LLF Global Fellowship Program 2026
Join a prestigious knowledge fellowship working at the frontier of foundational literacy and numeracy reform — one of the most ambitious education transformation efforts in the world.
Stipend + workspace + mentorship + field exposure across India
About The Fellowship
The Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) works with state governments across India to transform how children learn to read, write, and count. We are now inviting the world’s most promising emerging scholars to join us — not as observers, but as architects of change.
The LLF Fellowship is for those who want to go beyond academic study — to wrestle with real problems, build real solutions, and leave a measurable mark on one of the most important challenges of our time.
🔭
Reimagine What’s Possible
Bring fresh global perspectives to India’s public education system and challenge assumptions about what works at scale.
⚡
Lead With Autonomy
You won’t be handed a script. You’ll be given a problem and trusted to drive it — from diagnosis to implementation.
🌱
Grow Through Doing
Embed with expert teams, travel to programme states, and produce knowledge that shapes policy and practice.
About The Fellowship
Fellows are placed within one of four strategic domains, each tackling a distinct dimension of the education reform challenge.
Who Should Apply
The Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) works with state governments across India to transform how children learn to read, write, and count. We are now inviting the world’s most promising emerging scholars to join us — not as observers, but as architects of change.
The LLF Fellowship is for those who want to go beyond academic study — to wrestle with real problems, build real solutions, and leave a measurable mark on one of the most important challenges of our time.
You Are
- Self-driven — you identify what needs doing and do it, without waiting to be told.
- Comfortable with minimal supervision — you thrive in ambiguity and own your work end-to-end.
- A genuine problem solver — you don’t just analyse; you build, test, iterate, and implement.
- Passionate about education equity — this isn’t just a career move; it’s a commitment.
You Have
- A Master’s or Doctoral degree from an overseas university, completed by mid-2026
- Background in Education, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Data Science, Social Sciences, or Learning Sciences
- Strong analytical, research, and writing skills in English
- Both Indian nationals studying abroad and international candidates are welcome to apply
Fellowship Benefits
🏛️
Policy Access
Work directly with state governments, policymakers, and senior education officials — gaining rare inside access to how India’s education system is shaped.
🔬
Research Depth
Contribute to and co-author published knowledge products — research reports, policy briefs, and working papers that reach practitioners and policymakers.
🗺️
Field Immersion
Travel to LLF’s programme states and experience India’s public education system firsthand — from classrooms to district offices to state secretariats.
🤝
Expert Mentorship
Be mentored by LLF’s leadership team and domain experts — practitioners with decades of experience in education reform, research, and public systems.
🌐
Global Network
Join a growing cohort of LLF fellows and alumni — a peer network of scholars and change-makers working on education equity across the world.
✈️
Visa & Relocation Support
International fellows receive full visa documentation support, relocation guidance, and an orientation to India’s education ecosystem before the fellowship begins.
2026 Cohort Schedule
January
Fellowship Announcement
Feb – March
Application Window Open
April – May
Screening & Interviews
June
Final Selection Announced
July 2026
Fellowship Begins
Application Process
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form. Share your CV, a statement of interest (explaining your motivation and the problem you want to work on), and a writing sample that demonstrates your analytical capabilities.
Application Screening
The LLF team reviews applications for academic preparation, relevant experience, and alignment with the fellowship’s goals. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email.
Interaction with Domain Teams
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a conversation with LLF’s domain leads. This is an opportunity to explore your areas of interest, understand the fellowship more deeply, and demonstrate your thinking.
Final Selection
Final selection is made by LLF’s Leadership Committee, comprising the Executive Director, Senior Directors, and People & Culture. Selected fellows are notified in June 2026 and onboarded in July.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open. We are looking for four exceptional individuals who want to dedicate a year to building a stronger education system for India’s children.
Application window: February – March 2026
2030 MISSION
Donation will be eligible for exemption under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961