Rotary International is currently receiving applications for its 2026-2027 Rotary Peace Fellowship which offers a unique opportunity for individuals dedicated to promoting peace and resolving conflicts in their communities and beyond.
Applications are due by 15 May 2025, so prepare your submission and take the next step in your peacebuilding journey!
About The Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed to develop leaders who are committed to peace and conflict resolution by providing aspiring peacebuilders with the chance to gain invaluable experience and education
This fellowship funds graduate-level studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers located around the world, providing candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective peacebuilders.
Application Process
To submit a successful application for the Rotary Peace Fellowship program, it is essential to follow several key steps.
First, applicants are to carefully review the eligibility restrictions to ensure they meet all the requirements outlined by the program. Next, take time to research the various Rotary Peace Centers, becoming familiar with their curriculum and offerings.
If applying for the master’s program, applicants will be required to rank your preferred centers based on your eligibility. Connecting with a local Rotary or Rotaract club can also offer valuable mentorship and insights into the application process. While a recommendation from a club or district is optional, it is highly encouraged and can strengthen your application.
Required documents include: resume, academic and professional recommendations, personal statement video and essays, academic transcripts, and English language proficiency test scores (if applicable) all submitted in English.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted from February through 15 May 2025, and it is important to ensure that all recommendations are submitted before finalizing your application. Once submitted, you will await notification of your qualification status and selection results, which will be announced by November 2025. If selected, you will then need to apply for admission to the university associated with your assigned Peace Center.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, candidates must have completed at least one undergraduate degree and have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, demonstrate a commitment to peace and development, showcasing leadership potential and academic achievements.
English language proficiency is also essential for candidates applying to the master’s program.
For a certificate Program at Makerere University, Uganda, Candidates must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, or have a compelling interest in peacebuilding within the region while for a certificate Program at Bahçeşehir University, Turkey, Candidates must be from the Middle East or North Africa, or demonstrate a strong interest in peacebuilding in the region.
Restrictions
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The fellowship cannot be used for doctoral studies.
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Active Rotary members, employees of Rotary entities, and their relatives are ineligible.
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Candidates currently enrolled in an academic program or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year are not eligible.
Selection Process
The application selection process includes:
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Eligibility Screening: Applications are screened for basic eligibility before moving forward for evaluation.
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Evaluation: Qualified applications are reviewed by the Rotary Peace Centers Committee, which includes Rotary members and university representatives.
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Interviews: Top candidates may be contacted for interviews by the university.
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Final Notification: Selected candidates will be informed of their fellowship status in November.
Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as eligibility, English proficiency, commitment to peace, leadership potential, and the feasibility of the proposed Social Change Initiative (for certificate applicants).
