In today’s interconnected world, armed conflict, social injustice, and humanitarian crises continue to disrupt lives and destabilize communities. The need for compassionate, skilled leaders who can mediate disputes, foster understanding, and build lasting peace has never been greater. To address this global challenge, Rotary International one of the world’s largest humanitarian service organizations established the Rotary Peace Fellowship.
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for individuals committed to peacebuilding to receive advanced education and practical training in conflict resolution, development, and leadership. Through this initiative, Rotary invests in people who have the vision, drive, and experience to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
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About Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship was launched in 2002 as a bold initiative by Rotary International to address the root causes of conflict through education, training, and global networking. It is a fully funded academic and professional opportunity for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to peace and development. The program selects peacebuilders from around the world and equips them with the tools needed to transform theory into action in the fields of conflict resolution, negotiation, and humanitarian response.
At the heart of the fellowship are the Rotary Peace Centers, hosted by select universities and institutions across the globe. These centers offer an interdisciplinary curriculum and a collaborative environment where fellows gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The program fosters cross-cultural exchange and dialogue, enhancing fellows’ capacity to resolve conflict in innovative, community-focused ways.
Program Tracks
The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers two distinct program tracks designed to accommodate individuals at different stages of their professional and academic journeys: the Master’s Degree Program and the Professional Development Certificate Program. Each track provides a unique pathway to becoming an effective peacebuilder and leader in the global community.
Master’s Degree Program
The Master’s Degree Program is an intensive 15- to 24-month course of study at premier universities around the world, including institutions in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Japan. Fellows pursue graduate-level coursework in disciplines such as international development, peace and conflict studies, public policy, and human rights.
In addition to classroom learning, each fellow completes a field-based practicum, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings often with NGOs, government agencies, or multilateral institutions. The program emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, and hands-on experience to prepare fellows for influential roles in peace and development sectors.
Professional Development Certificate Program
Tailored for mid-career professionals with significant experience in peacebuilding, the Certificate Program is a three-month, intensive course focused on practical training, leadership development, and applied fieldwork. It is currently offered at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Makerere University in Uganda. This non-degree program combines in-class instruction with a dynamic project-based practicum, enabling participants to return to their communities with actionable strategies and enhanced skills. It is ideal for professionals who seek to amplify their impact without committing to a full graduate degree.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
The Rotary Peace Fellowship seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to peacebuilding, leadership, and international service. Eligibility criteria differ slightly between the Master’s Degree and Certificate programs, but all applicants must meet rigorous standards designed to identify individuals capable of creating meaningful, lasting change.
Minimum requirements include:
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Work Experience:
- At least three years of full-time relevant experience for the Master’s program.
- At least five years of full-time relevant experience for the Certificate program.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required for both programs. Some universities may also require proficiency in a second language.
- Demonstrated Commitment to Peacebuilding: Applicants should have a record of community service, leadership, or professional work related to peace and conflict resolution.
- Rotary Affiliation: Applicants must not be active members of Rotary or Rotary employees. However, former members and family members of Rotarians are eligible to apply.
The selection process favors candidates who show a clear vision for promoting peace, strong leadership potential, and a commitment to applying their skills after the program to foster peace in their communities and beyond.
Certificate program eligibility
- Candidates for the certificate program at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, either must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or they can be from outside the region but must demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
- Candidates for the certificate program at Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey, either must be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or they can be from outside the region but must demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
Selection process
Submitted applications are screened for eligibility requirements. Qualified applications move forward for further review and evaluation. The Rotary Peace Centers Committee, composed of Rotary members, and university representatives review the top candidates and select finalists. Top candidates may be contacted by the university for an interview. Selected candidates are notified in November.
Throughout the process, applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Qualification based on the eligibility requirements
- English proficiency
- Commitment to peace and development
- Leadership potential
- Compatibility with fellowship objectives and fit with Rotary
- Academic record and compatibility with preferred university program
- Feasibility and impact of Social Change Initiative (certificate only)
Eligibility restrictions
Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. The following people are not eligible for the fellowship:
- Active Rotary members, or Rotaract members who are also Rotary members*
- Employees of a Rotary club or district, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity
- Spouses, lineal descendants (children or grandchildren by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parents or grandparents by blood) of any living person in these categories
- Former Rotary members and their relatives as described above (within 36 months of their resignation)
* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.
Please note: Candidates must have at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year, are not eligible to apply.
Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, master’s program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.
Benefits of Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers a life-changing opportunity for individuals dedicated to advancing peace. It is fully funded by The Rotary Foundation, eliminating financial barriers and allowing fellows to focus entirely on their academic and professional development.
The fellowship covers:
- Full tuition and academic fees at designated host institutions
- Room and board during the academic program
- Round-trip transportation to and from the university or training center
- Costs associated with field study, internships, or practicum experiences
Beyond financial support, fellows benefit from:
- Access to a global network of peacebuilders, mentors, and Rotary leaders
- Interdisciplinary academic training from top institutions in peace and development
- Leadership development opportunities through coursework and experiential learning
- Post-program alumni engagement, including professional opportunities and continued involvement with Rotary’s peace efforts
This comprehensive support structure ensures that fellows are not only educated but also empowered to make a tangible impact in their communities and the world at large.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Application Process
The application process for the Rotary Peace Fellowship is highly competitive and designed to identify individuals with exceptional promise as peacebuilders. Candidates should begin preparing well in advance to ensure a strong submission.
