Brookings Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship 2027: $26,500 Stipend for Education and Gender Equality Leaders
Overview
The Brookings Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship 2027 is hosted by the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution in the United States. The programme aims to strengthen the leadership, research capabilities, and influence of experienced professionals who work to advance gender equality through education. Selected participants engage in original research, leadership development, policy engagement, and strategic planning to address challenges affecting girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people in their home countries.
Who can apply
Applicants must be experienced professionals from the Global South with a strong record of working to improve education and gender equality. Candidates are required to hold a master's degree or higher in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities field. In addition, applicants must possess at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, nongovernmental organizations, community or civil society organizations, or government. Candidates need to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes, substantial ties to a country in the Global South with an intention to return, and proficiency in English.
What you get
Selected scholars receive a total stipend of US$26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency phases, which is subject to United States tax withholding and reporting requirements. The programme also covers single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency period at Brookings in Washington, D.C., round-trip travel support, support for visa-related costs, and a limited health insurance plan. Participants also benefit from research design activities, workshops, advisory sessions, and leadership development.
Requirements
Applicants must submit a current CV or résumé detailing their education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards, and relevant research support. Candidates also need to complete the Echidna Global Scholars Program application questionnaire and provide a three to five-page research proposal outlining a project designed to improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people in their country. Initial applications do not require letters of recommendation, writing samples, or academic transcripts.
Key dates
The application deadline is 1 December 2026. The fellowship schedule begins in April 2027 with a research design retreat. The pre-residency phase takes place from June to July 2027, requiring 15 to 20 hours per week for research and data collection in the scholar's home country alongside virtual workshops and advisory sessions. The full-time on-site residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C., runs from August to December 2027.