Details
Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded Peace & Leadership Master’s and Certificate Programs
The Rotary Peace Fellowships are among the world’s most prestigious fully funded international fellowship opportunities dedicated to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and global leadership. Established by Rotary International, these fellowships equip emerging and mid-career professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks to make meaningful contributions toward peace, justice, and sustainable development in communities worldwide.
Rotary Peace Fellows join a global community of leaders committed to addressing social conflict, promoting understanding, and advancing peace across cultures and borders.
About the Fellowship
Rotary Peace Fellowships support academic and professional training in peace and conflict studies through two main pathways:
- Master’s Degree Fellowship – A fully funded two-year master’s programme in peace and development studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers hosted by top universities around the world.
- Professional Development Certificate Fellowship – A fully funded three-month training programme focused on practical peacebuilding skills for mid-career professionals.
Both pathways emphasize practical application as well as academic excellence, allowing fellows to develop strategies for resolving conflict, building community resilience, and fostering understanding in challenging environments.
Who Can Apply
Rotary Peace Fellowships are open to applicants from all countries who meet the following general criteria:
🔹 Demonstrated commitment to peace, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, or related fields
🔹 Proven leadership experience in community service, civil society, government, education, public policy, or international programs
🔹 Strong academic or professional achievements
🔹 Ability to work across cultures and collaborate in diverse teams
🔹 Proficiency in the language of instruction for the chosen programme
The master’s fellowship is ideal for early- to mid-career professionals seeking deep academic grounding, while the professional development certificate is tailored for experienced practitioners seeking advanced peacebuilding tools and techniques.
What the Fellowship Covers
Rotary Peace Fellowships are fully funded, supporting every essential cost for the duration of the programme:
- Tuition and academic fees
- Living expenses and monthly stipend
- Travel costs to and from the host institution
- Books and field study materials
- Health insurance and related support
- This comprehensive funding enables fellows to fully engage in their studies and professional development without financial burden.
Master’s Degree Programme
Fellows selected for the master’s pathway enroll in a two-year academic programme at one of the Rotary Peace Centers located at leading universities worldwide. The curriculum typically includes:
- Peace and conflict resolution theory
- International relations and diplomacy
- Economic development and sustainability
- Human rights and justice
- Research methods and policy analysis
- Fieldwork and internships with peacebuilding organisations
Graduates receive a master’s degree in peace and conflict studies or a closely related field, and build long-lasting networks with peers and practitioners from around the world.
Professional Development Certificate Programme
The three-month professional certificate is designed for professionals who want advanced practical training in peacebuilding without committing to a full master’s degree. Courses emphasize:
- Practical peacebuilding tools
- Conflict analysis and mediation
- Community engagement strategies
- Leadership and negotiation skills
- Case studies of real-world peace efforts
Participants complete a capstone project that applies learning to a real context, strengthening their professional portfolio for work in NGOs, international agencies, or community organisations.
Benefits Beyond the Fellowship
Rotary Peace Fellows become part of the global Rotary Peace network, which spans hundreds of leaders dedicated to service, justice, and conflict transformation. Fellows receive:
- A global cohort for lifelong networking
- Access to Rotary clubs and international partnerships
- Opportunities to present research, speak at forums, and collaborate on international initiatives
- Enhanced credibility for careers in diplomacy, humanitarian work, public policy, and community development
This global network amplifies the impact fellows can have in promoting peace within their regions and beyond.
Why It Matters
At a time of rising social tensions, geopolitical instability, and global challenges that require collaborative solutions, the Rotary Peace Fellowships empower individuals to become change-makers who transform conflict into opportunity. By combining academic excellence with practical training and global exchange, this fellowship nurtures leaders who can innovate peacebuilding efforts and build bridges across cultures.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Country | USA |
| Open to | All Nationalities |