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The Rotary Foundation (Rotary International) · Application cycle 2028-29

Rotary Peace Fellowships

Not open yet Fully funded?

About this scholarship

This is a prestigious, fully funded global scholarship designed for leaders, changemakers, and peace professionals worldwide. The program finances either a dedicated Master’s degree or a Professional Development Certificate at premier partner universities globally. It aims to advance the skills of individuals working in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, international relations, sustainable development, and human rights, empowering them to become effective catalysts for peace in their communities and globally.

Funding type

Fully funded (100%) to cover major educational and living expenses. Covers full tuition and university fees. Includes room and board (housing and meal allowances) for the entire program duration. Provides round-trip airfare between the fellow's home country and the host university. Supplies comprehensive health and medical insurance. Finances all mandatory field studies, internships, and applied field experiences. Funding Exclusions Does not cover passport issuance or personal visa processing fees. Excludes expenses related to bringing family members or dependents (covers the winning individual fellow only). Excludes personal discretionary, shopping, or entertainment expenses outside standard living costs.

Tuition fees
Covered
Living costs
Covered
Travel
Covered
Insurance
Covered

Eligibility requirements

Nationalities
All nationalities
Residence condition
Residence not mentioned

Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by the start of the program. Must have at least 3 years between finishing the most recent degree and the start of the fellowship. Students enrolled in a degree program now or in the coming academic year cannot apply. Requires a minimum of 3 years of full-time, relevant professional or volunteer work experience for the Master’s track. Requires a minimum of 5 years of full-time, relevant professional work experience for the Certificate track. Demonstrates a strong commitment to community service, humanitarian work, and international peace. Exhibits excellent leadership skills and potential. Ineligibility Rules Active Rotary members are strictly ineligible to apply. Employees of Rotary International, individual clubs, or other Rotary entities cannot apply. Direct linear relatives (children, grandchildren, spouses, parents) of active Rotary members or employees are strictly excluded.

Minimum grade
Not stated
Work experience asked for
36 months
Return condition
Return condition not stated
How to apply
Straight to the provider

Language requirements and exemptions

Language test required IELTS 6 TOEFL iBT 79 PTE Academic Waiver possible

Accepts IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score between 6 and 7 depending on the host university. Accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum required score ranging between 79 and 90 depending on the specific host university. Test scores are required for the Master's track only. Language Exemptions Exempt if you are a citizen of an officially recognized English-speaking country. Exempt if you provide an official university document proving your Bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English.

University admission details

Required later?

Prior university admission is not required before applying for the fellowship. Applicants choose and rank their preferred partner universities directly inside the online fellowship application. Selected fellows must then apply to the university for admission themselves. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean being admitted to the university.

Required documents

Certified English translations of university degrees, diplomas, and official academic transcripts. Updated, detailed CV or Resume explicitly listing professional and volunteer roles with clear start and end dates (months/years). Two or three letters of academic or professional recommendation. Valid IELTS or TOEFL scores (or official proof of future test registration). Personal essays answering specific prompts regarding your dedication to peacebuilding. A personal statement video. A detailed Social Change Initiative (SCI) project proposal (for the Certificate track only).

Application steps

Verify eligibility using the official online eligibility checker tool on the Rotary website. Optional but strongly encouraged: connect with a local Rotary Club or Rotary District for guidance and a formal recommendation. Create an account and register via the official online application portal (My Rotary Peace Fellowship Application). Complete the application by filling out personal, academic, and professional histories, writing mandatory essays, and uploading all required documents in PDF format. Select and rank preferred partner universities based on the specific academic curriculum that matches your profile. Electronically submit the complete application profile before the strict annual deadline of May 15.

Requirement checklist

Bachelor’s Degree and Academic Transcripts Required

Upload clear, color copies of your Bachelor’s degree diploma and official academic transcripts. If the documents are not in English, a certified and stamped official translation must be attached alongside the original copies.

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume Required

Upload a detailed and updated CV/Resume in English outlining your professional and volunteer experiences. Dates must be clearly stated, showing both the month and year for each position or activity held.

Letters of Recommendation Required

Provide two to three recommendation letters in English from academic or professional supervisors who can evaluate your leadership skills and commitment to peacebuilding. Recommender details must be entered to send them the evaluation request electronically.

English Language Proficiency Proof Conditional?

Master's track only: upload a valid IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT test certificate, or attach proof of a future test registration date. To request an exemption, upload an official university document proving that your previous Bachelor’s degree was fully taught in English.

Personal Essays and Statement of Purpose Required

Write your responses directly within the application portal to the specific essay prompts provided by the fellowship in English, explaining your motivations, community service achievements, and future plans to contribute to global peacebuilding. A personal statement video is also required.

Social Change Initiative (SCI) Proposal Conditional?

Submit a detailed preliminary proposal in English outlining an action plan or community initiative that you intend to implement in your home country or community after the fellowship to address a specific issue related to peace or social justice.

Scholarship contacts

E-mail: [email protected]

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