Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 in USA (Fully Funded Opportunity)

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The Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026 is a notable global academic opportunity for ambitious leaders from impoverished nations who want to improve education quality and promote gender equality around the world.

The Center for Inclusive Education at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., a respected research institution dedicated to the development of inclusive and sustainable education policies, hosts the program.

The program allows participants to work in research and leadership for six months, with two months in the researcher’s home country and four months in the United States, providing an excellent mix of local and global expertise.

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Echidna 2026 Program Goals

The Echidna Program aims to empower scholars and policymakers from the Global South to create practical solutions that promote equity and equality in education.
This scholarship enables scholars to undertake research initiatives that improve learning outcomes and life opportunities for girls and young women, as well as gender-diverse individuals in developing areas.

The program also aims to create a global network of researchers and experts who will collaborate to share information and establish evidence-based policy.

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Fellowship Details

Host country: United States of America
Location: Brookings Institution – Washington, DC
Host Institution: Center for Inclusive Education (CEI)
Program duration: 6 months (including 4 months in the United States)
Funding: Fully Funded
Application deadline: December 15, 2025

Benefits of the Fully Funded Echidna Global Scholar Program

The fellowship is an exceptional opportunity that combines complete financial support with professional development. The participants receive:

A monthly stipend (subject to US taxes) to cover living costs
Visa charges are fully covered, as is round-trip transport to Washington, D.C.
Free accomodation for four months during the visit.
Complete health insurance throughout the duration of the program.
Experts at the Brookings Institution provide academic supervision and research support.

With these benefits, the fellowship provides a perfect setting for researchers to develop their studies and make a tangible difference in their communities.

Eligibility and application requirements

To participate in the Global Echidna Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

The applicant must come from one of the Global South’s (developing) countries.
Hold a master’s degree in education, women’s studies, economics, international development, or public policy.
At least ten years of professional experience in academic or development settings.
A genuine commitment to improve education and gender equality.
The program also welcomes applicants who have not previously concentrated on gender equality issues to apply, as long as they explain how they plan to include this aspect into their future work.

Program stages

During Phase 1 – Pre-Residency (2 months), researchers work with program supervisors to create research proposals from their home country.
During Phase II – Washington Residency (4 months), the scholar will conduct extensive research and attend leadership and capacity-building courses at the Brookings Institution.
Phase 3 – Post-Residency: After returning home, the fellow continues to implement their research project and contributes to the dissemination of findings through local or worldwide educational policy.

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Steps to apply for the Echidna Global Scholar Program 2026

To ensure a successful submission, follow these procedures.

Check the eligibility standards to ensure you meet all academic and professional requirements.
Prepare your CV and a letter of motivation expressing why you wish to participate in the program.
Write a 3-5 page research proposal detailing your plan to promote gender equality in education.
By December 15, 2025, submit your online application using the Brookings Institution’s official application portal.
If you have been shortlisted, wait for a review and an interview invitation.

A summary

The 2026 Echidna Global Scholar Program in the United States provides a unique chance for aspiring scholars from developing nations to obtain academic experience, interact with educational thought leaders, and contribute to a more just and inclusive future in global education.

If you have the desire, experience, and determination to make a significant difference, this fellowship is an excellent first step toward leadership in education and gender equality.