The 2026-27 Rotary Peace Fellowship application is now closed. The 2027-28 Rotary Peace Fellowship application will be available online through this webpage in February 2026.
Follow these steps to prepare a competitive application:
- Review the eligibility restrictions below and the relevant experience guide.
- Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers. For the master’s program, you will be asked to rank the two centers you prefer if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.
- Engage with Rotary. Use the Club Finder to locate the Rotary or Rotaract club nearest you. Connecting with a Rotary club or district is a great way to learn about Rotary’s work in your community and around the world. Many Rotary districts have a District Rotary Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair contact who can provide mentorship and advice for your application. A club or district recommendation is optional, but strongly encouraged as part of your application.
- Read the Application Overview to learn the steps involved. An overview with more instructions on submitting a thorough and complete application is available when you start an application. Candidates must submit original and authentic content based on their personal experience, knowledge, and motivation. Use of Generative AI content is highly discouraged. Plagiarism will disqualify an application.
- Gather required documents. Applications require a resume, academic and/or professional recommendations, personal statement video and essays, transcripts from postsecondary colleges and universities attended (master’s only), English language proficiency test scores (master’s only), and social impact plan (certificate only). Allow time to request university transcripts and register for IELTS or TOEFL exams if your program requires these. All materials must be in English.
- Submit your application between February and 15 May. All applications are considered final upon submission. Ensure your academic and/or professional recommendations and Rotary club or district recommendations (optional) are entered prior to submitting your application.
- Await qualification notification and selection results. If you are selected for a fellowship, you will be notified in November which Rotary Peace Center will be the site for your studies.
- Apply for admission to the university where your Peace Center is located. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.
Annual Timeline:
- Applications Open: February
- Application Deadline: May 15
- Club and District Endorsements (if required): June–July
- Candidate Interviews and Evaluations: Summer–early fall
- Final Selection and Notification: November
Application Components:
- Online Application Form completed through the official Rotary Peace Fellowship platform
- Personal Statement and Essays outlining the applicant’s background, experience in peace-related work, and future goals
- Updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Academic Transcripts from all universities attended
- Three Letters of Recommendation, typically from academic, professional, and community sources
In some cases, applicants may be asked to participate in interviews with local Rotary clubs or districts. While a Rotary Club endorsement is encouraged and can strengthen the application, it is not mandatory for all applicants.
Application Portal
The application portal for the Rotary Peace Fellowship is hosted on Rotary International’s official website. Applicants use this online platform to submit their fellowship applications, including personal statements, resumes, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
You can access the application portal here: Rotary Peace Fellowship Application Portal
Tips for Applicants:
- Start early and seek feedback on essays and materials.
- Emphasize real-world experience and impact in peacebuilding or development.
- Clearly articulate your goals and how the fellowship will help achieve them.
With thorough preparation and a compelling application, candidates stand a strong chance of joining a diverse cohort of future peace leaders.
Alumni Impact and Success Stories
Rotary Peace Fellows have gone on to become influential leaders in government, non-governmental organizations, academia, and international institutions. They work in more than 130 countries, contributing to positive change in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Many alumni have assumed roles in:
- The United Nations and its agencies, such as UNICEF, UNHCR, and UNDP
- Government ministries and diplomatic corps, shaping policy and promoting peace initiatives
- Nonprofit organizations focused on human rights, education, refugee support, and conflict prevention
- Academic and research institutions, where they train future peacebuilders and contribute to thought leadership
Notable fellows have mediated in armed conflicts, designed programs for post-conflict reconstruction, led humanitarian responses, and empowered marginalized communities. Their diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise reflect the fellowship’s commitment to multidisciplinary, global approaches to peace.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship does more than educate—it creates a ripple effect, as alumni bring their skills and networks back to their home communities and regions, multiplying the impact of Rotary’s investment in peace.
How to Get Involved
The Rotary Peace Fellowship invites passionate individuals and organizations to join its mission of advancing global peace. Whether you are a prospective applicant, educator, Rotary member, or community leader, there are many ways to engage:
- Prospective Applicants: Start by researching the fellowship’s programs and preparing your application materials well in advance. Connect with local Rotary clubs or current fellows for guidance and support.
- Educators and Counselors: Help identify and encourage qualified candidates, especially those from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds, to apply for the fellowship.
- Rotary Clubs and Members: Support the fellowship by endorsing candidates, mentoring applicants, or hosting informational events. Your involvement helps sustain the program’s global reach.
- Alumni and Peace Professionals: Engage with the fellowship through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative peacebuilding projects.
- Community and Corporate Partners: Consider sponsoring or partnering with Rotary Peace Centers to expand training and peace initiatives worldwide.
By working together, the global Rotary community strengthens the network of leaders committed to creating sustainable peace across borders.
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Conclusion
The Rotary Peace Fellowship stands as a beacon of hope in today’s turbulent world, offering transformative education and leadership training to individuals dedicated to peacebuilding. By investing in these emerging leaders, Rotary International fosters a global network equipped to address complex conflicts and promote sustainable peace.
For those passionate about making a lasting difference, the fellowship is more than an academic opportunity it is a gateway to lifelong service, impact, and connection with like-minded changemakers worldwide.
If you are ready to step forward as a leader for peace, the Rotary Peace Fellowship could be the path to turning your vision into reality.
