This prestigious fellowship program offers a transformative educational experience for passionate individuals committed to creating a more peaceful world. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a fully-funded program designed to equip future generations of peacebuilders with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to tackle complex global challenges. Offered at premier universities around the world, the program provides participants with the opportunity to pursue either a Master’s degree or a professional certificate in peacebuilding-related fields. To be eligible for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong academic background. The program typically requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution for both Master’s and certificate applicants. For Master’s fellowship hopefuls, a minimum of three years of relevant experience from the date of your most recent degree is also a prerequisite.
Each year, the Rotary Foundation awards a limited number of fellowships 50 fellowships to be offered for Master’s degree programs and 80 for professional certificate programs. The fellowship program itself is a intensive one-year experience, designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to make a real difference. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is truly comprehensive in its financial support. As a fellow, you can expect to have all of your tuition and fees covered, along with room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses. Additionally, the program offers health insurance and provides support for any additional academic needs that may arise. This ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their studies and personal growth, without the burden of financial constraints. In the next sections of this article, we’ll delve deeper into the application process, explore the different peacebuilding fields you can study, and examine the incredible benefits that await Rotary Peace Fellows.
Program Summary:
- Level of Study: Master’s degree or Professional Certificate
- Institution(s): Premier universities around the world
- Field of Study: Peacebuilding-related fields
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2024 (for the 2025-26 academic year)
- Scholarship Value: Covers tuition, fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, internship/field-study expenses, health insurance, and additional academic needs.
Financial Benefits of the Rotary Peace Fellowship:
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a truly fully-funded scholarship program, designed to remove financial barriers and allow fellows to fully immerse themselves in their studies and peacebuilding pursuits. Here’s a breakdown of the financial benefits you can expect:
- Tuition and Fees: The Rotary Foundation covers the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees associated with your chosen program (Master’s degree or professional certificate).
- Living Expenses: The fellowship provides a generous stipend to cover your room and board expenses throughout the one-year program.
- Travel: All round-trip travel costs, from your home country to the host university and back, are covered by the fellowship.
- Internship/Field Study: Any expenses associated with required internships or field studies as part of the program curriculum are fully funded by the Rotary Foundation.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is provided to ensure your well-being throughout the fellowship year.
- Additional Academic Support: The program offers financial support for any additional academic needs that may arise during your studies, ensuring you have the resources necessary to succeed.
Universities offering Master’s Programs:
- Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA): This unique partnership allows fellows to pursue a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, while also having the flexibility to choose a Master’s degree from various departments at the University of North Carolina (specific programs may vary).
- International Christian University (Japan): The ICU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a Master’s degree program known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong foundation in liberal arts.
- University of Bradford (England): This university provides a Master’s degree program specifically tailored to equip future peacebuilders with the necessary knowledge and skills.
- Uppsala University (Sweden): Renowned for its academic excellence, Uppsala University offers a Master’s degree program that delves into the complexities of peacebuilding and international cooperation.
Universities offering certificate program:
- Makerere University
- Bahçeşehir University
Eligibility Criteria (Master’s Degree):
The Rotary Peace Fellowship seeks passionate and dedicated individuals who possess the potential to become future leaders in the field of peacebuilding. To be eligible for a Master’s degree fellowship, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field.
- Possess a strong academic record, demonstrating your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.
- Have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in peacebuilding, international development, or a related field. This experience should be demonstrably connected to your interest in peace and your future goals.
- For example, experience working with NGOs, government agencies, or community-based organizations focused on peacebuilding initiatives would be highly relevant.
- Be proficient in English, as the program curriculum and communication will primarily be conducted in English.
- You may be required to submit standardized test scores like TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate your English language fluency.
Eligibility Criteria (Certificate Program):
- Similar to the Master’s program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- This is where the certificate program diverges. While the Master’s program seeks candidates with at least three years of relevant experience, the certificate program requires a minimum of five years of full-time experience in peacebuilding, development work, or a closely related field. This experience should demonstrate a strong track record in the peacebuilding domain.
Applying for the Rotary Peace Fellowship (2025-26): A Step-by-Step Guide
Before diving into the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen program (Master’s degree or Professional Certificate). Refer to the information provided earlier in this article (Eligibility Criteria sections) to confirm your fit. Once you understand the program structure and partner universities, research the specific Master’s degree programs or professional certificate programs offered. Consider factors like program curriculum, faculty expertise, and geographic location when making your selections. Remember, for the Master’s program, you can rank your top two preferred universities. After submitting your application, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. The selection process can be competitive, so prepare yourself to showcase your qualifications and passion for peacebuilding effectively. Decisions on fellowship awards are typically announced in late spring or early summer.