Rotary Peace Fellowship (Fully Funded Master’s)

Rotary awards up to 170 funded Rotary Peace Fellowships each year for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of its eight peace centers. The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 120 fellowships for certificate studies. Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 fellows who now work in over 140 countries.

Rotary Peace Fellows study at Rotary Peace Centers based at partner universities around the world. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace.

Scholarship Amount

1. Tuition and Fees
2. Room and Board
3. Round-Trip Transportation
4. Internship and Field-Study Expenses

Two Types of Programs

1. Master’s degree program: Up to 50 fellowships are awarded annually. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a self-designed field study lasting two to three months.
2. Professional development certificate program: Up to 120 fellowships are awarded annually. This one-year blended learning program is intended for working professionals. Fellows complete field studies and design and carry out a social change initiative.

Eligibility

1. Proficiency in English
2. A bachelor’s degree
3. A strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace, demonstrated through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
4. Leadership potential for master’s degree candidates and demonstrated leadership skills for certificate candidates
5. For the master’s degree program, at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
6. Master’s degree candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program and their intended fellowship start date.
7. For the certificate program, at least five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work and a social change initiative that aligns with Rotary’s mission
8. Certificate candidates must meet the regional eligibility criteria for their preferred partner university.
9. Candidates who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year, are not eligible to apply.
10. Active Rotary members and employees of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or another Rotary entity are not eligible. Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members may apply.

Peace Centers around the World

1. University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (master’s degree program)
2. University of Bradford, Bradford, England (master’s degree program)
3. International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan (master’s degree program)
4. Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (master’s degree program)
5. Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (joint master’s degree center)

After the program, Peace Fellows will be able to do the following:

1. Strengthen their knowledge of research-based theories and approaches to peace and development
2. Build practical skills through field experiences
3. Expand their global networks of academics, peace workers, and Rotary members
4. Develop professional skills in peacebuilding and development
5. Design and carry out a social change initiative, if enrolled in the certificate program
6. Conduct and present master’s research, if enrolled in a master’s degree program

How to apply for Rotary Peace Fellowship

1. Review the eligibility requirements and the current application timeline on the Official Scholarship Page.
2. Consider connecting with a local or online Rotary club or a Rotaract club for application mentorship and a recommendation.
3. If selected for a master’s degree fellowship, follow the separate university admission instructions for your designated Rotary Peace Center and meet the university’s admission requirements.

We hope that this article on the Rotary Peace Fellowship was helpful. For more information about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.