Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 at Brookings: US$26,500 Stipend

Applications are open for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship, hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution.

The programme supports experienced leaders working to advance gender equality through education in the Global South. Scholars investigate challenges affecting girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people, while strengthening their leadership and ability to use research to inform policy.

The six-month fellowship combines individual research, professional development and engagement with education specialists. After completing it, scholars join the Echidna Alumni Network to continue learning and collaborating with other programme participants. 

Funding and benefits

You receive US$26,500 in total for pre-residency and residency living costs, subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting.

Additional coverage includes:

• Visa-process expenses.
• Research-design retreat costs.
• Single-occupancy housing for four months.
• Round-trip travel.
• Limited health insurance. Official funding details

Programme schedule and commitment

Complete data collection and initial analysis before residency. A J-1 visa is required; issuance is not guaranteed. Programme requirements

Eligibility criteria

To qualify, you should:

• Hold a Master’s degree or higher.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, government, nongovernmental organisations, community organisations or civil society.
• Have a relevant background in education, development, public policy, economics, social sciences or humanities.
• Demonstrate substantial experience and connections in the Global South, with a clear intention to return there.
• Show a sustained commitment to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people.
• Understand education, development and gender issues.
• Demonstrate English proficiency, collaborative skills, openness to feedback and willingness to learn. Complete eligibility guidance

Research proposal

Brookings’ application guidance specifies a 3–5-page research proposal. Your proposed study should build evidence that can improve educational opportunities and life outcomes in your country. Research proposal guidance

You can explore the programme’s scholars and their research to understand its focus on gender equality, education and locally relevant policy questions.

How to apply

1. Open the official vacancy.
2. Prepare your CV and completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application, including its questionnaire and research proposal.
3. Upload the completed application document under “Writing sample”.
4. Submit through iCIMS before the deadline.

Separate writing samples, recommendation letters and transcripts are not initially required. Submission instructions

Cover-letter clarification: Brookings’ general guidance also mentions a cover letter, while the current vacancy specifies the two attachments above. Check the live application requirements and seek clarification from the programme if necessary. General application guidance

Application deadline

1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Official deadline

Selection timetable

• 7–18 December 2026: Telephone screening.
• January–February 2027: Programme and final panel interviews.
• 16 February 2027: Invitations.
• 23 February 2027: Acceptance deadline.

Only interview-selected applicants will be contacted. Selection schedule

Information session

Brookings is holding a virtual information session on 21 October 2026. You can use it to learn about the fellowship and clarify application requirements. Register through the official programme page

Official information and application

• Apply: Echidna Global Scholar vacancy and application portal
• Programme information: Echidna Global Scholars Program
• Eligibility and guidance: About the application process