Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious fully funded international program offered by Rotary International. Each year, it supports future leaders in peacebuilding and conflict resolution by providing advanced academic training, practical field experience, and global networking opportunities.

The fellowship is designed for individuals committed to peace, development, and social impact. It is offered at Rotary Peace Centers located at leading universities around the world.

Since its launch in 2002, the program has trained more than 1,800 fellows working in over 140 countries in governments, NGOs, international organizations, and academic institutions.

Fellowship Programs

The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers two main tracks:

1. Master’s Degree Program

• Duration: 15–24 months
• Focus: Peace and conflict resolution studies
• Includes academic coursework, research, and field study
• Requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Field study of 2–3 months designed by the fellow

2. Professional Development Certificate Program

• Duration: 1 year (blended learning)
• Designed for mid-career professionals
• Includes online learning, 10–12 weeks of on-site training, and field project
• Requires minimum 5 years of professional experience

Fellowship Benefits (Fully Funded)

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is fully funded and typically covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Room and board
• Round-trip international airfare
• Internship and field study expenses
• Academic training and professional development
• Networking with global peace leaders

Eligible Universities (Peace Centers)

Fellows study at top global institutions, including:

• Duke University & University of North Carolina (USA)
• University of Queensland (Australia)
• Uppsala University (Sweden)
• International Christian University (Japan)
• Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)
• Makerere University (Uganda)
• Symbiosis International University (India – upcoming center)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate strong commitment to peace and development
• Have relevant academic background (Bachelor’s degree required)
• Have work experience (3–5+ years depending on program)
• Show leadership potential
• Be proficient in English
• Not be currently enrolled in another academic program during application

Additional restrictions apply for Rotary members and employees.

Application Timeline

• Applications open: February–March each year
• Deadline: 15 May 2026 (for 2027 intake cycle)
• Selection: Highly competitive global process
• Results: Announced after review and interviews

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on:

• Leadership experience
• Professional achievements
• Commitment to peacebuilding
• Academic background
• Potential for global impact
• Clarity of career goals

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is one of the most respected global peace scholarships. It builds a strong international network of peacebuilders who work in:

• United Nations agencies
• Government institutions
• NGOs and humanitarian organizations
• Academia and research centers
• Conflict resolution and policy sectors

FAQs

What is the Rotary Peace Fellowship?

It is a fully funded global fellowship that supports studies in peace and conflict resolution at leading universities.

Is it fully funded?

Yes, it covers tuition, accommodation, travel, and field study expenses.

How many fellows are selected each year?

Up to 50 master’s fellows and up to 120 certificate fellows are selected annually.

What is the duration of the program?

Master’s: 15–24 months
Certificate: 1 year

Who can apply?

Professionals and early to mid-career individuals working in peace, development, or related fields.