Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowships!

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Closing Date: 15 May 2025

Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowships!

Overview

The application for fully funded 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowships is now available for the master’s degree and professional development certificate programs. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of its peace centers.

Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The Rotary Peace fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 fellows who now work in over 140 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments; NGOs; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.

Rotary fellowships

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Its fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.

Choose the program that’s right for you

Master’s degree programs

Accepted candidates study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching and a diverse student body. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a two- to three-month field study, which participants design themselves.

Professional development certificate program

During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and regions. Fellows complete field studies and design and carry out a social change initiative. This postgraduate certificate program is intended for working professionals.

Rotary Peace approach

Rotary see peace not as an abstract concept but as a living, dynamic expression of human development. Peacebuilding is a cornerstone of Rotary mission as a humanitarian service organization and is one of Rotary’s areas of focus — the channels of activity through which our members make their mark on the world. Rotary programs, grants and fellowships focus on creating environments where peace can be built and maintained. Rotary believes that if concerned citizens work together to create peace locally, lasting change can happen globally.

Eligibility

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
Have the potential for leadership
Have at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work