Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 at Brookings: $26,500 Stipend
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 at the Brookings Institution is now open for applications. The six-month fellowship supports mid-career leaders from the Global South working to advance gender equality through education.
- FundingUS$26,500 total
- Duration6 months
- Who can applyAfghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India…
- Application feeFree
Overview
Applications close on December 1, 2026.
The fellowship is hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings and focuses on improving educational opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people.
Scholars develop an individual research project connected to education and gender equality in their country or region. The programme includes research, leadership development, policy engagement and collaboration with Brookings experts.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Fellowship
- Host
- Brookings Institution – Center for Universal Education
- Location
- Washington, D.C., USA + home-country research
- Duration
- 6 months
- Detail
- Information
- Phone screening
- December 7–18, 2026
- Programme & final panel
- January–February 2027
- Selection notifications
- February 16, 2027
- Kickoff & research retreat
- April 2027
- Pre-residency
- From around June 15, 2027
- Washington, d.c. residency
- August–December 2027
Funding
- Stipend
- US$26,500 total
- Application fee
- Free
- Housing
- Single-occupancy housing for 4-month D.C. residency
- Travel
- Round-trip travel covered
- Visa costs
- Visa-process costs covered
- Health insurance
- Limited health insurance
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- Master’s degree or higher
- Work experience
- At least 10 years
- Age limit
- None
- Nationality
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zimbabwe.
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Have substantial professional experience and ties to a Global South country
- Intend to return to the Global South after the fellowship
- Hold a Master’s degree or higher
- Have at least 10 years of professional experience
- Have a background in education, development, public policy, economics, gender/women’s studies, or a related social sciences or humanities field
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing gender equality through education
- Have an in-depth understanding of education, development and gender issues
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Be able to collaborate and work effectively with others
There is no single nationality list specified by Brookings. Applicants must have substantial experience and ties to a country in the Global South and demonstrate a clear intention to return there after the fellowship.
Applicants need to submit:
- CV or résumé
- Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application
- Written questionnaire
- 3–5 page research proposal
The initial application does not require recommendation letters, academic transcripts or a separate writing sample.
What you get
Selected scholars receive:
- US$26,500 stipend for living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods
- Single-occupancy housing in Washington, D.C. for four months
- Round-trip travel
- Visa-process costs
- Costs associated with the kickoff and research-design retreat
- Limited health insurance
The $26,500 stipend is subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting.
Is the Fellowship Fully Funded?
The fellowship provides substantial coverage for the programme’s major expenses, including housing, travel and visa-process costs. However, the $26,500 stipend is taxable, and Brookings describes the health insurance as limited.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that every personal expense will be covered.
How to apply
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your CV.
- Complete the Echidna Global Scholars application and questionnaire.
- Prepare the required 3–5 page research proposal.
- Submit the application through the Brookings recruitment portal before December 1, 2026.
Minimum Degree Required
Master’s degree or higher.
The degree should be in education, gender/women’s studies, international or global development, public policy, economics, or a related social sciences or humanities field.
Work Experience
Applicants need at least 10 years of professional experience in areas such as:
- Research or academia
- NGOs
- Community organizations
- Civil society
- Government
Candidates with experience across academic/government institutions and community organizations are particularly encouraged.
Age Limit
Brookings does not state a specific minimum or maximum age requirement for the fellowship.
The programme is designed for mid-career leaders, with the 10-year professional experience requirement being a key eligibility criterion.
Research Focus
The proposed research should contribute to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for:
- Girls
- Young women
- Gender-nonconforming people
The research should address gender and education issues relevant to the applicant’s country or context.
Fellowship Structure
The 2027 fellowship includes:
Kickoff & Research Design Retreat — April 2027
Scholars begin refining their research project and research methodology.
Pre-Residency — June–July 2027
Scholars conduct research and data collection in their home-country context while participating in virtual sessions. The expected commitment is approximately 15–20 hours per week.
Washington, D.C. Residency — August–December 2027
Scholars work full-time at Brookings, analyze their research and develop policy-focused outputs.
Post-Residency — 2028–2029
Scholars receive continued support as they work toward translating their research into impact in their home countries.
Application Fee and Hidden Charges
Application fee: No application fee is stated by Brookings.
Brookings covers visa-process costs, round-trip travel, D.C. housing, the research-design retreat and limited health insurance. The main financial consideration is that the $26,500 stipend is subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting.
Official Links
Final Note
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 is currently open, but it is specifically designed for experienced professionals. The combination of a Master’s degree, 10+ years of professional experience, Global South ties and a strong background in gender and education makes this a highly specialized fellowship.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
It provides a $26,500 stipend, housing, round-trip travel, visa-process costs, retreat costs and limited health insurance. However, the stipend is taxable and the health insurance is limited.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated by Brookings.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The program is intended for leaders with substantial experience and ties to countries in the Global South.
Is a master’s degree required?
Yes. A master’s degree or higher is required.
How much work experience is required?
Applicants need at least 10 years of professional experience.
Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit is stated.
Where does the fellowship take place?
The fellowship includes research in the scholar’s home-country context and a four-month full-time residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C.
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