Applications are now officially open for the prestigious Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) and generously supported by Echidna Giving, this six-month funded fellowship is tailored for accomplished leaders and policy practitioners dedicated to advancing gender-transformative education across the Global South.
Visiting Scholars receive a $26,500 USD living stipend, fully covered single-occupancy housing in Washington, D.C. for four months, round-trip international airfare, J-1 visa sponsorship and fee support, an orientation retreat, and comprehensive access to the Brookings Institution's world-renowned research ecosystem. The application deadline is December 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST.
This Opportunity Station guide offers original, verified information compiled from the Brookings Institution and CUE portals, outlining fellowship phases, eligibility rules, financial terms, and step-by-step application instructions.
Quick Facts - Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Title | Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 |
| Host Institution | The Brookings Institution - Center for Universal Education (CUE) |
| Supporting Partner | Echidna Giving |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA (with remote pre-residency & retreat) |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months (Pre-residency + 4-month in-person residency in D.C.) |
| Key Program Dates | Retreat: April 2027 | Pre-residency: June 15 - July 2027 | D.C. Residency: August - December 2027 |
| Total Cash Stipend | $26,500 USD (subject to US tax withholding and reporting) |
| Housing Coverage | Fully furnished, single-occupancy housing in Washington, D.C. for 4 months |
| Travel & Logistics | Round-trip flights, J-1 visa processing support & fees, limited health insurance |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST |
| Target Candidates | Mid-career leaders with 10+ years experience and Master's degree from the Global South |
| Direct Application Portal | Brookings iCIMS Application Portal |
About the Center for Universal Education (CUE) & Echidna Global Scholars
For more than two decades, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings has spearheaded innovative research and policy engagement to transform education systems worldwide. The Echidna Global Scholars Program (EGSP) focuses specifically on breaking systemic barriers for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming individuals in developing societies.
Since 2012, EGSP has welcomed 15 cohorts and built an influential alumni network of more than 50 scholar-leaders across 25+ nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As an Echidna Scholar, you will conduct rigorous empirical research, author an actionable policy brief, produce strategic multimedia commentaries, and engage directly with global education policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and civil society networks.
Four Fellowship Phases
- Kickoff & Research Design Retreat (April 2027): An intensive one-week, in-person gathering where scholars meet the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education (GEE) team to sharpen their research questions, design data collection instruments, and align their methodology with local policy windows.
- Pre-Residency Phase (June 15 - July 2027): Conducted remotely from the scholar's home country (15 - 20 hours per week). Scholars carry out intensive in-country field data collection, conduct stakeholder interviews, participate in virtual workshops, and begin formulating local policy-engagement strategies.
- In-Person Residency in Washington, D.C. (August - December 2027): A full-time, 40-hour-per-week residency at the Brookings Institution. Scholars analyze data, draft and finalize an action-oriented policy brief, participate in leadership masterclasses, and present findings at public Brookings symposia.
- Post-Residency & Impact Implementation (2028 - 2029): Following their return home, scholars enter the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network (EGSAN). Scholars are invited to apply for seed grant funding to implement community and national reform initiatives stemming from their research.
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Coverage
Selected Echidna Global Scholars receive a generous funding and logistical package:
- Living Stipend of $26,500 USD: Disbursed over the pre-residency and residency periods to support living expenses (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting).
- Complimentary D.C. Housing: Full single-occupancy residential accommodation in Washington, D.C. provided for the entire 4-month residency period (August to December 2027).
- Round-Trip Travel: Economy round-trip international airfare between your home country and Washington, D.C., as well as travel for the April 2027 kickoff retreat.
- Visa Support: Brookings sponsors and covers fees for the required J-1 Exchange Visitor visa process.
- Health Insurance: Enrollment in a limited health insurance policy for the duration of the U.S. residency.
- Seed Funding Opportunities: Post-residency eligibility to apply for catalytic seed funding to implement policy impact projects in your home community.
- Lifelong Alumni Network: Permanent membership in the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network (EGSAN).
Eligibility Criteria
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on leadership record, analytical rigor, and dedication to gender equality in education:
- Global South Ties & Commitment: Must have substantial lived experience in and professional ties to a country in the Global South, with a clear and definite intent to return following the D.C. residency.
- Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in research/academia, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), community-based groups, civil society, or government ministries. Applicants blending community activism with policy experience are strongly encouraged.
- Academic Credentials: A Master’s degree or higher in education, gender/women’s studies, international development, public policy, economics, sociology, or a related field is mandatory.
- Demonstrated Impact: Deep understanding of education systems and gender justice, with proven experience designing, researching, or executing programs for marginalized girls and young women.
- English Proficiency: Strong command of written and spoken English. (U.S. Department of State regulations require an objective English assessment for J-1 visa sponsorship).
- No Upfront References Needed: Letters of recommendation, writing samples, and official university transcripts are not required at the initial application stage.
Application Components & Requirements
Applications must be submitted via the official Brookings iCIMS system with two mandatory attachments:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Complete overview of educational history, career positions, publications, prior fellowships, honors, and research grants. Save format:
LastName_FirstName_CV.pdf. - Official EGSP Application Document: Includes a written questionnaire and a 3 - 5 page research project proposal. Download the official template from the Brookings CUE Application Document link and upload it in the "Writing Sample" field of the iCIMS form. Save format:
LastName_FirstName_Proposal.docx.
Key Dates & Selection Timeline
- Virtual Information Session: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Eastern Time (ET). Register via Zoom Session Link.
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Initial Phone Screening: December 7 - 18, 2026.
- Panel & Finalist Interviews: January and February 2027.
- Final Selection Announced: February 16, 2027.
- Acceptance Confirmation: February 23, 2027.
- Kickoff Retreat: April 2027.
- Pre-Residency Begins: June 15, 2027.
- Washington, D.C. Residency: August - mid-December 2027.
Official Links & Resources
- Brookings Application Portal: Apply on Brookings iCIMS Portal (Job #3918)
- Program Details & Application Guide: About the Echidna Global Scholars Program
- Application Questionnaire & Proposal Template: Download EGSP Application Document (.docx)
- Virtual Info Session Registration: Register for Zoom Info Session (Oct 21)
- Direct Email Inquiries: globalechidna@brookings.edu
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027
- Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC) Fellowship 2027
- Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2027-2028 ($72,000/yr)
- Ban Ki-moon Foundation Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026
- Browse all funded fellowships on Opportunity Station
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship?
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship is a premier six-month fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. It supports leaders from the Global South who are advancing gender equality and education outcomes for girls and women.
What is the financial stipend and what does Brookings provide?
Fellows receive a $26,500 USD living stipend, 4 months of complimentary single-occupancy housing in Washington, D.C., round-trip international flights, J-1 visa sponsorship, and health insurance.
Can I apply if I do not have a Master's degree?
No. A completed Master’s degree or higher is a mandatory eligibility requirement for the Echidna Global Scholars Program.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants must possess at least 10 years of professional experience in education, research, civil society, community advocacy, or government policy.
Do I need letters of recommendation or academic transcripts to apply?
No. Recommendation letters, writing samples, and transcripts are not required at the initial submission phase. You only submit your CV and the completed EGSP Application Questionnaire/Proposal.
When is the deadline to submit an application?
All application materials must be uploaded through the Brookings iCIMS portal by December 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST.
