Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded
Peace and conflict resolution are among the most important fields today. The Rotary Peace Fellowships program, funded by Rotary International, is one of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities worldwide for building expertise in peace building, international development, and leadership. It is designed for professionals with work experience in peace, conflict prevention, or related areas who want to make a real difference. Also apply for Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies In USA.
The fellowship covers full tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses. It is offered at six Rotary Peace Centers worldwide for Master’s degrees (15–24 months) and at two centers for Professional Development Certificate programs (3 months). You should also check Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships.
What Are the Rotary Peace Fellowships?
The Rotary Peace Fellowships program began in 2002 to train future leaders in peace and development. Since then, more than 1,900 fellows from over 115 countries have graduated and now work as leaders in governments, NGOs, the military, education, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank.
Key facts:
- Up to 50 Master’s fellowships and up to 80 certificate fellowships awarded each year
- Fully funded (tuition, living costs, travel, field studies)
- Open to professionals with proven experience in peace, conflict resolution, or related areas
- Centers in six countries (Australia, England, Japan, Sweden, USA, Thailand/Uganda for certificate)
The program emphasizes practical skills, global networking, and real-world impact.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if you meet all of these:
- Proficiency in English (and ideally a second language)
- Strong commitment to international understanding and peace (shown through professional/academic work and service)
- Leadership skills
For Master’s degree applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3 years of full-time relevant work or volunteer experience
- Strong academic record
For Certificate program applicants:
- Minimum 5 years of full-time relevant work or volunteer experience
- Strong academic background
Important restrictions:
- You cannot be a citizen of the country where the Peace Center is located (except Thai citizens for Chulalongkorn University certificate)
- You cannot have previously received a Rotary Peace Fellowship
Scholarship Benefits
The fellowship is fully funded and covers:
- Full tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Round-trip transportation
- All internship and field-study expenses
Additional benefits:
- Access to world-class faculty and resources
- Global networking with peace leaders
- Professional development and leadership training
- Certificate or Master’s degree from a top university
Table: Coverage Summary
| Item | Covered? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | Yes | Full coverage |
| Room & Board | Yes | On-campus or arranged |
| Round-Trip Travel | Yes | Economy class |
| Internship/Field Study | Yes | All expenses |
| Insurance | Yes | Health coverage |
| Duration | Master’s: 15–24 months Certificate: 3 months | Full program support |
Peace Centers & Programs
Master’s Degree Programs (15–24 months):
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- University of Bradford, Bradford, England
- International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
- Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Duke University & University of North Carolina, Durham/Chapel Hill, USA
Professional Development Certificate Programs (3 months):
- Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Academic transcripts
- Two academic or professional recommendation letters
- Personal statement video and essays
- Proof of English proficiency (if needed)
- Social impact plan (certificate applicants)
How to Apply for Rotary Peace Fellowships?
- Review eligibility and experience guide on rotary.org.
- Research the curriculum and programs at each Rotary Peace Center.
- Engage with Rotary: Find a local Rotary or Rotaract club (optional but strongly encouraged).
- Prepare all documents (resume, recommendations, video, essays, transcripts).
- Submit your application online by May 15, 2026.
- Await qualification notification and selection results (November 2026).
- If selected, apply for admission to the university where your Peace Center is located.
Tip: Your essays and video are the most important parts. Be authentic, show real experience in peace/conflict work, and explain your vision for impact.
Why Join the Rotary Peace Fellowships?
World-class peace and conflict programs. Global network of peacebuilders. Full funding. Prestigious Rotary brand.
Centers are in top universities in safe, welcoming countries.
Contrarian: Very competitive (only ~130 awards yearly). But the network and impact are unmatched. Reviews: “Transformative experience, lifelong connections.”
More Opportunities
Tools I Recommend
- rotary.org – Official site
- numbeo.com (various cities) – Living costs
- scholarshipportal.com – Peace/conflict scholarships
- fastweb.com – General
- goingmerry.com – Clean
Application Checklist
- Review eligibility and experience guide
- Research Peace Centers and programs
- Connect with local Rotary club (optional but helpful)
- Prepare resume, recommendations, essays, video
- Submit application by May 15, 2026
- Track email for updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not showing real peace/conflict experience. Generic essays. Weak references. Applying to home country center (restricted). Missing deadline.
