Echidna Global Scholar Visiting Fellowship 2027

The Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE) invites experienced professionals to apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship. The program advances gender equality in and through education. Applications close on 1 December 2026.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Center for Universal Education, Brookings Institution
• Funding: $26,500 stipend, plus visa, travel, housing, and health coverage
• Duration: About six months of research work, from mid-June to mid-December 2027
• Location: Washington, D.C., with remote work from home first
• Target Group: Experienced professionals with ties to the Global South
• Deadline: 1 December 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Focus Areas

• Gender equality in and through education
• Evidence-based policy research
• Leadership development
• Impact projects in home countries

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is the first stage of the Echidna Global Scholars Program. It has four phases:

• Kickoff retreat (April 2027): A one-week in-person session to refine the research proposal.
• Pre-residency (June to July 2027): Scholars collect data at home, about 15 to 20 hours weekly.
• Residency (August to December 2027): Scholars work full-time in Washington, D.C., analyzing data and writing a policy brief.
• Post-residency (2028 to 2029): CUE supports scholars as they carry out impact projects at home.

Graduates join an alumni network of over 50 scholars in more than 25 countries. Brookings is not an employer here, because this is a short-term fellowship.

What Fellows Receive

• A $26,500 stipend for living costs, subject to U.S. tax withholding
• Visa process costs and round-trip travel
• Kickoff retreat costs
• Single-occupancy housing during the four-month residency
• A limited health insurance plan
• Possible seed funding for impact projects after the residency

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• A Master’s degree
• At least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, civil society, or government
• A background in education, gender studies, development, public policy, economics, or a related field
• Substantial ties to the Global South and a clear plan to return there
• A demonstrated commitment to gender equality in education
• Proficiency in English
• Eligibility for a J-1 visa

Required Materials

• A CV listing education, experience, publications, and awards
• The Echidna Global Scholars application, with a written questionnaire and a research proposal
• Recommendation letters, writing samples, and transcripts are not required. Name files in the format Last Name_First Name_document name.

How to Apply

Submit both documents through the iCIMS application system before the deadline. Phone interviews run from 7 to 18 December 2026. Brookings will send invitations on 16 February 2027. A virtual information session takes place on 21 October 2026, from 8 to 9 AM ET.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers senior professionals funded time to turn research into policy impact. Eligible candidates should attend the information session and apply before 1 December 2026.

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