Center for Universal Education (CUE) · Washington, D.C.
Applications are open for the Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027, an international fellowship offered through the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution. The programme supports experienced leaders from the Global South who are committed to improving education and advancing gender equality for girls, young women, and gender nonconforming people.
The six month fellowship provides an opportunity for midcareer professionals to conduct individual research, strengthen their leadership abilities, develop evidence based policy skills, and expand their influence in education and development. Scholars work with the Brookings team to investigate challenges affecting educational opportunities and outcomes in their home countries and develop research that can inform policies, programmes, and practical solutions.
The programme is designed for professionals with substantial experience in research, academia, government, nongovernmental organisations, community organisations, or civil society. Applicants should have a strong understanding of gender and education issues, a clear commitment to improving learning opportunities, and plans to continue contributing to their home countries after the fellowship.
The Echidna Global Scholars Program is hosted by the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and supported by Echidna Giving. Its mission is to strengthen the influence of local leaders working to advance gender transformative education across the Global South.
During the fellowship, scholars undertake individual research projects focused on improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender nonconforming people. Their research is intended to generate evidence that can support education reform, strengthen local initiatives, and contribute to policy discussions.
The programme also helps participants improve their ability to communicate research findings, engage decision makers, and turn evidence into practical action. After completing the fellowship, scholars join the Echidna Alumni Network, which connects professionals working to advance gender equality in education across different countries and contexts.
Selected Echidna Global Scholars can receive the following benefits:
• US$26,500 stipend to support living costs during the pre residency and residency periods, subject to applicable United States tax withholding and reporting.
• Visa process expenses covered.
• Single occupancy accommodation during the four month residency in Washington, DC.
• Round trip travel expenses associated with the fellowship.
• A limited health insurance plan.
• Costs associated with the research design retreat.
• Research guidance and individual advisory sessions with the Center for Universal Education team.
• Leadership development and evidence based policy training.
• Opportunities to publish research based policy briefs and commentaries through Brookings platforms.
• Access to professional networks, institutional convenings, and strategic collaborations.
• Continued guidance and opportunities to develop impact projects in home countries after the residency.
The fellowship consists of four phases designed to help scholars move from research planning to evidence based policy engagement and longer term impact.
1. Kickoff and Research Design Retreat
In April 2027, scholars participate in a one week in person retreat with the Gender Equality in and through Education team. They refine their research proposals, identify policy problems, design their studies, and plan data collection.
2. Pre Residency
During June and July 2027, scholars begin collecting and analysing data in their home countries. This phase includes virtual workshops, group working sessions, and individual advisory meetings. Participants also begin developing an impact strategy and identifying relevant local stakeholders. The expected time commitment is approximately 15 to 20 hours per week.
3. Residency in Washington, DC
From August to December 2027, scholars work with the Brookings team to strengthen their research, leadership, and policy communication skills. They analyse their findings and develop an action oriented policy brief and strategic commentaries for publication and dissemination through Brookings platforms.
4. Post Residency and Alumni Support
Following the residency, scholars participate in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium. During the following two years, the programme offers support through impact planning, strategic advice, and leadership development to help scholars translate their research into action in their home countries.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Have substantial professional experience and meaningful ties to a country in the Global South.
• Demonstrate a clear intention to return to the Global South after completing the Washington, DC residency.
• Have a strong commitment to advancing gender equality in and through education.
• Hold a master's degree or higher.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in research, academia, government, nongovernmental organisations, community organisations, or civil society.
• Have an academic or professional background in education, gender studies, women's studies, international development, global development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities field.
• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of education, development, and gender issues.
• Possess strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Be willing to collaborate with others and give and receive constructive feedback.
• Demonstrate flexibility, a willingness to learn, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English.
Candidates with experience across academic or government institutions and community organisations are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
• Curriculum vitae or resume outlining education, professional experience, publications, fellowships, honours, awards, funded research, and foundation support received.
• Completed Echidna Global Scholars Program application, including the written questionnaire and research proposal.
• Cover letter explaining the applicant's background, motivation, and commitment to gender equality in education.
• Research proposal of approximately three to five pages describing a proposed project that can strengthen the evidence base and improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender nonconforming people in the applicant's country.
Applicants should follow the official application instructions for completing and uploading their documents. Letters of recommendation, separate writing samples, and academic transcripts are not required according to the current programme guidance.
The programme seeks experienced professionals whose research and leadership can contribute to meaningful improvements in education and gender equality.
Applications are expected to demonstrate:
• A strong record of professional experience and commitment to the Global South.
• A relevant and clearly defined research question.
• The potential for research to improve educational opportunities and outcomes.
• A sound understanding of gender equality and education challenges.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate research findings effectively.
• The capacity to engage with policymakers, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
• A credible plan to apply the knowledge and connections gained through the fellowship after returning home.
Washington, D.C.
Center for Universal Education (CUE)
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