In a world often plagued by conflict and division, the pursuit of peace becomes not just a noble aspiration but a vital necessity. It is in this spirit that Rotary International proudly announces the Rotary Peace Fellowships for the academic year 2025-2026, offering fully funded scholarships to international students seeking to make a difference through their dedication to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
These prestigious scholarships are exclusively available for master’s studies, providing an unparalleled opportunity for individuals committed to fostering harmony and understanding on a global scale. The Rotary Peace Fellowships Program goes beyond mere financial support, encompassing a comprehensive package that covers tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, as well as all internship and field-study expenses. This ensures that scholars can fully immerse themselves in their studies and practical experiences without the burden of financial constraints.
What sets the Rotary Peace Fellowships apart is not just the support provided but also the caliber of individuals sought for these opportunities. The program seeks early-career candidates who exhibit a profound commitment to peace and conflict resolution, possessing the ability to engage in extensive reading and research while actively contributing to a diverse cohort of students. Successful candidates are those who have already made significant strides in peacebuilding efforts and demonstrate the potential for future growth and impact as leaders in the field, all of which can be further enhanced through their participation in the fellowship.
Furthermore, the journey doesn’t end with the completion of the program. Rotary encourages fellows to continue their engagement beyond their studies, sharing their work and experiences with fellow peacebuilders in their regions and maintaining strong connections with Rotary members. This collaborative approach not only enriches the individual but also fosters a supportive network of like-minded individuals committed to creating positive change in the world.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of the Rotary Peace Fellowships Program. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply. Rotary is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations as needed, ensuring that everyone has equal access to this transformative opportunity.
As we embark on this journey towards a more peaceful and harmonious world, Rotary International invites aspiring peacebuilders from around the globe to join hands in this noble endeavor. Together, let us turn aspirations into actions, and dreams of peace into tangible realities that shape the course of history for generations to come. Apply now and be a catalyst for positive change in the world.
Scholarship Outline
- Degree of Study: Masters
- Destination Countries : USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda
- Qualified Countries: Global
- Duration: 15 to 24 months for Master’s degree & 3 month Professional development certificate program
- Focus Areas: Peace, International development and Leadership.
- Total of Scholarships offer: 50 fellowships for master’s degree & 80 for certificate studies at premier universities are awarded each year.
Institutions for Rotary Peace Fellowships are:
- Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- International Christian University, Japan
- University of Bradford, England
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Uppsala University, Sweden
- Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (certificate program)
- Makerere University, Uganda (certificate program)
Important Note: Fellowship recipients cannot study at a Rotary Peace Center in their own country. However, candidates from Thailand can attend the center at Chulalongkorn University.
Scholarship Allowance
- Tuition and fees
- Round-trip transportation
- Room and board
- Health insurance
- Applied field expenses
- All internship
Eligibility & Criteria for Qualification
- Ability to speak English well
- Strong dedication to peace and making things better
- Potential for leading others
- Suitability for fellowship goals and fitting in with Rotary
- Academic history and suitability for chosen university program
- Practicality and effect of Social Change Initiative (only for certificate)
- For Master’s degree applicants: You need at least three years of work or volunteering experience related to your field, plus a bachelor’s degree.
- For Certificate applicants: You need at least five years of work or volunteering experience related to your field, and you should also have a strong academic background.
- Take the eligibility quiz.
How to Apply for Rotary Peace Fellowships?
To apply for Rotary Peace Fellowships, follow these steps:
- Read the guidelines and make sure you meet the requirements and restrictions.
- Learn about the curriculum and programs at each Rotary Peace Center. You will need to pick your top two choices.
- Get your application ready, which includes your resume, essays, professional recommendations from school or work, transcripts, and test scores. Everything must be in English. If you’re applying for a certificate, you don’t need transcripts and scores.
- Before you submit your application. Reach out to your local rotary district to request for an interview. Having your district support is necessary for your application. Tip: Your local Rotary club can help you find your district. Use Club Finder to locate the closest club to you. While strongly recommended to have interviews and recommendations from your club. It’s not required if your district supports you. Before any interviews, submit your online application to your district by May 15th.
- Have an interview with district representatives. Districts must send their endorsements to The Rotary Foundation by July 1st.
- Wait for the selection results in November. If you’re selected for the fellowship, you’ll be informed which Peace Center you’ll be studying at.
- Apply to the university where your Peace Center is. Being chosen for the fellowship doesn’t automatically mean you’re admitted to the university.
Deadline for Rotary Peace Fellowships
- Deadline: May 15, 2024 (annual) (The 2025-26 Rotary Peace Fellowship application is available online.)