About the opportunity
The Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) is a year-long, cohort-based fellowship designed for influential education system leaders worldwide. Bringing together 20 education system insiders from diverse countries, the fellowship connects, inspires, and enables learning to help leaders reshape education systems for a changing world. The program features a curated sequence of virtual masterclasses with renowned education leaders, peer learning groups, elite mentoring and coaching through a triad model, a system change lab, and an in-person system immersion event. Fellows sharpen their locally rooted, globally informed visions, build leadership and capabilities to drive transformation at scale, and join a growing global movement turning bold ideas into lasting transformation.
Funding and benefits
- Curated cohort model to build relationships with peers
- System Change Lab to explore and address problems of practice
- 4-day in-person immersion event in a transforming education system
- Closed-door masterclasses and roundtables with senior global education leaders
- Triad model coaching combining policy mentors, leadership coaches, and peer coaches
- Participation in the Better Future Forum annual in-person event
- Lifelong community and professional network across geographies
Who can apply?
- Lifelong commitment to improving the systems around children
- Alignment with the purpose of developing all students holistically regardless of background or economic status
- Capacity for developing collective leadership and navigating complex politics
- Ability to influence significant system-level change at a national or regional scale
- Potential to serve as an influential leader in the global education ecosystem
- Working within ministries, political offices, or in long-term partnerships with the government from civil society roles
Required documents
- Refer to the application guidance outlined in the fellowship blueprint document
When to apply
- June 1, 2026: Applications open
- September 4, 2026 (or September 11, 2026): Applications close
- October 2026: Selection announced
How to apply
- Review the fellowship blueprint document and application guidance
- Submit an application via the online application form
- Alternatively, submit a nomination via the nomination form (nominees meeting criteria may be invited to apply)
Additional information
- The fellowship brings together 20 influential education system insiders.
- The program runs from October 2026 to September 2027.
- Includes a required 4-day in-person immersion event in January 2027.
- Includes an optional 3-day Better Future Forum in May 2027.
- Concludes with a virtual graduation in September 2027.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Influential education system leaders working within ministries, government, or civil society.
- Professionals with a long-term commitment to systemic education reform.
- Leaders capable of navigating complex politics and driving change at a national or regional scale.
What should you think carefully about?
- The fellowship requires a year-long commitment from October 2026 to September 2027.
- Participation involves a mandatory 4-day in-person immersion event in January 2027.
- The program is highly selective, focusing on a cohort of only 20 leaders.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is designed for leaders who want to move beyond local initiatives to influence global education systems. It offers a rare combination of elite coaching, peer learning, and direct access to senior global education leaders to support large-scale transformation.
Our take
Senior education leaders with the capacity to drive national-level change should seriously consider this fellowship. It is not suitable for early-career educators or those without significant system-level influence.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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