Fellowship•USA · Washington · Hybrid

Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship

Funding

Partial / Stipend

Program dates

TBA

The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship is a six-month program run by the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE) in Washington, D.C. Each cohort of mid-career scholars with ties to the Global South conducts policy-relevant research aimed at improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people. The fellowship runs in three phases: a remote in-country pre-residency with virtual workshops and advisory sessions, an in-person residency at Brookings focused on research and leadership development, and a post-residency period back home to put an impact plan into practice, with continued support through the Echidna Alumni Network. The program was established in 2012 and has supported 14 cohorts; its alumni network spans 48 scholars from 25 countries.

Benefits & funding

  • A living stipend to support the pre-residency and residency periods
  • Single-occupancy housing during the Washington, D.C. residency
  • Mentorship and research guidance from Brookings/CUE staff, and publication of the scholar’s research
  • Membership in the Echidna Alumni Network: ongoing mentorship, collaborative research funding, and a quarterly dialogue series

Eligibility

  • Substantial ties to, and the intent to return to, a Global South country
  • A Master’s degree or higher in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related field
  • 10+ years of professional experience across research, NGO, community, civil society, or government work
  • Deep understanding of education development and gender issues; a mid-career profile with a demonstrated commitment to gender equity in education
  • English-language proficiency
  • Open to applicants of any gender who focus on gender-transformative education

Application process

  1. 1
    Prepare a cover letter and CV.
  2. 2
    Complete the program questionnaire.
  3. 3
    Submit a 3–5 page research proposal through the Brookings application portal before the deadline.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline for the 2026 fellowship (now closed)

    Dec 15, 2025

  2. Six-month fellowship cycle — remote pre-residency, in-person residency in Washington, D.C., then the post-residency period

    2026

  3. Next cycle

    applications typically reopen in the autumn; confirm exact dates on the official page