GIFTS Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Global Education Leadership Opportunity for Education System Leaders
Applications are now open for the Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) 2026, a fully funded global leadership programme designed for influential education system leaders committed to transforming education and improving outcomes for children and young people.
The fellowship will select a cohort of just 20 outstanding education system leaders from around the world for a nine-month global learning and leadership development experience. The programme combines virtual learning, peer exchange, coaching and an in-person immersion designed to equip leaders with the skills and connections needed to drive meaningful education system change.
About the GIFTS Fellowship 2026
The Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) is the flagship initiative of the Global Institute for Shaping a Better Future, launched in partnership with the Enlight Foundation.
The programme has been created for leaders navigating increasingly complex education environments shaped by economic, technological and climate-related changes.
GIFTS provides participants with a dedicated opportunity to explore education system transformation, exchange ideas with international peers and learn from prominent figures in education, politics, business and technology.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
GIFTS is aimed specifically at currently serving education system leaders who have meaningful influence at national or regional level.
Potential applicants may include:
- Policymakers
- Government officials
- Politicians
- Government advisers
- Ministry officials
- Regional education leaders
- Government delivery-unit leaders
- Other influential leaders working closely with governments
Applicants should be in positions where they can influence education systems and affect the learning and development of significant numbers of young people.
This is not an entry-level fellowship. GIFTS is designed for established leaders who are already involved in shaping education policy, delivery or system-level transformation.
What Does GIFTS Look For?
The fellowship seeks visionary and future-focused leaders who are committed to improving education systems and ensuring that children can develop holistically.
Successful applicants should demonstrate a commitment to:
- Improving systems around children
- Supporting holistic student development
- Developing collective leadership
- Navigating complex political and institutional environments
- Influencing significant system-level change
- Contributing to the global education ecosystem
- International learning and collaboration
Strong applicants should be able to demonstrate how their leadership can contribute to sustainable improvements within their education system.
What Does the Fully Funded Fellowship Include?
GIFTS is a fully funded nine-month leadership development programme combining online learning with an in-person component.
The programme is designed to fit around the schedules of senior leaders, requiring approximately 4–6 hours of contact time per month.
Four-Day In-Person Immersion
Fellows will participate in a four-day in-person experience in January 2027. This component will focus on relationship building, individual leadership development and examination of a live education system case study.
System Transformation Project
Each fellow will work on a system transformation project within their own national or regional context. This practical project will provide opportunities for reflection, peer learning and knowledge generation.
Masterclasses and Roundtables
Participants will take part in eight virtual sessions exploring major questions surrounding education leadership and system transformation.
Coaching and Mentoring
Fellows will have opportunities to engage with renowned leaders from education, politics, business and technology, gaining different perspectives on leadership and systems change.
Global Peer Network
GIFTS will bring together leaders from different national and regional contexts. This international community will allow participants to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and develop lasting professional relationships.
Joint Publication
Fellows will also receive support from the Global Institute’s writing team to communicate lessons and insights from their fellowship experience through a joint publication for a wider global audience.
GIFTS Fellowship 2026 Timeline
The programme timeline provided for applicants includes:
- June 2026: Applications open
- September 11, 2026: Current application deadline listed on the fellowship webpage
- October 2026: Selection announced
- October 2026: Virtual launch
- January 2027: Four-day in-person immersion
- February–April 2027: Virtual learning and peer sessions
- May 2027: Optional Better Future Forum
- June–August 2027: Continued virtual learning
- September 2027: Virtual graduation
Important Deadline Notice
The information supplied for this fellowship contains different application deadlines. The current fellowship webpage lists September 11, 2026, while earlier applicant guidance reportedly listed September 4, 2026.
Applicants should therefore check the latest official fellowship information before submitting an application.
How to Apply for GIFTS Fellowship 2026
Interested education system leaders should review the official eligibility requirements, applicant guidance and programme commitments before applying.
Exceptional leaders may also be nominated. However, a nomination does not automatically constitute an application and does not guarantee selection.
For application and nomination enquiries, the contact email provided in the fellowship information is:
aitidal.shariha@teachforall.org
Applicants should use the official fellowship information to confirm the latest application instructions and deadline.
Why Apply for the GIFTS Fellowship?
For senior education leaders, GIFTS offers more than conventional leadership training. It provides an opportunity to work on real system-level challenges while learning alongside influential education leaders from around the world.
The fully funded programme can help participants strengthen their leadership capabilities, develop international networks, exchange practical experiences and contribute to a broader understanding of how education systems can be transformed.
With only 20 fellows expected to participate, GIFTS represents a highly selective opportunity for leaders with the authority and ambition to influence education at national or regional scale.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
