Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 in the United States. International applicants from all countries are welcome to apply for this fellowship. The Echidna Global Scholars engage in independent research focused on improving educational opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming individuals during a six-month fellowship. Participants will spend the first two months conducting research in their home countries, followed by four months at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. This is a fully funded fellowship that covers all expenses for selected scholars.
The Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE) in Washington, DC, hosts the Echidna Global Scholar Program — a prestigious visiting fellowship designed to empower leaders, especially from developing nations, to promote gender equality in and through education across the Global South. The program helps fellows strengthen their expertise, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of global education and gender-related challenges. During the fellowship, selected scholars conduct independent research focused on improving educational systems and life opportunities for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming individuals.
The Brookings Institution, based in Washington, DC, is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to providing independent, high-quality research to advance sound policy and governance at local, national, and global levels. With a century-long legacy of thought leadership, Brookings upholds a commitment to academic rigor, diverse perspectives, and evidence-based solutions to address pressing societal issues, positioning itself as a global leader in public policy research and innovation.
Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 Details
| Hosted By: | Center for Universal Education (CUE) |
| Duration: | 6 Months (4 Months in USA) |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | United States |
| Last date: | 15 December 2025 |
Financial Benefits
This is not a full-time position; rather, it is a fully funded four-month short-term fellowship in the USA. The Echidna Global Fully Funded Scholar Program 2026 in the USA for international students covers:
- Stipend (taxed in the United States)
- Visa Fees: Protected
- Housing: four months of single occupancy
- Travel: The cost of round-trip transportation
- Health Insurance (with limited coverage)
Responsibilities
- Scholars work remotely from their home countries for the two months before residency.
- Four-month residency: The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., is where the scholars reside and work.
- Research and Policy: Write policy papers, carry out in-depth research, and present your findings at Brookings events.
- Capacity Building: Take part in initiatives that build capacity, such as leadership development programs.
- Post–Residency Project: After they return home, create a project to carry out their findings and make an effect.
- Professional Networking: Get in touch with policymakers, Brookings academics, and the larger international development community.
Documents Required
- Online Application Form
- Academic Transcript
- Degree certificates
- Passport Scan Copy.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae/resume
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 in the USA , students must:
- The Global South is open to applicants from all across the world.
- Candidates should have experience in
- international development,
- public policy,
- economics,
- education,
- gender,
- women’s studies, or
- a relevant social science or humanities field.
- It is necessary to have at least 10 years of professional experience.
- A strong desire to help girls, young women, and those who identify as gender non-conforming get better education and life outcomes.
- The program chooses experts who have worked extensively in the Global South.
- Applicants must have a master’s degree to be eligible.
- Applications are encouraged from those who have not previously concentrated on gender equality and education. How they intend to apply this focus to their future work should be explained.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 in the USA for international students is 15th December 2025.
How to Apply for the Echidna Global Scholar Program?
- Online applications are accepted.
- Before applying, please review the comprehensive material on the official website.
