCIMS recruitment system.
Apply for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship
Ensure that both required attachments are included and named correctly. Incomplete applications and submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Information Session
Brookings has announced a virtual information session for prospective applicants on 21 October 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Interested candidates can use the official Zoom registration link provided in the fellowship announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship?
It is a visiting fellowship at the Brookings Institution that supports experienced professionals working to improve gender equality and educational opportunities for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people in the Global South.
2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Selected scholars receive a total stipend of US$26,500, alongside specified housing, travel, visa-related and health insurance support.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or higher, have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, demonstrate English proficiency and show a clear commitment to gender equality in and through education in the Global South.
4. Is the fellowship open to applicants from African countries?
The programme is designed for mid-career leaders with substantial experience and ties to the Global South. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to return to a country in the region after the residency.
5. Where is the fellowship based?
The residential phase takes place at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., United States. The pre-residency phase is conducted from scholars’ home countries.
6. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
7. Are recommendation letters required?
No. Recommendation letters, separate writing samples and academic transcripts are not required at the initial application stage. Additional materials and references may be requested from shortlisted candidates.
8. What documents must applicants submit?
Applicants must submit a CV or résumé and the completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application, including the written questionnaire and a three-to-five-page research proposal.
9. Does the fellowship provide accommodation and travel support?
Yes. Brookings covers round-trip travel expenses and single-occupancy housing during the four-month residency, as well as specified visa and retreat costs and a limited health insurance plan.
10. Is this a paid employment position?
No. It is a short-term fellowship rather than an employee position. The programme provides a stipend to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship offers an opportunity for experienced education and gender equality leaders to strengthen their research, policy influence and leadership skills through a structured programme at Brookings.
The US$26,500 stipend, housing, travel assistance and research mentorship make it a potentially valuable opportunity for established professionals in the Global South. However, it is highly targeted: applicants need a Master’s degree or higher, at least 10 years of professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to improving educational outcomes for girls and young women.
Eligible candidates should begin preparing their research proposals and application documents well ahead of the 1 December 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external fellowship and professional development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Brookings Institution and does not participate in selection decisions. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, funding arrangements and application instructions through the official programme website.
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