Every year, up to 130 fully funded Rotary Peace Fellowships are offered to world leaders so they can study at one of Rotary’s peace centers. Through classroom instruction, practical experience, and global networking, the Rotary Peace Centers program equips professionals in peace and development to create meaningful change. Tuition, fees, lodging and board, transportation, and internship/field study costs are all covered by fellowships.
Leaders with experience in peace and development are the target audience for the Rotary Peace Fellowship. They offer 80 certificate fellowships and up to 50 master’s scholarships at prestigious universities annually.
More than 1,800 fellows have completed the program since 2002 and are currently working in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), peacekeeping, and international organizations including the World Bank and the United Nations in more than 140 countries.
Details
- Offered by: Rotary International
- Deadline: 15 May 2025
- Duration:
- Master’s degree programs include a field study that lasts two or three months and last between fifteen and twenty-four months.
- Certificate program for professional development: one year.
- Gender: Any
- Number of Opportunity:
- Master’s Degree Programs:50 Fellowships
- Professional development certificate program: 80 fellowships.
- Kind: Fellowship
- All countries are eligible.
About Programs
Programs for master’s degrees
The ideal applicant possesses a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a stellar academic record, and work experience in peace and development. Early-career candidates who can read and study a lot, engage with a diverse student body, and exhibit a commitment to peace and conflict resolution are sought for.
The chosen applicants have demonstrated prior success in peacebuilding and, thanks to the fellowship, have the potential to develop and have an influence as future field leaders. After the program, candidates should maintain contact with other peace fellows in their community, build strong bonds with Rotary members, and share their work and experiences.
Professional development certificate program
The ideal candidate is a seasoned mid-career peace and development leader with at least five years of relevant work experience. A social change project that aims to advance peace and development in the program region must be submitted by applicants. People should also be aware of how the fellowship and network experience will help them in their peace work.
This program, which involves 11 weeks of on-site attendance, is designed for working professionals. After completing the program, fellows are awarded a postgraduate diploma. After the program, candidates should be ready to share their work and experiences with Rotary members and maintain contact with local peace fellows.
Benefits of the Rotary Peace Fellowships
The fellowships cover the following:
- fees and tuition.
- Board and room.
- Transit in both directions.
- Costs associated with field research and internships.
Eligibilities
Master’s Degree Program:
- English proficiency and an undergraduate degree are prerequisites.
- Your accomplishments in the workplace, in the school, and in society demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering understanding and peace amongst cultures.
- Able to guide others.
- Possess a minimum of three years of relevant full-time experience working for peace or development.
- The most recent undergraduate or graduate course of study completed by the applicant must have been completed at least three years before the fellowship’s start date. Candidates cannot apply if they are enrolled in graduate or undergraduate studies at the time of application.
- Applications are being accepted from people with disabilities.
You are not eligible if you are:
- Members of Rotary that are actively involved
- Workers from the District or Rotary Club.
- Linguistic descendants and spouses
Professional development certificate program
- Possess fluency in English
- Possess a bachelor’s degree.
- Possess a minimum of five years of relevant full-time experience working for peace or development.
- Your accomplishments in the workplace, in the school, and in society demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering understanding and peace amongst cultures.
- Display your leadership abilities.
- Able to articulate how their approach to fostering peace complements Rotary’s mission
Makerere University requires applicants to be from Africa, have experience working there, volunteer for African organizations or communities abroad, or have a significant interest in learning about regional peacebuilding strategies. - People who are from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked there, are now working overseas with communities or initiatives related to these regions, or have a strong interest in learning about regional peacebuilding strategies are eligible to apply to Bahçeşehir University.
- The most recent undergraduate or graduate course of study completed by the applicant must have been completed at least three years before the fellowship’s start date. Candidates cannot apply if they are enrolled in graduate or undergraduate studies at the time of application.
You are not eligible if:
- You are an active Rotary member or employee with any Rotary organization (club, Rotary International, etc.).
- Rotaract club members (not Rotary club members) are encouraged to apply.
Master’s Program University Partners
Fellows can pursue a master’s degree in international development policy at Duke or in one of several departments at the University of North Carolina. Additionally, they can obtain a graduate certificate in international peace and conflict resolution from UNC.
The ICU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is renowned for its interdisciplinary curriculum and liberal arts approach. Fellows in the Public Policy and Social Research program work toward a master’s degree in Peace Studies.
Bradford University has the world’s largest Division of Peace Studies and International Development, which provides a variety of master’s degrees in peace, conflict resolution, security, and development.
The Graduate Centre of Governance and International Affairs offers master’s degrees in international studies and peace and conflict studies.
The Department of Peace and Conflict Research offers a master’s degree in social science. It is well-known worldwide for gathering free and open data on armed conflict and organized violence.
Professional Development Certificate Program University Partners:
The curriculum combines theory, research, and practice for African peace and development professionals who have already worked in Africa, work with African communities or programs outside of Africa, or want to learn more about African peacebuilding. Fellows will learn how to influence policies and take action to improve society by encouraging peaceful coexistence.
The multidisciplinary program will train peacebuilders who are from the Middle East or North Africa, have previously worked in the region, collaborate with Middle Eastern or North African people or initiatives in other parts of the world, or have a strong desire to learn more about regional peacemaking. Fellows will learn how to use their experience to drive major social change by developing creative ideas using participatory approaches.
Required Documents
The necessary paperwork for the 2026–27 Rotary Peace Fellowships is listed below:
- Resumé
- Suggestions from academics and/or professionals.
- Essays and a Video for Personal Statements
- Postsecondary university transcripts (only for master’s programs)
- Test results for English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL for master’s programs only)
- Plan for Social Impact (exclusive to certificate programs).
Note: Please make sure that everything is submitted before May 15 and in English. Although not required, extra documentation is advised, such as club or district recommendations.
How to Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowships?
- Examine the applicable experience guidance and eligibility requirements.
- Explore the programs and curricula at each Rotary Peace Center. For master’s programs, rank your top two preferred centers.
- Use the Club Finder to locate a Rotary or Rotaract club. Club or district recommendations are optional but encouraged.
- Understand the steps and requirements for submitting a filled-out application. Verify that each piece of content is authentic and distinct.
- Compile your social impact plan (certificate only), master’s degree transcripts, English proficiency test results (master’s only), essays and video for your personal statement, resume, and referrals.
- Make an application between February and May 15, 2025. Make sure you have included all of the recommendations before finishing your application.
- If selected, you will get information regarding your Peace Center assignment in November 2025.
- Being selected for the fellowship does not guarantee university admission. A different application is needed from the university where your Peace Center is situated.
Apply Now
Criteria and Selection Process
After being assessed for eligibility, applications that satisfy the criteria are forwarded to the Rotary Peace Centers Committee, which is composed of both Rotary members and university representatives. Finalists may receive invites to interviews. In November 2025, the selected applicants will be notified.
Applications are evaluated according to:
- Eligibility requirements
- English language proficiency and a commitment to peace and progress.
- The potential for leadership.
- In line with Rotary’s objectives.
- Academic record and suitability with programs.
- Campaign for Social Change Impact and Viability (just on the certificate)
Also Check:
- Work Visa Application 2025 Checklist- Essential Documents for Approval!
- Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- University of Trento Master’s Scholarships 2025.
Please visit the official website for more information about the Rotary Peace Fellowship.
