GIFTS: A New Global Fellowship Bringing Together the World’s Boldest Education System Leaders What does it take to reshape an entire education system for millions of students? A new fellowship is bringing together just 20 leaders from around the world to find out together. The Global Institute, part of Teach For All, has launched GIFTS the Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems — a new global fellowship for leaders on a mission to reshape education systems for a changing world. GIFTS Fellowship for Transforming Systems: Quick Overview Host: Global Institute (Teach For All) Programme: GIFTS — Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems Cohort Size: 20 education system leaders from diverse countries Duration: Year-long, cohort-based Applications Open: June 2026 Applications Close: September 4, 2026 Selection Announced: October 2026 Why Was This Fellowship Created? In a fast-changing world, education systems must ensure every child develops the purpose, agency, and ability to shape a better future. Education system leaders worldwide are working tirelessly to reshape systems in response to economic, technological, and climatic shifts — but despite the complexity of this work, they have few opportunities to connect, learn, or share with others facing the same challenges. GIFTS was launched specifically to close that gap, connecting a rising generation of education systems leaders to grow their leadership, join a global community of peers, and generate insight on questions like: What outcomes must our systems achieve for all students today? How do we align a system’s practices, structures, and culture behind that purpose? What are the best strategies for improving classroom learning quality — and what does that require of our own leadership? GIFTS Fellowship for Transforming Systems: Who Is This Fellowship For? GIFTS is designed for the most influential and innovative education system leaders working within ministries, political offices, or in long-term partnerships with government from civil society roles. Fellows should demonstrate: A lifelong commitment to improving the systems around children Alignment with developing all students holistically, regardless of background or economic status Capacity for building collective leadership and navigating complex politics Ability to influence significant system-level change at a national or regional scale Potential to serve as an influential leader in the global education ecosystem GIFTS Fellowship for Transforming Systems: What Does the Fellowship Actually Involve? Over the year, fellows experience: Cohort Model: Joining a curated group of groundbreaking education system leaders, building trusting relationships for deep peer learning System Change Lab: Exploring and addressing a real problem of practice, generating insight through action, reflection, and peer feedback Immersion Event: A 4-day immersive learning experience inside a transforming education system, engaging with ministers, schools, and practitioners Masterclasses & Roundtables: Closed-door sessions with senior global education leaders, discussing trade-offs, failures, and breakthroughs honestly Triad Model Coaching: A three-part support system combining policy mentors, leadership coaches, and peer coaches The Better Future Forum: An annual in-person event connecting fellows with global education ecosystem leaders Lifelong Community: Ongoing practice exchange across geographies, with the option to visit fellow fellows GIFTS Fellowship for Transforming Systems: The Full Fellowship Timeline Application Milestones June 2026 — Applications open September 4, 2026 — Applications close October 2026 — Selection announced Fellowship Journey October 2026 — Virtual launch event Nov–Dec 2026 — Virtual lab, masterclasses, peer and leadership sessions January 2027 — Immersion event (4 days in-person, required) Feb–Apr 2027 — Virtual lab, masterclasses, peer and leadership sessions May 2027 — Better Future Forum (3 days in-person, optional) Jun–Aug 2027 — Virtual lab, masterclasses, peer and leadership sessions September 2027 — Virtual graduation How to Apply or Nominate Someone Applications open and close within the same window: June 2026 through September 4, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the fellowship blueprint document for detailed application guidance. Nominations are also welcomed for exceptional system leaders — though a nomination is not an application and doesn’t guarantee selection. Nominees who appear to meet eligibility criteria may be invited to submit a full application. For inquiries about the fellowship, applications, or nominations, contact aitidal.shariha@teachforall.org. Why This Fellowship Stands Out With only 20 fellows selected globally, it offers an unusually intimate, high-caliber peer network The Triad Model Coaching structure — policy mentors, leadership coaches, and peer coaches — is a distinctive, multi-layered support system rarely seen in leadership fellowships A required 4-day immersion inside an actual transforming education system offers hands-on exposure well beyond typical virtual programming The combination of masterclasses, system change labs, and a lifelong community structure suggests genuine long-term relationship-building, not a one-off training Final Thoughts For system-level education leaders working inside ministries, political offices, or long-term government partnerships, GIFTS offers a rare, globally connected space to sharpen leadership, test real system-change strategies, and join a lasting community of peers doing the same work worldwide. Applications Close: September 4, 2026 VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE 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. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW