$25000 Paid Echidna Global Fellowship Scholars Visiting Program

$25000 Paid Echidna Global Fellowship Scholars Visiting Program. This scholarship has a running history of being the “most easy to get” scholarship.

The Echidna Global Scholars Program, run by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings, aims to empower local leaders working to advance gender-equitable education throughout the Global South.

Over a six-month fellowship, Echidna Scholars conduct independent research to improve educational and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender-nonconforming individuals. The fellowship helps participants strengthen their leadership and policy-making skills, deepen their knowledge of gender and global education, and expand their influence. Upon completing the fellowship, scholars join the Echidna Alumni Network, a collaborative community aimed at driving long-term, collective impact on gender-transformative education worldwide.

Table of Contents

Click to start an application today

$25000 Paid Echidna Global Fellowship Scholars Visiting Program

Since 2012, the Echidna Global Scholars Program has hosted 10 cohorts and now has a network of 33 alumni from 20 countries.

Program Phases of the Echidna Global Scholars Fellowship

The fellowship is structured in two main phases:

Pre-Residency Phase: Scholars begin with in-country data collection and research, supported by CUE fellows, virtual workshops, group sessions, and personalized guidance. Scholars are introduced to essential concepts and tools for leadership development and start developing an impact strategy, engaging with key local stakeholders. This phase requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week.
Residency Phase: Scholars spend this phase in Washington, DC, focusing on publishing and sharing their research through Brookings multimedia platforms. This period emphasizes strategic impact, leadership growth, networking, and outreach, helping scholars build skills in analysis, policy-oriented communication, and audience engagement. The residency culminates in the Gender Equality in and through Education Research and Policy Symposium, providing scholars an opportunity to showcase their work and expand their networks.

After completing the residency, scholars receive two years of continued support from CUE, including strategic advising and leadership development, to help them implement their action plans within their home countries. Through ongoing support, CUE ensures that scholars can leverage the knowledge and connections gained during the fellowship to create meaningful change in their regions.

Benefits of the Echidna Global Scholars Program

Selected fellows receive a stipend of $25,000 USD to cover living expenses throughout the pre-residency and residency periods (subject to U.S. tax). CUE also covers visa-related costs, single-occupancy housing during the four-month residency, round-trip travel, and limited health insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible candidates are professionals with significant experience and strong ties to the Global South who intend to return there after the fellowship. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving educational outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming individuals. Ideal applicants will have expertise in education, gender studies, international development, public policy, economics, or related fields, with at least 10 years of experience in research, academia, community organizations, or government.

Candidates should have a Master’s degree, strong analytical and writing skills, the ability to collaborate effectively, a readiness to give and receive feedback, and a commitment to learning quickly. English proficiency is required.

Program Details