Apply for the Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems 2026 (GIFTS) - a fully funded global leadership fellowship for influential education system leaders working to reshape schools and learning so every student can thrive and shape a better future.
The Global Institute (a Teach For All initiative) selects a cohort of 20 outstanding education system leaders from countries worldwide for a curated nine-month programme of masterclasses, peer learning, coaching, and in-person immersion. Ideal for ministers, policymakers, government delivery leaders, and civil-society partners driving national or regional education transformation.
Quick Facts - GIFTS Fellowship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | GIFTS - Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems |
| Organisation | Global Institute (Teach For All initiative) |
| Cohort size | 20 education system leaders from diverse countries |
| Duration | ~9 months (Oct 2026 - Sep 2027) |
| Focus | Education system transformation, policy into practice, holistic student development |
| Applications open | 1 June 2026 |
| Application deadline | 4 September 2026 |
| Selection announced | 5 October 2026 |
| In-person immersion | 4 days (late Jan / early Feb 2027 - required) |
| Better Future Forum | 3 days in May 2027 (optional in-person) |
| Official apply | GIFTS Application Form - Teach For All |
What Is the GIFTS Fellowship?
GIFTS connects, inspires, and enables learning among a rising generation of education systems leaders. Fellows explore how to align system purpose, classroom practice, and leadership culture so that all children - especially the most disadvantaged - develop the agency and skills to shape a better future.
Through virtual labs, closed-door masterclasses with renowned global education leaders, triad coaching (policy mentor + leadership coach + peer coach), and a required system immersion, fellows sharpen locally rooted, globally informed visions for education transformation.
Why Apply?
- Join a curated global cohort of 20 influential education system insiders
- Learn from senior global education leaders in masterclasses and roundtables
- Work on a real system transformation project from your own context
- Triad coaching model: policy mentors, leadership coaches, and peer coaches
- Required 4-day in-person immersion in a transforming education system (Jan/Feb 2027)
- Optional Better Future Forum (3 days, May 2027) with global education ecosystem leaders
- Lifelong global community of system leaders across geographies
- Virtual graduation and final report presentation (September 2027)
Fellowship Experience
- Cohort model: Deep peer relationships with fellow system leaders worldwide
- System Change Lab: Address a problem of practice through action, reflection, and feedback
- Immersion event: 4-day learning experience engaging ministers, schools, and practitioners
- Masterclasses & roundtables: Honest dialogue on trade-offs, failures, and breakthroughs
- Shared inquiry: Cross-border learning on system alignment and classroom quality
- Coaching: Policy, leadership, and peer coaching throughout the fellowship year
Eligibility - Who Should Apply?
- Influential education system leaders in ministries, political offices, or civil-society roles in long-term government partnership
- Currently leading or responsible for a system transformation, reform, or delivery effort affecting significant numbers of young people (district, regional, or national scale)
- Real agency to move ideas or policies into implementation and impact
- Lifelong commitment to improving systems around children
- Alignment with holistic student development regardless of background
- Capacity for collective leadership and navigating complex politics
- Potential to influence significant system-level change and serve in the global education ecosystem
Fellowship Commitments
- 4 - 6 hours per month of virtual engagements
- 4 days in-person immersion (late January or early February 2027 - required)
- Active participation in coaching/mentoring with global leaders
- Responsive collaboration with other fellows in the cohort
- Document design and delivery of your system transformation project
- Present a final report at fellowship end (September 2027)
Application Requirements
- Personal statement on your purpose, leadership journey, and motivation
- Latest CV (upload)
- Outline of your system transformation project (scope, stakeholders, goals, scale)
- 3 - 5 minute self-recorded video or voice note (share public cloud link)
- Self-reflection on strengths, growth areas, and hoped-for learning topics
- Two referee contact emails
- If shortlisted: letter of support from ministry or employer
Read the GIFTS application guidance and fellowship blueprint on the official site before submitting.
Fellowship Timeline
- 1 Jun 2026: Applications open
- 4 Sep 2026: Applications close
- 5 Oct 2026: Selection announced
- Oct 2026: Virtual launch event
- Nov - Dec 2026: Virtual lab, masterclass, peer & leadership sessions
- Jan 2027: Required 4-day immersion (in person)
- Feb - Apr 2027: Virtual labs and masterclasses continue
- May 2027: Better Future Forum (optional, 3 days in person)
- Jun - Aug 2027: Virtual sessions continue
- Sep 2027: Virtual graduation
How to Apply
- Review the fellowship overview: GIFTS - Global Institute.
- Read programme details and the application blueprint: GIFTS Program Information (PDF).
- Prepare CV, personal statement, system transformation project outline, and video/voice note.
- Complete the online form: GIFTS Application 2026.
- Submit before 4 September 2026.
- Questions? Email aitidal.shariha@teachforall.org.
Official Links
GIFTS program information - curriculum & commitments (PDF)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- FAO Young Professionals Program 2026
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- Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026-27
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FAQs - Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems 2026
Is it fully funded?
GIFTS is a prestigious global fellowship covering programme activities, learning sessions, coaching, and required immersion components for selected fellows. Confirm travel and accommodation support details in the official application guidance.
Who is this fellowship for?
Education system leaders in government, political offices, or civil-society roles with real influence over national, regional, or district-level transformation affecting large numbers of students.
What is the deadline?
4 September 2026. Applications opened 1 June 2026.
How many fellows are selected?
20 leaders from diverse countries worldwide.
Do I need a current transformation project?
Yes - each fellow brings a real, current or upcoming system transformation project from their own leadership responsibilities to focus on during the fellowship.
Can I nominate someone?
Yes - nominations are welcomed on the official GIFTS page. A nomination is not an application and does not guarantee selection.
