The Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) 2026, launched by the Global Institute at Teach For All, is a year-long global fellowship designed for education system leaders working to create large-scale change in education. The 2026 cohort will bring together 20 education system leaders from around the world.
The fellowship is intended for influential leaders working within ministries, political offices, or long-term partnerships with governments through civil society. It combines peer learning, leadership coaching, system-change work, and immersive experiences with education leaders.
GIFTS Fellowship 2026 Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Global Institute Fellowship for Transforming Systems (GIFTS) |
| Host | Global Institute, Teach For All |
| Cohort | 20 global education system leaders |
| Duration | One year |
| Applications Open | June 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 4, 2026 |
| Selection Announcement | October 2026 |
| Field | Education leadership and systems transformation |
| Format | Virtual sessions plus in-person experiences |
The application period runs from June through September 4, 2026, with selection announced in October.
What Is the GIFTS Fellowship?
GIFTS was created to connect education system leaders who are working to respond to major economic, technological, and climate-related changes affecting education systems.
The fellowship focuses on questions such as:
- What outcomes should education systems achieve for students today?
- How can practices, structures and culture be aligned around a shared purpose?
- How can classroom learning quality be improved?
- What leadership approaches are needed to drive system-level transformation?
Who Is the Fellowship For?
GIFTS is designed for high-impact education system leaders working at the national or regional level.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A long-term commitment to improving systems around children
- A commitment to developing students holistically regardless of background or economic status
- The ability to build collective leadership and navigate complex political environments
- The capacity to influence significant system-level change
- Potential to become an influential leader within the global education ecosystem
This means the fellowship is aimed primarily at experienced education and systems-change professionals rather than students seeking a conventional academic fellowship.
What Does the Fellowship Include?
GIFTS uses a combination of cohort learning, practical systems work, coaching, and in-person experiences.
Cohort Model
Fellows join a carefully selected international group of education system leaders and develop relationships for deep peer learning.
System Change Lab
Participants work on a real problem of practice, using action, reflection and feedback from peers to generate practical insights.
Immersion Event
Fellows participate in a four-day immersive learning experience inside a transforming education system, interacting with ministers, schools and practitioners.
Masterclasses and Roundtables
The programme provides closed-door discussions with senior global education leaders, allowing fellows to examine challenges, failures, trade-offs and breakthroughs.
Triad Model Coaching
Fellows receive support through three complementary forms of coaching:
- Policy mentors
- Leadership coaches
- Peer coaches
Better Future Forum
The fellowship also includes an annual in-person event connecting fellows with leaders across the global education ecosystem.
Lifelong Community
Participants become part of an ongoing international community focused on sharing practices and learning across different countries and education systems.
GIFTS Fellowship Timeline
The programme runs from late 2026 through September 2027.
Application period
- June 2026 — Applications open
- September 4, 2026 — Applications close
- October 2026 — Selection announced
Fellowship programme
- October 2026 — Virtual launch
- November–December 2026 — Virtual lab, masterclasses and coaching
- January 2027 — Four-day in-person immersion event, required
- February–April 2027 — Virtual lab, masterclasses and coaching
- May 2027 — Three-day Better Future Forum, optional
- June–August 2027 — Virtual lab, masterclasses and coaching
- September 2027 — Virtual graduation
Is the Fellowship Fully Funded?
The supplied source describes GIFTS as a “Fully Funded Global Institute Fellowship”, but the available information does not provide a detailed breakdown of financial benefits, stipend amounts, travel coverage, or other funding components. Therefore, applicants should not assume specific financial benefits beyond what is stated in the official fellowship materials.
How to Apply or Nominate Someone
Applications are open through September 4, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the fellowship blueprint for detailed application guidance.
Exceptional education system leaders can also be nominated. However, the source emphasizes that a nomination is not an application and does not guarantee selection. Nominees who appear to meet the eligibility requirements may subsequently be invited to submit a full application.
Official Fellowship Website: Apply for the GIFTS Fellowship
For questions about applications or nominations, the announcement provides aitidal.shariha@teachforall.org as the programme contact.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
With only 20 fellows selected globally, GIFTS offers a highly selective peer network for leaders working on education systems transformation. Its combination of system-change labs, coaching, masterclasses, an immersive learning experience, and a continuing global community makes it particularly relevant to professionals already influencing education policy or systems at scale.
Application Deadline
September 4, 2026
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