Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026 in USA | Fully Funded

The Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026 is a fully funded fellowship in the USA for leaders working to improve girls’ education in low- and middle-income countries. Hosted by the Brookings Institution, it offers a residency in Washington, D.C., professional training, and funding to develop a policy-focused research project. It’s a top opportunity for those ready to create real impact.

About the program

The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a fully funded visiting fellowship at the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education (CUE) in Washington, D.C. It is designed for mid-career leaders from low- and middle-income countries who are working to improve girls’ education and gender equality. Scholars spend a multi-phase fellowship developing evidence-based research, strengthening leadership for policy impact, and then implementing change in their home contexts

Item	Details
Host Institution	Brookings Institution – Center for Universal Education (CUE)
Location	Washington, D.C., USA (with home-country pre-residency phase)
Duration	Approx. 6 months (with phases: pre-residency, residency, post-residency)
Funding Level	Fully funded (stipend + housing + travel + health insurance)
Application Deadline (2026)	December 15, 2025
Target Applicants	Mid-career professionals from the Global South, with 10+ years’ experience, a master’s (or higher) degree, strong ties to home country, commitment to girls’ education/gender equality
Focus	Research and leadership in improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people in low- and middle-income countries

Eligibility Requirements

Here are the eligibity requirements for Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026 in USA below:

• Must be from a low- or middle-income country (Global South)
• Minimum 10 years of work in girls’ education, gender equality, or related policy/programs
• Demonstrated ability to influence policy or lead initiativeas
• Strong connection to local communities or institutions
• Master’s degree or higher (required)
• Strong research or policy background preferred
• Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing)
• Must return to home country after residency
• Must implement a policy or program for impact

Program Structure

1. Pre-Residency (Home Country)

• Refine research idea
• Prepare background analysis
• Virtual meetings with Brookings mentors

2. Residency in Washington, D.C. (Core Phase)

• Duration: Several months in-person at Brookings Institution
• Conduct research with expert guidance
• Attend policy workshops and leadership training
• Present work to global policymakers and stakeholders
• Build networks with international organizations

3. Post-Residency (Home Country Impact)

• Implement research findings or policy initiative locally
• Continue collaboration with Brookings
• Share results within community or government
• Report on progress and impact

5. Application Process + Timeline

1. Prepare Your Application

Before applying, make sure you:

• Review eligibility carefully
• Understand the program goals (policy + girls’ education)
• Develop a clear research or policy idea that fits your country’s context

2. Gather Required Documents

Typical documents include:

• Updated CV/Resume
• Research or policy proposal
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• Leadership or impact statement
• Two recommendation letters
• Proof of English proficiency (if asked)

3. Submit the Online Application

• All applications are submitted through the official Brookings portal
• Incomplete applications are not reviewed
• Early submission is recommended

4. Timeline for 2026 Cycle

Stage	Approximate Time
Applications Open	Mid/Late 2025
Application Deadline	December 15, 2025 (expected)
Application Review	Dec 2025 – Jan 2026
Interviews (Shortlisted Candidates)	Jan – Feb 2026
Final Selection	March 2026
Pre-Residency Preparation	Spring/Summer 2026
Residency in Washington, D.C.	Mid or Late 2026
Post-Residency Implementation	After residency (2026–2027)

After Submission

• Only shortlisted candidates are contacted
• Interviews may include discussing your proposal and leadership experience
• Selected scholars receive official offer and visa support