Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 ($26,500 stipend)
Overview
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 is run by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings. It supports local leaders in the Global South who work on gender-transformative education. Over six months, each scholar carries out an individual research project aimed at improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender-nonconforming people, while also building leadership and evidence-based policy skills.
The fellowship runs in four phases. A one-week kickoff and research design retreat takes place in April 2027, where scholars meet the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education team in person to refine their proposals. A pre-residency phase follows in June and July 2027, with in-country data collection and analysis, virtual workshops and advisory sessions, at roughly 15 to 20 hours a week. The residency in Washington, D.C. runs from August to December 2027 and centres on turning the research into a policy brief and commentaries published on Brookings platforms. A post-residency phase in 2028 and 2029 includes a research and policy symposium and support for impact projects back in the scholars' home countries.
What you get
Selected scholars receive a stipend totalling $26,500 USD for living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods, subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting. CUE also covers visa costs, the kickoff retreat, single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency, round-trip travel and a limited health insurance plan.
Who can apply
The programme looks for professionals with substantial experience in and ties to the Global South, a clear intention to return there after the residency, and a demonstrated commitment to gender equality in and through education. Applicants should have a background in education, gender or women's studies, international development, public policy, economics or a related social science or humanities field, with at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, non-governmental, community or civil society organisations, or government. A Master's degree and proficiency in English are required.
How to apply
Applications need two attachments: a CV or resume listing education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards and funded research, and the completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application, which includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal. Files should be named in the format Last Name_First Name_document name. Letters of recommendation, writing samples and transcripts are not required.
Key dates
The application deadline is December 1, 2026. The kickoff retreat is in April 2027 and the residency runs August to December 2027.