Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027 at Brookings: Six-Month Research Fellowship on Girls' Education, Deadline 1 December

The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027 is open. The Brookings Institution is inviting experienced researchers and practitioners from the Global South to apply for a six-month visiting fellowship on girls' education. Applications close on 1 December 2026.

The programme suits mid-career people who already work on education, gender or development policy in their home country and want time, mentoring and a platform to produce research that can change policy when they return.

Echidna Global Scholars Program 2027 at a glance

• Offered by: The Brookings Institution
• Type: six-month visiting research fellowship
• Theme: learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women and gender non-conforming people
• Who: professionals with a Master's degree or higher and 10+ years of experience, with strong ties to a Global South country
• Deadline: 1 December 2026 (Brookings does not state a closing time or time zone, so submit early)
• Apply: through the Brookings careers portal

What the fellowship involves

Each scholar carries out an individual research project aimed at strengthening the evidence base for girls, young women and gender non-conforming people in their own country. Brookings says the programme also builds leadership and evidence-based policy skills, deepens knowledge of gender and global education, and helps scholars create pathways for their work to have impact at home.

Who can apply

According to Brookings, applicants should have:

• substantial experience in, ties to and a clear intent to return to a Global South country;
• a background in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities field;
• a Master's degree or higher (required);
• at least 10 years of professional experience in research or academia, non-governmental or community organisations, civil society or government;
• an in-depth understanding of education development and gender issues;
• the ability to collaborate, accept feedback and learn quickly;
• proficiency in English (required).

Brookings does not publish a list of eligible countries. Researchers from African countries fit the Global South criterion, provided they meet the experience and degree requirements and plan to return home after the fellowship.

What you need to submit

1. A cover letter.
2. A CV.
3. A completed questionnaire.
4. A 3–5 page proposal for an original research project that would strengthen the evidence base for girls, young women and gender non-conforming people in your country.

Funding: what we know

The Brookings programme page does not state the stipend, travel or housing arrangements, or the exact residency dates and location. We have left these out rather than repeat figures from unofficial sites. Ask about them through the contact on the programme page before you commit, especially if you need to arrange leave from your employer.

Tips for a strong application

• Make the proposal country-specific. Brookings asks for research that strengthens evidence in your country. Name the policy question, the data you can access and who would use your findings.
• Show the path to impact. Explain which ministry, network or organisation you will work with when you return.
• Use your 10+ years. The panel is looking for practitioners and researchers with a track record. Point to programmes you led and results you can document.
• Keep it tight. Three to five pages is short. Lead with the problem and your method, and cut the literature review to what is essential.
• Start the questionnaire early. Portal forms often ask for details you need time to collect.

How to apply

Read the programme information on the Brookings website, then apply through the Echidna Global Scholar posting on the Brookings careers portal before 1 December 2026. Brookings held an information session on 21 October; check the programme page for any further sessions or recordings.

Looking for other funded programmes with deadlines this term? See our listing for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027, which closes on 15 November.

Source: The Brookings Institution, "About the Echidna Global Scholars Program and the application process". Always confirm details on the official site before applying.