Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship 2027 is a competitive six-month program hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. It targets mid-career professionals from the Global South—including Zimbabwe and SADC countries—who are committed to advancing gender-transformative education. The fellowship combines individual research, leadership development, and policy engagement to amplify the impact of local leaders working to improve learning outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming people.
What the Fellowship Covers
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial and logistical support:
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- Living stipend: $26,500 USD total for pre-residency and residency periods (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting)
- Housing: Single-occupancy accommodation for the four-month residency in Washington, D.C.
- Travel: Round-trip travel expenses to and from the United States
- Health insurance: Limited coverage during the fellowship period
- Visa costs: All associated visa processing fees covered
- Kickoff retreat: Costs for the one-week research design retreat in April 2027
This package removes financial barriers for African professionals who might otherwise lack resources to access global policy networks.
Program Structure: Four Phases
Phase 1: Kickoff and Research Design Retreat (April 2027)
A one-week in-person intensive where scholars meet the CUE Gender Equality in and through Education (GEE) team to refine research proposals, identify policy problems, design studies, and plan data collection.
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Phase 2: Pre-Residency (June–July 2027)
Scholars conduct intensive in-country data collection and analysis from their home countries. This includes virtual workshops, group working meetings, and individual advisory sessions. Time commitment is approximately 15–20 hours weekly. Scholars begin developing impact strategies and engaging local actors.
Phase 3: Residency (August–December 2027)
Four months in Washington, D.C. focused on data analysis, policy communication, and leadership development. Scholars work closely with CUE to translate research into an action-oriented policy brief and strategic commentaries for publication on Brookings platforms. The phase includes network expansion through Brookings convenings.
Phase 4: Post-Residency (2028–2029)
Two years of continued support including participation in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium. CUE provides strategic advisement as scholars implement impact projects in their home countries.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet strict criteria:
- Regional ties: Substantial experience in and ties to the Global South, with clear intent to return after residency
- Professional experience: Minimum 10 years in research/academia, NGOs, civil society, community organizations, or government
- Education: Master’s degree required
- Field background: Education, gender/women’s studies, international development, public policy, economics, or related social sciences/humanities
- Hybrid experience: Candidates with both academic/government and community organization experience are especially encouraged
- Skills: In-depth understanding of education, development, and gender issues; strong analytical and writing abilities; collaborative mindset; openness to feedback; capacity for rapid learning
- Language: Demonstrated English proficiency required
For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, the emphasis on returning to implement impact projects aligns well with regional development needs.
Application Requirements
Applications require exactly two attachments—no more, no less:
- CV or resume: Must include education, professional experience, publications list, and any fellowships, honors, awards, funded research, or foundation support received
- Completed application form: Includes written questionnaire and research proposal (download via hyperlink on application portal, upload in “Writing sample” section)
Not required: Letters of recommendation, writing samples, or transcripts.
File naming: LastName_FirstName_documentname (example: Moyo_Tendai_CV)
How to Apply
- Access the Brookings application portal through the official Echidna Global Scholars page
- Download the application form containing the questionnaire and research proposal template
- Complete all sections of the questionnaire
- Develop a focused research proposal addressing gender-transformative education in your context
- Prepare comprehensive CV following the specified format
- Save both documents with correct file naming convention
- Upload both documents to the designated sections of the online application
- Submit before the deadline
Why This Matters for African Applicants
The fellowship explicitly values practitioners who bridge academic and community-based work—experience common among African education and gender advocates. The post-residency support for implementing impact projects in home countries means fellows from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and other SADC nations can return with enhanced skills, published research, and Brookings affiliation to advance national policy conversations. The $26,500 stipend, while taxable, provides meaningful support for professionals supporting families or managing obligations at home.
Official scholarship page: https://www.brookings.edu/programs/echidna-global-scholars/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
