Rotary Peace Fellowship Program: Fully Funded Masters & Professional Certificate for Global Peacebuilders
The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program is one of the world’s most prestigious and fully funded international scholarships for individuals committed to peacebuilding, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and global development. Since its inception, the Rotary Foundation has trained over 1,500 Peace Fellows, many of whom now work in NGOs, governments, humanitarian organizations, international agencies, military structures, universities, and global think tanks.
This competitive fellowship supports emerging and established leaders who demonstrate a proven commitment to peace, strong leadership potential, and a desire to create positive change in their communities and worldwide.
Rotary offers two fully funded opportunities each year:
Master’s Degree (15–24 months) at top-ranked universities
Professional Development Certificate Program (1 year) for mid-career professionals
Both tracks include academic training, applied fieldwork, hands-on peacebuilding experience, leadership development, and advanced global networking opportunities.
Rotary Peace Centers – Where You Can Study
Rotary Peace Fellows train at world-class universities known for excellence in peace and conflict studies.
Master’s Degree Peace Centers
The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia
University of Bradford, England
International Christian University (ICU), Japan
Uppsala University, Sweden
Duke University & The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), USA
Professional Certificate Peace Centers
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Makerere University, Uganda
These Peace Centers offer multidisciplinary training from global experts and provide access to influential peacebuilding networks worldwide.
What the Rotary Peace Fellowship Covers (Fully Funded)
Successful applicants receive a 100% fully funded scholarship, including:
✔ Full tuition and mandatory university fees
✔ Room and board (accommodation + meals)
✔ Round-trip airfare
✔ All internship and applied fieldwork expenses
✔ Research and field-study support
✔ Healthcare coverage
✔ Access to global workshops, professional seminars, and networking events
This is one of the most comprehensive, fully funded international fellowships available today.
Eligibility Criteria for the Rotary Peace Fellowship
To qualify for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, applicants must:
For the Master’s Degree Program
Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Have a minimum of three years of full-time relevant work experience
Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to peace and development
Have a proven record of community engagement or humanitarian service
Be proficient in English
Not be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
Have no affiliation with Rotary as an active member or employee
For the Professional Development Certificate Program
Meet all Master’s requirements, plus:
Have at least five years of relevant work experience
Provide a clear Social Impact Plan demonstrating how they will use skills gained
Not have participated in a Rotary certificate or global grant scholarship within the past three years
Ineligible Applicants:
Active Rotarians, Rotary employees, or immediate family members of Rotary employees.
Program Components
All Rotary Peace Fellows experience a rigorous, practical, and globally connected program that includes:
Academic Training in peace and conflict studies
Applied Field Experience with NGOs, UN agencies, and peace organizations
Networking with global leaders and experts
Specialized Workshops & Seminars
A Final Applied Research Project or Seminar
This combination produces highly skilled and impactful peacebuilders ready to work on a global stage.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Application Timeline (General Annual Cycle)
These dates remain consistent every year:
January–February: Applications open
May 15: Application submission deadline
June–July: Interviews and Rotary endorsements
August–October: Final selection and university coordination
November: Fellowship results released
February–July (following year): Master’s and Certificate programs begin
This cycle applies annually, making it easy for future applicants to prepare ahead.
How to Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship Step-by-Step Guide
Confirm Eligibility
Review Rotary’s criteria to ensure you qualify for your chosen program.Research the Peace Centers
Explore the curriculum, faculty, and specializations. Master’s applicants rank their top two choices.Engage with a Rotary Club
While optional, a Rotary Club recommendation strengthens your application.Prepare Your Application Documents
Required documents include:Updated résumé/CV
Academic transcripts (Master’s only)
English proficiency scores (Master’s only)
Professional recommendations
Personal essays
Social impact plan (Certificate program only)
Submit Application Online by May 15
All applications must be submitted in English through the Rotary Foundation portal.Attend an Interview
Eligible applicants are contacted by a trained Rotary endorser for an interview in June.Receive Endorsement Decision
Endorsement decisions are submitted by July.Await Final Results
Successful applicants are notified in November.Apply for University Admission (Master’s Only)
Selection for the fellowship does not automatically ensure university admission.
Selection Criteria
The Rotary Peace Centers Committee evaluates candidates using the following:
Commitment to peace, development, and conflict resolution
Proven leadership potential
Academic and professional achievements
Alignment with the mission of Rotary International
Feasibility and impact of the Social Change Initiative (Certificate applicants)
The selection is highly competitive, making early preparation essential.
Why You Should Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is more than a scholarship—it is a life-changing leadership platform. Fellows join a global network of peacebuilders, access world-class training, and gain the experience needed to influence policy, lead peace initiatives, and drive sustainable development.
Whether you are an emerging leader seeking advanced academic training or a mid-career professional looking to enhance your impact, this fully funded fellowship opens the door to global opportunities in peace and conflict transformation.