Candidates worldwide are invited to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026-2027, a globally recognized initiative fostering the next generation of peacebuilders. Through rigorous academic training, hands-on fieldwork, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the program equips fellows with advanced conflict resolution skills, leadership strategies, and cross-cultural competencies. Designed for individuals passionate about driving social change, the fellowship emphasizes practical solutions to global challenges such as inequality, climate-related conflicts, and humanitarian crises. By connecting participants with mentors, policymakers, and grassroots organizations, the Rotary Peace Centers program empowers fellows to become visionary leaders in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers full financial support, including full tuition and university fees, furnished accommodation, round-trip travel, and comprehensive funding for internships, field studies, and research projects. Open to applicants of all nationalities and backgrounds, the scholarship provides two pathways: a 3-month professional development certificate for practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise or a 15-24 month Master’s degree program at prestigious partner universities. Fellows gain access to specialized curricula in peace studies, international relations, and public policy, alongside immersive experiences such as mediation workshops, community-driven peace initiatives, and collaborations with UN agencies.
Since its launch in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have cultivated a powerful network of over 1,700 alumni leading impactful initiatives in 140+ countries. Graduates hold influential roles at organizations like UNICEF, Amnesty International, and the World Bank, while others have founded NGOs addressing education access, refugee rights, and post-conflict reconciliation. Notable alumni include peace negotiators in Colombia’s historic FARC agreement, architects of gender equity programs in rural India, and advocates for indigenous land rights in the Amazon. These leaders exemplify Rotary’s mission to create lasting change, with 85% of fellows continuing peacebuilding work long after completing the program. Their collective efforts have impacted millions, demonstrating the fellowship’s enduring legacy in shaping a more equitable and peaceful world.
Program Details
- Host institution: Please check the full list below.
- Fields of study: Please check fact sheets below.
- Number of awards: varies.
- Duration: up to two years for Master’s degree programs and the normal duration for certificate programs.
- Target group: Open to all nationalities.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Benefits
Fully funded, this Rotary scholarship to study at various places will provide coverage for:
- Tuition and fees,
- Room and board,
- Round-trip transportation,
- Applied field experience expenses,
- Health insurance.
Also Check : World Bank Internship Program for Graduate Students
Partners Universities of Rotary Peace Fellowship
Master’s program partners universities :
Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (fact sheet) : Fellows can earn a master’s degree in international development policy from Duke or a master’s from various departments at the University of North Carolina. In addition, Fellows at both universities can earn a graduate certificate in international peace and conflict resolution from UNC.
International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan (fact sheet) : The ICU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is known for its interdisciplinary program and liberal arts approach. Fellows pursue a master’s degree in Peace Studies within the program of Public Policy and Social Research.
University of Bradford, Bradford, England (fact sheet) : The Division of Peace Studies and International Development at Bradford is the largest in the world and offers several master’s degrees related to peace, conflict, security, and development.
University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (fact sheet) : Fellows earn a master’s degree in international studies and peace and conflict studies at the Graduate Centre for Governance and International Affairs.
Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (fact sheet) : The Department of Peace and Conflict Research offers a master’s degree in social science. It is internationally renowned for its free and globally accessible collection of data related to armed conflict and organized violence.
Certificate program partner universities :
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda (fact sheet).
- Bahçeşehir University (BAU), Istanbul, Turkey (fact sheet).
Rotary Peace Fellowship Eligibility
The Rotary Peace fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Rotary’s fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Candidates must also meet the following requirements:
Master’s degree candidates must have:
- Potential for leadership
- At least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
Certificate candidates must:
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Be able to explain how their plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission
- Have at least five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
- Candidates for Makerere University: Should either be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
- Candidates for Bahçeşehir University: Either be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
Both Certificate and Master’s degree must:
- Be proficient in English
- Have a Bachelor’s degree
- Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service.
- Candidates must have at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.
- Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, the master’s degree program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.
- People with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodation as needed for people with disabilities.
- You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member, employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.
- Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.
Similar opportunities
- Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship to the USA;
- Australia Awards Scholarships for Development;
- Government of Romania Scholarship.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Application instructions
To apply for this Rotary scholarship, you must follow the steps below to ensure that your application receives consideration.
- Review the eligibility restrictions below and the relevant experience guide.
- Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers. For the master’s program, you will be asked to rank the two centers you prefer if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.
- Engage with Rotary. Use the Club Finder to locate the Rotary or Rotaract club nearest you. Connecting with a Rotary club or district is a great way to learn about Rotary’s work in your community and around the world. Many Rotary districts have a District Rotary Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair contact who can provide mentorship and advice for your application. A club or district recommendation is optional, but strongly encouraged as part of your application.
- Read the Application Overview to learn about the steps involved. An overview with more instructions on submitting a thorough and complete application is available when you start an application.
- Gather required documents. Applications require a resume, academic and/or professional recommendations, personal video statement and essays, transcripts from postsecondary colleges and universities attended (master’s only), English language proficiency test scores (master’s only), and social impact plan (certificate only). Allow time to request university transcripts and register for IELTS or TOEFL exams if your program requires these. All materials must be in English.
- Submit your application between February and 15 May. All applications are considered final upon submission. Ensure your academic and/or professional recommendations and Rotary club or district recommendations (optional) are entered prior to submitting your application.
- Await qualification notification and selection results. If you are selected for a fellowship, you will be notified in November which Rotary Peace Center will be the site for your studies.
- Apply for admission (master’s only) to the university where your Peace Center is located. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.
Candidates will have until to submit applications to their district. For more details on the Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026-2027, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
What should be the content of the essay to be sent as part of requirements for the master’s program.