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 stipend totalling US$26,500 toward living costs across the pre-residency and residency periods (subject to U.S. tax withholding)
- Single-occupancy housing for the four-month Washington, D.C. residency
- Round-trip travel, plus support with the U.S. visa process
- A limited health insurance plan for the residency period
- 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
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Master · PhD
Experience required
≥ 10 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Prepare a cover letter and CV.
- 2Complete the program questionnaire.
- 3Submit a 3–5 page research proposal through the Brookings application portal before the deadline.
Program timeline
Application deadline for the 2026 fellowship (now closed)
Dec 15, 2025
Six-month fellowship cycle — remote pre-residency, in-person residency in Washington, D.C., then the post-residency period
2026
Next cycle
applications typically reopen in the autumn; confirm exact dates on the official page