The Rotary Peace Fellowships stand as a testament to Rotary International’s unshaken commitment to promoting global peace and understanding. Each year, this distinguished program offers up to 130 fully funded fellowships to dedicated leaders from around the world. Enabling them to pursue advanced studies in peace and development.
The fellowship aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective catalysts for peace through a combination of academic training, practical experience, and extensive global networking opportunities.
Summary
- Host Countries/Institutions: The fellowship is hosted across several respected institutions worldwide, including:
- 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
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Bahçeşehir University, Turkey
- Countries: The fellowship is available to candidates globally, with programs hosted in the USA, Japan, England, Australia, Sweden, Uganda, and Turkey.
- Category: The fellowship offers two distinct categories: master’s Degree Programs, which are 15-24 month programs focusing on peace and development studies and professional Development Certificate Programs, One-year programs designed for experienced professionals.
- Eligibility Country: The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries, including African nations. Notably, the certificate program at Makerere University in Uganda is tailored for candidates from Africa or those with notable experience or interest in African peacebuilding initiatives.
- Reward/Worth: The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, covering:
- Full tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Round-trip transportation
- Internship and field-study expenses
- Deadline: Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year must be submitted by 15 May 2025.
Details
The Rotary Peace Fellowships are designed to develop the capacity of peace and development professionals through diligent academic training and practical experiences. Since its inception in 2002, the program has trained over 1,800 fellows who now work in more than 140 countries.
Serving as leaders in governments, NGOs, educational and research institutions, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
Requirements
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Master’s Degree Program:
- Proficiency in English.
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- A strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace, demonstrated through professional and academic achievements, as well as personal or community service.
- At least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work.
- A minimum of three years between the completion of the most recent academic degree and the intended start date of the fellowship.
2. Professional Development Certificate Program:
- Proficiency in English.
- A bachelor’s degree.
- A strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace.
- At least five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- It’s important to note that active Rotary members, employees of Rotary entities, and their immediate family members are not eligible for the fellowship. Additionally, candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are ineligible to apply.
Benefits
The Rotary Peace Fellowships offer numerous benefits to its recipients:
- Comprehensive Financial Support: Fellows receive full funding for tuition, fees, accommodation, meals, and travel expenses, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies and practical experiences.
- Diverse Academic Opportunities: Fellows can choose from a range of esteemed institutions worldwide, each offering unique curricula and perspectives on peace and development.
- Practical Experience: The program includes field studies and internships, enabling fellows to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and gain hands-on experience.
- Global Networking: Fellows join a vast network of peacebuilders, including program alumni, Rotary members, and professionals in the field. This network promotes opportunities for collaboration and continued learning.
- Leadership Development: Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship, fellows enhance their leadership skills, preparing them to take on influential roles in peace and development initiatives globally.
Application Procedure
Applying for the Rotary Peace Fellowship involves several steps:
- Review Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements for the fellowship.
- Research: Begin by exploring the Rotary Peace Centers and their respective programs to determine which aligns best with your career goals and interests.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather all necessary documents, including:
- A current resume or CV.
- Academic and/or professional recommendations.
- Essays detailing your commitment to peace and your career objectives.
- Transcripts from postsecondary institutions attended (for master’s applicants).
- English language proficiency test scores (for master’s applicants).
- A social impact plan (for certificate applicants).
4. Connect with Rotary: Join a local Rotary or Rotaract club to learn more about Rotary’s work and seek mentorship during the application process.
For further details and to apply, please visit the official Rotary International website:
