Rotary Peace Fellowship: Fully-Funded Master’s Degrees and Certificates in Peace and Development Studies – Open to All Nationalities!

Rotary International, through The Rotary Foundation, offers one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded peace and development fellowships. Each year, up to 170 outstanding leaders from around the world are selected to study at one of eight Rotary Peace Centers globally.

Since the program began in 2002, Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 peace fellows who now work in over 140 countries, serving as leaders in governments, NGOs, education and research institutions, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, and international organizations including the United Nations and the World Bank.

What the Rotary Peace Fellowship Covers

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

• Full tuition and university fees

• Room and board

• Round-trip international transportation

• Internship and field-study expenses

Rotary Peace Centers Program: Building Capacity for Peace

Through academic training, practical experience, and global networking, the Rotary Peace Centers Program equips professionals to become effective catalysts for peace and development.

Alumni work across sectors including:

• Government and diplomacy

• International NGOs

• Education and research

• Peacekeeping and law enforcement

• Multilateral and international organizations

Fellowship Options

1️⃣ Master’s Degree Programs

• Duration: 15–24 months

• Includes: 2–3 month self-designed field study

• Focus: Research-informed teaching with a diverse international cohort

• Awards: Up to 50 fellowships annually

2️⃣ Professional Development Certificate Program

• Duration: 1-year blended learning program

• Designed for: Mid-career and senior peace and development professionals

• Focus: Practical skills, field studies, and a Social Change Initiative

• Awards: Up to 120 fellowships annually

Application Timeline (2027–28 Intake)

• Application open: Now

• Deadline: 15 May 2026

• Final selection notifications: November 2026

👉 If you know a potential candidate, you can refer them so they receive official program information.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Review Eligibility & Experience Requirements

Confirm you meet eligibility criteria and relevant peace or development experience requirements.

2️⃣ Research Rotary Peace Centers

Explore each Peace Center’s curriculum and program focus.
Master’s applicants may rank two preferred centers if eligible.

3️⃣ Engage with Rotary

Use the Rotary Club Finder to connect with a local Rotary or Rotaract club.
A club or district endorsement is optional but strongly encouraged and can provide mentorship.

4️⃣ Read the Application Overview

Ensure your application is original, authentic, and experience-based.
⚠️ Use of generative AI content is discouraged; plagiarism results in disqualification.

5️⃣ Prepare Required Documents

Depending on the program, you may need:

• Resume/CV

• Academic and/or professional recommendations

• Personal statement essays and video

• Transcripts (master’s only)

• English language test scores (master’s only)

• Social Change Initiative plan (certificate only)

All documents must be submitted in English.

6️⃣ Submit Your Application

• Submission period: February – 15 May

• Applications are final once submitted

• Ensure all recommendations are entered before submission

7️⃣ Selection Results

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews.
Final selections are announced in November.

8️⃣ Apply for University Admission

Being selected for the fellowship does not guarantee university admission.
You must apply separately to the university hosting your Peace Center.

Certificate Program Regional Eligibility

Makerere University (Uganda)
Applicants must:

• Be from Africa, or

• Have worked in Africa, or

• Work with African communities globally, or

• Demonstrate strong interest in African peacebuilding approaches

Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)
Applicants must:

• Be from the Middle East or North Africa, or

• Have worked in or with the region, or

• Demonstrate strong interest in MENA peacebuilding approaches

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Eligibility and relevant experience

• English language proficiency

• Commitment to peace and development

• Leadership potential

• Academic record and program fit

• Alignment with Rotary’s mission

• Feasibility and impact of the Social Change Initiative (certificate only)

Eligibility Restrictions (Important)

Rotary Peace Fellowships cannot be used for doctoral study.

You are not eligible if you are:

• An active Rotary member (or Rotaractor who is also a Rotary member)

• An employee of Rotary or a Rotary entity

• A close family member of a current or recent Rotary member (within 36 months)

Additional rules:

• At least three years must pass between your most recent degree and fellowship start date

• Current students are not eligible

• Past Rotary Peace Fellows or Global Grant Scholars must wait three years before reapplying

Rotary’s Approach to Peacebuilding

Rotary views peace as a dynamic, living process rooted in human development. Peacebuilding is a core area of Rotary’s humanitarian mission—supporting local action for global impact through programs, grants, and fellowships that create environments where peace can be built and sustained.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE  

 

Resources & reference

• Rotary Peace Fellowships program presentation (PPT)
• Rotary Peace Fellowship application announcement (PDF)
• Rotary Peace Fellowship recruitment flyer for members (PDF)
• Master’s program postcard (PDF)
• Certificate program postcard (PDF)
• Rotary Peace Centers map graphic (PDF)