Deadline: December 15, 2025
Are you a mid-career leader passionate about advancing education for girls and young women in the Global South? The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded fellowship offers selected scholars the opportunity to strengthen their research, leadership, and policy impact skills at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE) in Washington, D.C.
About the Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2026
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2026 is a six-month programme designed to build the research, leadership, and impact capacity of education leaders from the Global South. It provides a unique platform for mid-career professionals to develop gender-transformative education research and influence global and national education policies.
Hosted by the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE), the fellowship brings together a diverse group of leaders committed to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2026 is 15 December 2025. Early preparation is strongly encouraged to allow time for proposal development and required documentation.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and logistical support, including:
- Stipend: USD $26,500
- Travel: Round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C.
- Accommodation: Single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency period
- Visa Costs: Fully covered
- Health Insurance: Limited coverage during the residency
In addition, fellows benefit from two years of post-residency support to implement their impact strategies in their home countries.
Fellowship Structure
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2026 is divided into three key phases:
1. Pre-Residency (Home Country)
- Virtual workshops and training sessions
- Data collection and research preparation
- Development of a strategic impact plan
2. Residency in Washington, D.C.
- Research dissemination and publication
- Leadership development and mentoring
- Networking with global education stakeholders
- Presentation at a virtual symposium hosted by Brookings Institution
3. Post-Residency (Home Country)
- Implementation of the fellow’s impact plan
- Continued support and mentorship from the CUE team
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a mid-career leader with significant experience improving education outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people in the Global South.
- Hold a Master’s degree or higher in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related social science/humanities field.
- Have at least 10 years of professional experience in research/academia, government, or civil society.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of gender and education development issues.
- Be committed to returning to their home country to implement their impact plan after the fellowship.
- Be proficient in English (speaking and writing).
Required Application Materials
To apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2026, applicants must submit:
- A cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV)
- A completed questionnaire
- A 3–5 page research proposal, outlining a practical and impactful project that addresses challenges in girls’ education or gender equality in the applicant’s home country
The research proposal should demonstrate clear objectives, strong local relevance, and realistic implementation plans.
Why You Should Apply
Benefits of applying include:
- Access to world-class leadership and research development opportunities
- Exposure to international policy dialogues and influential networks
- A prestigious platform to amplify your impact in gender and education fields
- Continued post-fellowship support to make lasting change
Things to consider:
- The fellowship is competitive, so a well-developed research proposal is essential.
- Fellows must commit to a four-month residency in Washington, D.C., so planning for temporary relocation is necessary.
- Clear alignment between your project and local education needs will strengthen your application.
Important Links
Need Help With Your Proposal?
If you need professional assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or review, contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review. A strong and well-structured proposal significantly increases your chances of being selected.
