International Peace Scholarship to Study in Canada-USA

Applications are now open for the 2027-2028 International Peace Scholarship for Women to study in Canada and the USA. Established in 1949, this fund provides support for selected women from other countries to pursue graduate degrees in the United States of America and Canada. The maximum award amount is $12,500.

This organization scholarship is based upon demonstrated need. The award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant must indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Members of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding.

Founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, P.E.O. is a US-based international women’s organization of about 230,000 members, with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. Since 1949, IPS has been helping women pursue graduate study in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1951, IPS has also assisted international Cottey College students pursuing degrees.

Program details

• Host institution: Accredited colleges and universities in Canada and the United States of America.
• Fields of study: Available graduate programs at the applicant’s host institution.
• Number of scholarships: Not specified.
• Duration: Up to two years of study (one year with one possible renewal).
• Target Group: Open to women outside the United States and Canada. Citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada are not eligible.

International Peace Scholarship for Women Benefits

The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs. Scholarships are given as GRANTS-IN-AID and are not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. A recipient in graduate school is eligible to apply for one renewal of her scholarship. She may receive scholarship assistance for no more than two years. Combined total IPS support will not exceed $25,000. Renewal funding is not guaranteed at the same level as first-time funding.

At the time of application, the applicant must submit a budget of estimated expenses and all anticipated additional financial resources. “Additional financial resources” may include personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants, other scholarships, and loans. Additional financial resources do not need to be confirmed at the time the budget is submitted.

The amount of the scholarship is divided into two payments. The first payment is distributed upon receipt of the student’s completed acceptance paperwork and confirmation of enrollment. The second payment is distributed in December upon receipt of the student’s confirmation of continuing enrollment, which is due no later than November 30. All scholarship funds must be paid by December 15. Scholarships to students studying in Canadian universities will be paid in Canadian dollars.

International Peace Scholarship for Women Eligibility

To be considered for this scholarship to study in Canada and the United States of America, you must:

• Be a woman outside the United States and Canada who is seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
• Be qualified for admission to full-time graduate study, working toward a graduate degree at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
• Submit a copy of the confirmation of admission with the application. This notice must specify the graduate degree program. No consideration will be given to applicants lacking evidence of admission.
• Not be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada. A student with residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
• Have a full year of formal coursework remaining and be enrolled and in residence in the U.S. or Canada for the entire school year.
• Scholarships are not given for online courses, research, internships, or practical training if not combined with formal coursework.
• International students attending Cottey College are eligible to apply for a scholarship.
• Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
• Complete and sign a document promising to return to her home country or to a location outside the U.S. or Canada, depending on her visa status, upon completion of her degree program(s) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Have round-trip or return travel expenses guaranteed. A travel form to this effect from the guarantor must be filed with the application. IPS awards cannot be used for travel.

How to Apply for the International Peace Scholarship for Women

Interested candidates in this scholarship program to study in the United States of America and Canada must register and submit their applications through the online system.

Eligibility must be established before application material is sent to applicants. The eligibility information is available on the official website. The completed form will be accepted electronically by the IPS office only between September 15 and December 15.

Application material will be sent to Cottey College applicants after they have been admitted to Cottey and recommended by the director of admission.

Application Calendar for the 2027-2028 Term of Study

• September 15, 2026: IPS begins to accept eligibility forms.
• December 15, 2026: Last day to submit Eligibility Forms.
• February 1, 2027: Last day to submit completed application materials from applicants already enrolled in the graduate program and school for which their scholarship is intended.
• March 15, 2027: Last day to submit completed application materials from applicants not yet enrolled in the graduate program or school for which the scholarship is intended. Last day to submit completed application materials for applicants who will be attending Cottey College.
• May 2027: Notification of scholarship awards.
• June 1, 2027: Last day for students to accept IPS scholarships.

Information concerning the International Peace Scholarship program is available from P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 Grand Avenue, or by visiting the official website.

The eligibility period is September 15 to December 15. Applications are accepted during this window each year. The deadline to submit eligibility forms is December 15, 2026. Please visit the official page for further information on the International Peace Scholarship for Women in Canada and the USA.