The GIFTS Fellowship is a year-long, cohort-based programme for education system leaders worldwide, designed to connect, inspire, and enable learning among leaders reshaping education systems. It focuses on ensuring every child develops purpose, agency, and the ability to shape a better future.
The Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) brings together 20 leaders from ministries, political offices, and civil society partnerships. Through virtual masterclasses, peer learning, coaching, and an in-person immersion, fellows document a transformation project and join a lifelong global community of education change-makers.
GIFTS Fellowship Benefits
- Access to virtual masterclasses with renowned education leaders.
- Peer learning groups and collaborative system change labs.
- Mentorship and coaching (policy mentors, leadership coaches, peer coaches).
- Immersion event (4 days in-person).
- Participation in the Better Future Forum (optional 3-day event).
- Membership in a lifelong global community of education leaders.
GIFTS Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Be influential education system leaders (ministries, political offices, civil society partnerships).
- Show a lifelong commitment to improving systems for children.
- Align with the purpose of holistic student development.
- Demonstrate capacity for collective leadership and navigating complex politics.
- Have the ability to influence system-level change at national or regional scale.
- Possess potential to serve as global education ecosystem leaders.
Eligible Fields
The fellowship is for leaders working in:
Gifts
- Education Ministries
- Political Offices
- Civil Society Partnerships
- System Transformation Roles
How are Applicants Selected?
- Through nominations and applications.
- Selection based on leadership impact, vision, and alignment with fellowship goals.
- Final cohort: 20 leaders worldwide.
How to Apply for GIFTS Fellowship
- Review eligibility criteria.
- Submit nomination or application via the official fellowship portal.
- Applications open June 2026 and close 4 September 2026.
- Selection announced October 2026.
- Fellowship journey begins with a virtual launch event in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the GIFTS Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, application deadlines, and what to expect during the programme.
What is the GIFTS Fellowship?
The Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) is a year‑long programme for education system leaders. It provides virtual masterclasses, peer learning, coaching, and an in‑person immersion to help fellows design and document a transformation project.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be influential education system leaders from ministries, political offices, or civil society partnerships. They should demonstrate a lifelong commitment to holistic student development, collective leadership, and the ability to drive system‑level change nationally or regionally.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the 2026/2027 cohort is 4 September 2026. Applications open in June 2026.
How many fellows are selected?
A total of 20 leaders from around the world are selected for each cohort.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides access to masterclasses, mentorship, coaching, and an in‑person immersion. However, it is not fully funded; participants may need to cover some costs. Funding details are available on the official portal.
What does the fellowship cover?
Benefits include virtual masterclasses with education leaders, peer learning groups, mentorship and coaching, a 4‑day in‑person immersion event, optional Better Future Forum participation, and lifelong community membership.
Can I apply if I am not from a ministry?
Yes, the fellowship is open to leaders in political offices and civil society partnerships working on system transformation, not only those in ministries.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The programme runs from October 2026 to September 2027, spanning one full year of virtual and in‑person activities.
How do I apply?
You can apply or be nominated through the official fellowship portal. After reviewing the eligibility criteria, complete the application before 4 September 2026.
Where does the in-person immersion take place?
The exact location of the 4‑day immersion event is not specified; it is an in‑person gathering that will be communicated to selected fellows.
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