The Brookings Institution is inviting applications for the 2027 Echidna Global Scholars Program Visiting Fellowship, an opportunity for experienced professionals committed to advancing gender equality in and through education across the Global South. The fellowship supports researchers, education specialists, policymakers and community leaders who want to generate evidence-based solutions to educational inequality and influence policy in their home countries. Hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings in Washington, D.C., the programme combines research, leadership development, policy engagement and long-term support for impact projects. Selected scholars will receive a total stipend of US$26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods. Additional benefits include round-trip travel, single-occupancy accommodation during the four-month residency, support with visa-related costs, expenses associated with the research design retreat and a limited health insurance plan. The application deadline is 1 December 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Fellowship Overview Programme: Echidna Global Scholars Program – Visiting Fellowship Host institution: Brookings Institution Host department: Center for Universal Education Location: Washington, D.C., United States Target applicants: Experienced professionals with strong ties to the Global South Stipend: US$26,500 in total Education requirement: Master’s degree Professional experience: At least 10 years Pre-residency: June–July 2027, approximately 15–20 hours per week Residency: August–December 2027, full-time and on-site Programme start: Around 15 June 2027 Application deadline: 1 December 2026 About the Echidna Global Scholars Program The Echidna Global Scholars Program seeks to accelerate systemic change for gender equality in and through education. It supports leaders who understand the challenges facing their communities and can develop research-informed strategies to improve educational opportunities for girls and young women. The programme is part of the Center for Universal Education’s broader work to build inclusive, equitable and high-quality education systems. It combines professional development with research and policy engagement, helping scholars strengthen their ability to influence decision-makers and implement lasting change. The programme has supported scholars working across Africa, Asia and the Americas. Following the fellowship, participants join the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network, which promotes collaborative research, shared learning, professional connections and collective action. Fellowship Structure and Activities The programme consists of four interconnected phases. 1. Kickoff and Research Design Retreat — April 2027 Selected scholars will participate in a one-week, in-person retreat with the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education team. The retreat will help participants refine their research proposals, define policy problems, design research studies and plan data collection. 2. Pre-Residency — June–July 2027 Scholars will work remotely from their home countries for approximately two months, committing around 15–20 hours per week. Activities include in-country data collection, preliminary analysis, virtual workshops, group meetings and individual advisory sessions. Participants will also begin developing an impact strategy and identifying local stakeholders who could help translate their research into practical change. 3. Residency at Brookings — August–December 2027 The four-month residency in Washington, D.C., requires a full-time commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. Scholars will analyse their research findings, work closely with the CUE team and translate their research into an action-oriented policy brief and strategic commentaries for publication through Brookings’ platforms. They will also participate in leadership development, seminars, meetings, presentations and networking activities involving education, gender equality and global development professionals. 4. Post-Residency — 2028–2029 Following the residency, scholars will receive support as they apply their research findings in their home countries. Activities include impact planning, strategic advice, leadership development and participation in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium. Scholars may also be invited to apply for seed funding to implement an impact project based on their research. Who Can Apply? The programme targets experienced professionals with substantial experience in and connections to the Global South. Applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to return to the Global South after completing their residency and a strong commitment to advancing gender equality through education. Eligible professional backgrounds include: Education and educational research Gender and women’s studies International or global development Public policy and economics Related social sciences or humanities disciplines Applicants must hold a Master’s degree and have at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, non-governmental organisations, community or civil society organisations, or government. Candidates with experience in both academic or government settings and community organisations are particularly encouraged to apply. All scholars must demonstrate English proficiency and possess strong analytical, research and writing skills. Successful candidates should also be able to collaborate effectively, give and receive feedback, adapt to changing circumstances and engage constructively with diverse stakeholders. Fellowship Funding and Benefits Selected scholars will receive a total stipend of US$26,500, subject to applicable United States tax withholding and reporting requirements. The programme also covers or provides: Round-trip travel expenses. Single-occupancy housing for the four-month residency. Costs associated with the visa process. Expenses associated with the kickoff and research design retreat. A limited health insurance plan. Research mentorship and leadership development. Opportunities to publish policy work and engage with international education and development networks. The stipend supports living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods. Applicants should review the official programme terms to understand their financial responsibilities and the precise scope of the benefits. Research and Participation Requirements Scholars must complete a research project within the six-month pre-residency and residency period. Data collection and initial analysis must be completed in their home countries before the Washington residency begins. Further analysis and writing must be completed during the residency. Participants must also develop an evidence-based policy paper, present research findings and recommendations at Brookings-organised events, engage with relevant policy and community stakeholders, and prepare a post-residency project proposal. The residency dates are fixed, and scholars must be available for the full-time, on-site programme. Applicants should ensure that they can meet both the pre-residency and residency commitments before applying. Visa Requirements Scholars must obtain a J-1 visa before participating in the Washington residency. Brookings will provide support during the visa process and cover associated visa costs, but it cannot guarantee visa issuance or admission into the United States. Applicants who require visa sponsorship will have their English proficiency verified through an objective assessment, as required by the US Department of State. How to Apply Applications must be submitted through the Brookings Institution’s official iCIMS application system. Initial applications must include both of the following documents: 1. CV or résumé The document should outline the applicant’s education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards, funded research and foundation support received. 2. Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application This document includes a written questionnaire and a research proposal. Applicants should access the official application document through the vacancy page and upload the completed file in the “Writing sample” section. Documents must follow the requested naming format: Last Name_First Name_document name. For example: Doe_Jane_CV. Letters of recommendation, writing samples and academic transcripts are not required at the initial application stage. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide additional materials and references. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Application Timeline Information session: 21 October 2026, 8:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern Time Application deadline: 1 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST Phone-screen interviews: 7–18 December 2026 Programme and final-panel interviews: January–February 2027 Selection invitations: 16 February 2027 Acceptance deadline: 23 February 2027 Research design retreat: April 2027 Pre-residency begins: 15 June 2027 Washington residency: August–December 2027 Official Application and Information Links Apply online: Visit the official Brookings careers website and search for “Echidna Global Scholar,” Job ID 2026-3918. Information session registration here The information session on 21 October 2026 offers prospective applicants an opportunity to learn more about the programme before submitting their applications. The Echidna Global Scholars Program is particularly relevant to established professionals seeking to combine rigorous research, leadership development and policy engagement to improve gender equality in education. Applicants should begin preparing their research proposals early and ensure that their proposed work addresses a clear education or gender-equity challenge in their home-country context. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.