University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026
Fully Funded Master’s Program for Global Peace and Conflict Leaders
The University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship is one of the world’s most competitive and fully funded opportunities for professionals committed to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and global development. Funded by The Rotary Foundation and hosted at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, the fellowship supports outstanding leaders to pursue a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies while gaining hands-on international field experience.
Each year, Rotary selects exceptional candidates from around the world and equips them with advanced academic training, practical skills, and lifelong global networks to become effective catalysts for peace.
What Is the Rotary Peace Fellowship Programme?
The Rotary Peace Fellowship Programme is a globally recognized initiative that develops peace and development professionals through academic study, applied fieldwork, and international networking.
Since its launch in 2002, the program has trained over 1,800 Rotary Peace Fellows who now work in more than 140 countries, serving as leaders in:
Governments and diplomatic services
NGOs and humanitarian organizations
Peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies
Research and academic institutions
International bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships worldwide.
Types of Rotary Peace Fellowships
Rotary offers two distinct pathways:
1. Master’s Degree Fellowship (Up to 50 awards annually)
Duration: 15–24 months
Includes a 2–3 month self-designed Applied Field Study
Designed for early-career professionals with peace or development experience
2. Professional Development Certificate Fellowship (Up to 80 awards annually)
Duration: 1 year (blended learning + 11 weeks on-site)
Designed for mid-career professionals with at least 5 years of experience
Focuses on practical skills and a social change initiative
The University of Queensland hosts the Master’s Degree Fellowship, not the certificate program.
Overview of the University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship
The University of Queensland Rotary Peace Center is one of only a few universities globally selected as a Rotary Peace Center. At UQ, Rotary Peace Fellows study within the Graduate Centre of Governance and International Affairs, earning a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPaCS). The programme also serves as another avenue for people seeking to study in Australia for international students.
Why Study at the University of Queensland Rotary Peace Center?
One of the top-ranked universities globally
Strong expertise in peacebuilding, international relations, and governance
Applied, research-informed teaching
Diverse, international cohort of professionals
Located in Brisbane, a safe and multicultural academic city
Find 19 other ways to study in Australia for free here
Program Structure at UQ: Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPaCS)
Rotary Peace Fellows at UQ complete an 18-month full-time Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, which includes a compulsory Applied Fieldwork Experience (AFE).
Key Learning Outcomes
Students graduate with advanced knowledge and practical skills in:
Conflict analysis and resolution
Peacekeeping and peacebuilding
Mediation and negotiation
International security and governance
Transitional justice and humanitarian action
Applied Fieldwork Experience (AFE)
The AFE is a core component of the program. Fellows design and complete a 2–3 month field placement with an organization aligned to their regional or thematic interests. This hands-on experience allows fellows to apply theory to real-world peace and conflict challenges.
See more information about the rotary Peace center at University of Queensland here
Degree Duration Options at UQ
Depending on qualifications and experience, candidates may complete the degree in:
2-Year Program (32 units)
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Minimum GPA 5.0 / 7.0
1.5-Year Program (24 units)
Available to applicants with:
A relevant bachelor’s degree (GPA 5.0), or
A bachelor’s degree plus a UQ Graduate Certificate, or
A bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of relevant full-time experience
1-Year Program (16 units)
Available to applicants with:
A relevant Honours degree with a research component, or
A relevant bachelor’s degree plus a UQ Graduate Certificate
All durations lead to the same qualification.
Benefits of the University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is fully funded, covering all major costs of study and living.
What the Fellowship Covers
Full tuition fees at the University of Queensland
Room and board / living stipend
Round-trip international airfare
Funding for Applied Fieldwork Experience
Professional development workshops and seminars
Access to Rotary’s global peace network
Lifelong membership in a community of 1,800+ Rotary Peace Fellows
This makes it one of the most comprehensive fully funded peace scholarships in the world.
Eligibility Criteria University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship: Who Can Apply?
General Eligibility (Master’s Fellowship)
Applicants must:
Hold a bachelor’s degree
Be proficient in English
Have at least 3 years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
Demonstrate commitment to peace, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural understanding
Show leadership potential
Have a minimum 3-year gap between their most recent degree and the fellowship start date
Applicants currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs are not eligible.
Important Restrictions
Active Rotary members or Rotary employees are not eligible
Rotaract members (who are not Rotary members) may apply
Applicants cannot study at a Rotary Peace Center in their home country
Previous Rotary Peace Fellows or Global Grant Scholars must wait 3 years before reapplying
Rotary strongly encourages women, people with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations are provided.
How to Apply for the University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship (Step-by-Step)
Research the Rotary Peace Fellowship and confirm eligibility
Choose UQ as one of your preferred Rotary Peace Centers
Contact your local Rotary district for guidance and endorsement
Prepare required documents (essays, CV, transcripts, references)
Submit the Rotary Peace Fellowship application online
Secure Rotary district endorsement
Await global selection results
Application Timeline University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship (Typical Cycle)
Applications Open: February
Applications Close: May
Selection Results: November
Program Begins: February (following year)
Applicants are advised to begin preparations several months in advance.
Career Outcomes After Graduation
Graduates of the University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship work as:
Peace and conflict analysts
Humanitarian and development officers
Policy advisors
NGO and international organization leaders
Researchers, mediators, and consultants
Many alumni go on to influential roles within the UN system, governments, global NGOs, and academic institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS required?
English proficiency is required for UQ admission. Test requirements depend on academic background.
Can I apply without NGO experience?
Yes, as long as you have relevant peace or development work experience, paid or voluntary.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Tuition, living costs, flights, and fieldwork are covered.
Can Rotaract members apply?
Yes, provided they are not Rotary club members.
How competitive is the fellowship?
Extremely competitive. Only 50 master’s fellowships are awarded globally each year.
Final Verdict: Is the UQ Rotary Peace Fellowship Worth It?
Absolutely. The University of Queensland Rotary Peace Fellowship is among the best fully funded master’s scholarships for peace and conflict studies worldwide. It combines academic excellence, applied fieldwork, and a powerful global network—making it ideal for professionals seeking to create lasting impact in peacebuilding and international development. It is also a way study in Australia for free for international students.
Here is a video of Rotary Peace Centre Alumni