Begin your international study journey with great news: the Rotary Peace Fellowships are now open for applications! This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship, its advantages, and a detailed guide to the application process.
The Rotary Peace Fellowships for 2026-2027 offer fully funded scholarships exclusively for master’s degree programs. The fellowship covers tuition, fees, accommodation, round-trip travel, as well as all internship and field-study costs.
Each year, up to 150 fellowships are granted to students pursuing either a Professional Development Certificate or a Master’s Degree focused on peace, conflict resolution, and prevention.
Since its inception in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained over 1,400 fellows from more than 115 countries. Many alumni hold leadership roles in governments, NGOs, military, education, law enforcement, and international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
Participating Institutions include:
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- University of Bradford, Bradford, England
- International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
- Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Duke University and the University of North Carolina, Durham and Chapel Hill, USA
- Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye (certificate program)
- Makerere University, Uganda (certificate program)
Important: Applicants are not permitted to study at a Rotary Peace Center located in their home country, with the exception of candidates from Thailand who may attend Chulalongkorn University.
Scholarship Details:
- Levels: Master’s Degree, Certificate Program
- Institutions: Listed above
- Study Locations: USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda
- Duration: 15 to 24 months for Master’s programs; 3 months for certificate programs
- Deadline: May 15, 2025 (annual) — The 2026-27 application is available online
- Number of Scholarships: Up to 50 master’s fellowships and 80 certificate fellowships awarded annually
- Focus Areas: Peace, International Development, and Leadership
Scholarship Benefits
Rotary Peace Fellowships include coverage for:
- Tuition and related fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Round-trip airfare
- All costs associated with internships and field studies
Eligibility Requirements for Rotary Peace Fellowships
These fellowships are intended for professionals who have experience in international relations or in the fields of peace, conflict prevention, and resolution. Additionally, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries worldwide
Language Requirements: Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in a second language is highly recommended
Leadership: Demonstrated excellent leadership abilities
Commitment: Strong dedication to international understanding and peace, shown through professional achievements, academic success, and personal or community service
Work Experience:
- Master’s degree applicants must have at least three years of relevant full-time work or volunteer experience and hold a bachelor’s degree
- Certificate applicants need a minimum of five years of relevant full-time work or volunteer experience along with a solid academic background
How to Apply for Rotary Peace Fellowships:
- Review the eligibility criteria and experience guidelines carefully.
- Explore the curricula and programs offered at each Rotary Peace Center. For master’s applicants, you will be asked to prioritize your preferred two centers if eligible for both.
- Connect with Rotary by using the Club Finder to find a local Rotary or Rotaract club. Engaging with Rotary can provide valuable insights and mentorship. While a club or district recommendation is optional, it is highly encouraged.
- Read the Application Overview to understand each step of the process. When applying, submit original and authentic responses based on your own experiences and motivations. The use of AI-generated content is strongly discouraged, and plagiarism will result in disqualification.
- Prepare all required documents, including a resume, academic and professional recommendations, personal statement video and essays, transcripts from postsecondary institutions (for master’s applicants), English proficiency test results (master’s applicants only), and a social impact plan (certificate applicants). Plan ahead for transcript requests and test registrations (such as IELTS or TOEFL). All documents must be submitted in English.
- Submit your complete application between February and May 15. Once submitted, applications are final. Make sure all recommendations, including optional Rotary club/district endorsements, are submitted before finalizing your application.
- Wait for notification of qualification and selection results. Selected fellows will be informed by November which Rotary Peace Center they will attend.
- Apply separately for admission to the host university of your assigned Peace Center, as being awarded the fellowship does not guarantee university admission.
Websites
To learn more about the Rotary Peace Fellowships, please visit the official scholarship website: