The Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026–2027 is an outstanding opportunity for global changemakers committed to promoting peace and resolving conflicts around the world. Sponsored by Rotary International, this fully funded fellowship enables professionals and academics to pursue either a Master’s degree or a Professional Development Certificate in peace and conflict resolution. With a network of prestigious partner universities, this program develops the skills, knowledge, and networks that fellows need to become leaders in promoting cooperation, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding efforts globally.
If you are passionate about contributing to world peace and have a record of professional achievement, leadership, and community service, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your impact through advanced study and practical field experience.
About Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
- Host Organization: Rotary International
- Study Locations: USA, UK, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Turkey, Uganda
- Study Programs: Master’s Degree and Professional Development Certificate
- Duration:
- Master’s Program: 15–24 months
- Certificate Program: 3 months (plus applied field experience)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 15 May 2025
- Number of Fellowships: Up to 130 annually
The Rotary Peace Fellowship covers all costs associated with tuition, accommodation, travel, and field studies, ensuring fellows can fully focus on building their peacebuilding skills without financial burdens.
Financial Benefits
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a truly fully funded award, providing the following benefits to selected applicants:
- Full Tuition Fees: Complete coverage of academic costs at the participating universities.
- Room and Board: Expenses for housing and meals are fully covered.
- Round-trip Airfare: Funding for travel between your home country and the host institution.
- Internship/Field Study Expenses: Financial support to conduct hands-on peacebuilding work during studies.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage during the fellowship.
- Research and Conference Costs: Limited support for research projects and participation in academic conferences related to peacebuilding.
This extensive financial support allows fellows to focus entirely on their academic and leadership training, network building, and practical peace projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Rotary Peace Fellowship must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution.
- Professional Experience:
- For Master’s applicants: A minimum of three years of full-time work experience related to peacebuilding, development, conflict resolution, or a similar field.
- For Certificate applicants: At least five years of work experience in a peace and development-related field.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory; additional language skills are highly advantageous.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to promoting peace and conflict resolution.
- Time Since Last Degree: Applicants for the Master’s program must have completed their most recent degree at least three years before the fellowship start date.
- Ineligibility: Active Rotary members, employees of Rotary or Rotary Foundation, and their immediate family members are not eligible.
Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, professional background, leadership qualities, and passion for peace and conflict resolution.
Participating Universities
The Rotary Peace Centers are housed at leading universities around the world:
Master’s Degree Programs:
- University of Queensland – Australia
- University of Bradford – United Kingdom
- International Christian University – Japan
- Uppsala University – Sweden
- Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – United States
Professional Development Certificate Programs:
- Makerere University – Uganda
- Bahçeşehir University – Turkey
Each university provides a unique academic environment and specialized curriculum designed to equip fellows with theoretical and practical tools necessary for peacebuilding work.
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Application Process
Applying for the Rotary Peace Fellowship involves several steps, and candidates should prepare carefully:
- Research: Explore the fellowship offerings, universities, and programs to determine which center aligns best with your professional goals.
- Prepare Documents: Collect academic transcripts, two to three recommendation letters, a resume/CV, essays (including a personal statement), and language proficiency certificates if required.
- Online Application: Complete the fellowship application online through the Rotary Peace Fellowship application portal before the deadline.
- District Endorsement: Obtain an endorsement from a local Rotary District. Candidates must find a local Rotary club and schedule an interview or discussion.
- University Admission: Fellows must also meet the admission requirements of the host universities separately.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to start early, as securing Rotary endorsement and preparing a competitive application require time and thorough planning.
Selection Timeline
- Application Deadline: 15 May 2025
- District Endorsement Deadline: 1 July 2025
- Notification of Results: November 2025
- Start of Programs: Mid-2026 (depending on the academic calendar of the host institution)
Successful applicants will be notified and guided through the next steps to enroll in their chosen university program.
Why Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship?
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is more than just a scholarship — it is a life-changing leadership development opportunity. Fellows join an international network of over 1,500 Rotary Peace Fellows working in more than 115 countries. Many alumni have gone on to careers in national governments, NGOs, international organizations like the United Nations, research institutions, and grassroots peacebuilding initiatives.
By becoming a Rotary Peace Fellow, you gain access to:
- World-class education from leading peace and conflict studies experts
- International networks of peacebuilders
- Practical field experiences that prepare you for impactful careers
- A prestigious credential that opens doors to influential global opportunities
Official Website and Application
For full details and to start your application, visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowship page: