Echidna Global Scholars Program – Brookings Institution

The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully funded six-month visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution. It’s designed for experienced mid-career leadersfrom the Global South who are working to improve gender-transformative education and expand learning opportunities for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people.

What’s Offered

• A structured six-month fellowship blending research, leadership development, policy communication, and networking in Washington, D.C.

• Financial support including a stipend of approximately USD 26,500 for living costs during pre-residency and residency phases.

• Coverage for travel, visa, health insurance and housing during the residency period.

• Engagement with global education policy platforms, publication opportunities, and connections to leaders in research, government, and development.

• Continued access to the Echidna Alumni Network for two years after the fellowship, fostering long-term impact and collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a mid-career professional from a Global South country with a strong track record in education, gender equality, public policy, development, or related social sciences.

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or higher and typically have 10+ years of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated commitment to gender-transformative education and the ability to conduct independent, policy-oriented research.

• Proficiency in English is required.

Process & Structure

• The fellowship includes three phases:

  • Pre-residency (research design and virtual workshops in the home country)

  • Residency (intensive research, leadership development, and policy engagement in Washington, D.C.)

  • Post-residency support (continued alumni engagement and implementation of impact strategies).

• Scholars conduct independent research, disseminate findings on Brookings platforms, participate in leadership training, and build global networks.

Deadline

• 15 December 2025 is the application deadline for the 2026 cohort.