Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for individuals dedicated to fostering global peace and understanding. It is a prestigious program funded by Rotary International, aimed at fostering world peace and understanding by offering academic and practical training to individuals committed to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of their peace centers located in the United States, Japan, England, Australia, Turkey and Sweden. 

AspectsDetails
Offered byRotary International
Type of AwardMerit based 
Level of StudyPostgraduate and Post- Graduate Diploma 
Subjects/ FieldsPeace & Development studies
DeadlineApplications closed (opens in Feb, 2025)
Websitehttps://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships 

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Eligible Countries for Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary clubs are located in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. These locations include some of the world’s most remote locations as well and offer scholarship opportunities to students.

Scholarship Benefits

The Rotary Peace Fellowships cover tuition and other fees, housing and meals costs, a round- trip travel cost from your home country and vice- versa, as well as internships and other study expenses. As a part of the fellowship, you will be offered academic training, applied field experience, networking opportunities, workshops and seminars. 

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Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor’s degree in the related field.
  • Be Proficient in English
  • Demonstrate the potential for leadership
  • Have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and intended start date for the fellowship. 
  • At least three years of relevant experience for the master’s degree program and at least five years for the certificate program 
  • Relevant experience may include work in the planning, implementation, or evaluation of peacebuilding or development initiatives

Documents Required

  • Resume
  • Academic/ Professional recommendations
  • Personal Statement video and essay
  • Transcripts from previous universities
  • English Language Proficiency Test Scores
  • A Social Change Initiative Proposal (for certificate courses)
  • Copy of Passport
  • Rotary District Endorsement (if any)
  • Other Additional documents

*Make sure all the materials are in English 

Rotary Peace Fellowship Application Process

  • Research and Preparation: Understand the fellowship programs, review eligibility and gather necessary documents.
  • Connect with a Rotary club: Connect with a Rotary Club or Rotaract club nearest to you.  A club or district recommendation is optional, but strongly encouraged as part of your application.
  • Application Submission: Fill in the online application on the Rotary website and submit the application by the specified deadline. Links will be provided once the application begins.
  • Selection: Applications are reviewed by Rotary International, and candidates are selected based on their achievements and potential.
  • Await notification: If you are selected for a fellowship, the qualification notification and selection results will be notified to you.
  • Apply for admissions: Apply for admissions to the university where your Peace Center is located

Important Dates

The applications for the 2025- 26 Rotary Peace Fellowships are closed now. The applications for the new session 2026- 27 will be available from February 2025 and end around May 15th, 2025. It will be completely online.

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Selection process and criteria

All the applications submitted for Rotary Peace Fellowships are screened for eligibility requirements and moved further for review and evaluation. The final selection is made by the The Rotary Peace Centers Committee, composed of Rotary members, and university representatives. The applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with eligibility
  • PRoficiency in English
  • Commitment to peace and development
  • Potential for leadership
  • Compatibility with objectives of the fellowship and Rotary
  • Academic record and compatibility with preferred university program
  • Feasibility and impact of Social Change Initiative

Tips for Applicants

  • Thoroughly Understand the Program: Before starting your application, take time to understand the goals and values of the Rotary Peace Fellowships. This will help you align your personal motivations and experiences with the program’s objectives, such as peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and leadership.
  • Clarify Your Career Goals: The fellowship is designed for individuals pursuing careers in peace and conflict resolution. Be clear about how the fellowship fits into your long-term career goals. You should show a passion for this field and demonstrate how the program will help them contribute to solving global challenges.
  • Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your academic, professional, and volunteer experiences related to peace, conflict resolution, human rights, or international relations. Whether through internships, work, or personal involvement, show how these experiences have prepared you for the fellowship.
  • Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ensure your recommenders are familiar with your work and can speak to your commitment to peacebuilding. A strong letter of recommendation should focus on your leadership skills, dedication, and potential to contribute to the Rotary Peace Fellowship program.
  • Demonstrate Leadership: Rotary Peace Fellowships seek individuals who are already leaders or show strong leadership potential. In your application, highlight specific instances where you took initiative, led projects, or made a measurable impact in your community or field.

FAQs

You can find your local Rotary district by visiting the Rotary International website and using the district locator tool.

Yes, Rotary members are eligible to apply for the fellowship, given that there is a gap of at least 3 years between the end date of the previous program and their intended start date for the current fellowship. Candidates who are an active Rotary member or an employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity are not eligible to apply.

No, applicants must choose between the master’s degree program and the professional development certificate program.