The Brookings Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship 2027 offers experienced professionals an opportunity to conduct research, strengthen leadership skills, and influence education policies that advance gender equality. Hosted by the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., this international fellowship provides a stipend of $26,500 alongside travel, housing, visa-related support, and limited health insurance.
Applications are open to qualified professionals with substantial experience in education, gender equality, international development, public policy, or related fields. The application deadline is December 1, 2026, making this an important opportunity for researchers and development practitioners planning their next career step.
At a Glance
| Opportunity Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship 2027 |
| Organization | Brookings Institution |
| Host Department | Center for Universal Education |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Work Arrangement | Remote pre-residency and on-site residency |
| Fellowship Stipend | $26,500 total |
| Duration | Approximately six months of research and residency |
| Start Date | Around June 15, 2027 |
| Required Education | Master’s degree |
| Experience | Minimum 10 years |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | Experienced professionals with Global South ties |
About the Brookings Echidna Fellowship 2027
The Brookings Echidna Fellowship 2027 is designed to support leaders working to transform education systems and advance gender equality, particularly for girls and women in the Global South.
The programme is hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE), which works with researchers, policymakers, educators, communities, and young people to improve education systems worldwide.
Through this fellowship, selected scholars develop evidence-based research projects addressing challenges affecting gender equality in and through education. The programme also strengthens participants’ leadership capabilities and helps them translate research findings into practical policy recommendations.
The Brookings Echidna Fellowship 2027 is particularly relevant to professionals who want to influence education policy, improve opportunities for marginalized girls, and create sustainable change in their home countries.
Fellowship Structure and Programme Phases
The fellowship combines research, professional development, policy engagement, and long-term impact planning.
1. Research Design Retreat
In April 2027, selected scholars will participate in an in-person research design retreat. During this stage, they will refine their research proposals, identify policy challenges, and develop data collection plans with the CUE team.
2. Pre-Residency Research
Beginning around June 15, 2027, scholars will work primarily from their home countries for approximately two months. Participants will collect and analyze data, attend virtual workshops, receive research guidance, and begin developing strategies for policy impact.
This phase requires approximately 15–20 hours per week.
3. Residency in Washington, D.C.
From August to December 2027, fellows will participate in a full-time, on-site residency at Brookings. They will analyze research findings, prepare policy briefs, strengthen leadership skills, and engage with researchers and policymakers.
The residency requires approximately 40 hours per week and is an exclusive commitment.
4. Post-Residency Impact
Following the residency, scholars will receive support as they work to apply their research findings in their home countries. They may also participate in collaborative research, professional networking, and alumni activities during 2028–2029.
Benefits of the Brookings Echidna Fellowship 2027
The fellowship provides financial and professional support throughout the programme.
Key benefits include:
- $26,500 stipend: Financial support for living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods, subject to applicable U.S. tax withholding and reporting.
- Accommodation: Single-occupancy housing during the four-month Washington, D.C., residency.
- Travel support: Round-trip travel expenses associated with the programme.
- Visa assistance: Support with the visa process and coverage of associated visa-process costs.
- Research development: Opportunities to conduct professional research and develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
- Leadership training: Individualized leadership development and collaborative learning.
- Professional networking: Engagement with researchers, education experts, policymakers, and development professionals.
- Health insurance: A limited health insurance plan during the programme.
The fellowship is a short-term programme, not an employment position. Applicants should also understand that visa issuance and admission to the United States are not guaranteed.
Eligibility Requirements
The Brookings Echidna Fellowship 2027 targets experienced professionals with a strong commitment to advancing gender equality through education.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree.
- Have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of education, gender, and development issues.
- Have experience in research, academia, government, NGOs, community organizations, civil society, or related fields.
- Demonstrate strong analytical, research, writing, and collaboration skills.
- Be proficient in English.
- Have substantial professional experience and ties to the Global South.
- Intend to return to the Global South after completing the Washington, D.C., residency.
Candidates with experience spanning academic or government institutions and community organizations are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be available for the entire residency period and complete the pre-residency research requirements.
Responsibilities of Selected Scholars
Successful candidates will conduct an individual research project focused on gender equality in and through education. They will prepare an evidence-based policy paper, present recommendations at Brookings-organized events, and participate in leadership development activities.
Other responsibilities include engaging with education and development stakeholders, participating in seminars and workshops, collaborating with fellow scholars, and preparing a post-residency project proposal.
The ultimate objective is to help fellows translate research into practical solutions that improve education systems and expand opportunities for girls and women.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official Brookings recruitment portal.
Required application documents:
- A CV or résumé outlining education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, awards, funded research, and relevant achievements.
- The completed Echidna Global Scholars Program Application, including the written questionnaire and research proposal.
The completed programme application should be uploaded in the portal’s “Writing sample” section. Save documents using the required naming convention: Last Name_First Name_document name.
Letters of recommendation, transcripts, and additional writing samples are not required for the initial application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Official application link: https://careers-brookings.icims.com/jobs/3918/echidna-global-scholar/job?mode=apply&apply=yes
Programme application form: https://brookingsinstitution.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/GEE/IQDSB5QT9MWbQYrbaeiF7lB6AQeIJ7Qk8r06BjmYJ7t4OXw?e=cX3iX5
Important Dates
- Application deadline: December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Initial phone interviews: December 7–18, 2026.
- Final interviews: January–February 2027.
- Selection notifications: February 16, 2027.
- Acceptance deadline: February 23, 2027.
- Research design retreat: April 2027.
- Pre-residency begins: Around June 15, 2027.
- Washington, D.C., residency: August–December 2027.
Prospective applicants can also attend the information session scheduled for October 21, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does the Brookings Echidna Fellowship pay?
Selected scholars receive a total stipend of $26,500 to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods.
2. Can international applicants apply?
The programme targets experienced professionals with substantial ties to the Global South. Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements and confirm their individual suitability.
3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
The programme covers several major expenses, including the stipend, residency housing, round-trip travel, visa-process costs, and limited health insurance. However, applicants should review the official terms before assuming every expense is covered.
4. Is this a remote fellowship?
The pre-residency phase is primarily completed from scholars’ home countries, but the August–December 2027 residency requires full-time, on-site participation in Washington, D.C.
5. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Final Thoughts
The Brookings Echidna Fellowship 2027 offers experienced researchers and development professionals an opportunity to strengthen their leadership, conduct impactful research, and contribute to gender equality in education. With a $26,500 stipend, residency accommodation, travel support, and access to an international professional network, the programme may be particularly valuable for established leaders from the Global South.
Eligible candidates should prepare their CVs and research proposals early and submit complete applications before the December 1, 2026 deadline.
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