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FellowshipFunded — stipend + travel

Echidna Global Scholars Program

The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a fellowship designed to foster research and policy engagement in global education, focusing on girls' and young women's education. It offers a stipend and travel funding, providing an opportunity for accomplished professionals and researchers to conduct intensive study and contribute to policy discourse at the Brookings Institution. The program aims to generate original ideas and actionable solutions for educational equity and empowerment worldwide, with applications typically opening annually between January and February. Applicants are usually required to have an advanced degree and a strong research background.

Provider
Brookings Institution / Echidna Giving
Host country
United States
Deadline
Annual (typically January–February)
Region
Global

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) generally expected.
Funding
Funded — stipend + travel
Study level
Fellowship
Deadline
Annual (typically January–February)

Key eligibility criteria

  • Highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) generally expected.

Recorded funding information

  • Funded — stipend + travel

About the Echidna Global Scholars Program (2026)

# Echidna Global Scholars Program: A Comprehensive Brief for Prospective Applicants ## Overview The Echidna Global Scholars Program, a joint initiative of the Brookings Institution and Echidna Giving, is a prestigious fellowship designed to foster research and policy engagement in the field of global education, with a particular focus on the education of girls and young women. This program offers a unique opportunity for accomplished professionals and researchers to dedicate themselves to a period of intensive study, analysis, and dissemination of their work in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Scholars are expected to contribute to the global discourse on education and policy, influencing both research agendas and practical interventions. The program aims to generate original ideas and actionable solutions that can advance educational equity and empowerment worldwide. ## Benefits Participants in the Echidna Global Scholars Program receive comprehensive funding to support their fellowship. This includes a competitive stipend, which covers living expenses during the program's duration, and travel allowances, facilitating their relocation to and from Washington, D.C., as well as any approved program-related travel. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading experts and policymakers at the Brookings Institution, a world-renowned public policy organization. Scholars gain access to extensive research resources, an expansive network of professionals, and a platform for disseminating their research findings to a global audience. The intellectual environment is geared towards fostering innovative thought and impactful policy recommendations. ## Eligibility While specific eligibility criteria may vary annually, the Echidna Global Scholars Program typically seeks highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Applicants are generally expected to hold an advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) and demonstrate significant professional accomplishments. A strong research background, analytical skills, and a commitment to policy-relevant work are paramount. Ideal candidates possess a clear vision for how their research will contribute to the program's objectives and ultimately inform policy and practice in the field of education. ## Required Documents Although specific requirements may be updated each year, prospective applicants generally need to prepare a comprehensive application packet. This typically includes a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or resume outlining academic qualifications, professional experience, publications, and any other relevant achievements. A compelling research proposal is essential, clearly articulating the proposed research topic, methodology, expected outcomes, and its relevance to the program's focus areas. Applicants usually need to provide letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their academic and professional capabilities. Other potential requirements may include writing samples, transcripts, and a personal statement outlining their motivations and aspirations for the fellowship. ## How to Apply The application process for the Echidna Global Scholars Program is conducted online through the Brookings Institution's official portal. Interested candidates should carefully review the specific instructions and requirements released annually. The process typically involves submitting all required documents, including the CV, research proposal, and letters of recommendation, by the designated deadline. It is crucial to adhere strictly to all formatting guidelines and submission protocols. Potential applicants are strongly advised to begin preparing their materials well in advance of the deadline, allowing ample time for drafting, revisions, and securing necessary endorsements. Thoroughness and attention to detail are key to a successful application. ## Key Dates The Echidna Global Scholars Program operates on an annual cycle, with the application period typically opening and closing between January and February. While the exact dates may fluctuate from year to year, prospective applicants should anticipate this window for submission. Shortlisted candidates are generally notified for interviews in the subsequent months, with final decisions and announcements made sometime later in the year. It is highly recommended that interested individuals monitor the official Brookings Institution website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding application deadlines and program timelines. Early preparation is essential to meet these crucial deadlines. ## Selection Criteria The selection committee for the Echidna Global Scholars Program employs a rigorous evaluation process to identify the most promising candidates. Key criteria include the intellectual merit and originality of the proposed research, its relevance to global education and the program's focus on girls' and young women's education, and the potential for the research to inform policy and practice. The applicant's academic background, professional experience, publication record, and demonstrated analytical and communication skills are also critically assessed. The viability and feasibility of the proposed research within the fellowship timeframe, as well as the applicant's potential to contribute to and benefit from the Brookings Institution's intellectual community, are significant considerations. ## Tips To maximize your chances of success, prospective applicants should meticulously research the Echidna Global Scholars Program and align their application with its specific goals and thematic areas. Develop a compelling and well-articulated research proposal that demonstrates originality, methodological rigor, and clear policy relevance. Tailor your CV and personal statement to highlight your expertise and passion for improving girls' and young women's education globally. Seek strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can genuinely attest to your capabilities and potential impact. Begin the application process early to allow ample time for refining your materials and securing all necessary documents. Ensure that all submitted documents adhere strictly to the specified guidelines. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Echidna Global Scholars Program, including detailed application guidelines, precise deadlines, and any changes to the program structure, please refer exclusively to the official website of the Brookings Institution. The official URL for the program is: [https://www.brookings.edu/projects/echidna-global-scholars-program/](https://www.brookings.edu/projects/echidna-global-scholars-program/). All information presented in this brief is derived from the official program description, and prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the primary source for comprehensive details before applying.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Funded — stipend + travel

Echidna Global Scholars Program eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) generally expected.

Echidna Global Scholars Program document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Program 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.brookings.edu/echidna-global-scholars-program/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) generally expected.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Annual (typically January–February). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Echidna Global Scholars Program deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Annual (typically January–February). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Annual (typically January–February)

      Provider deadline information: Annual (typically January–February). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Echidna Global Scholars Program?+

    Highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) generally expected.

    What funding does the Echidna Global Scholars Program offer?+

    Listed funding: Funded — stipend + travel. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Annual (typically January–February). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.brookings.edu/echidna-global-scholars-program/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Highly qualified individuals with a proven track record of research and/or practical experience in global education, particularly concerning girls' and young women's education. Advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) generally expected.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Annual (typically January–February). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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