Ongoing Rotary Peace Fellowships Scholarship for 2025-2026

Rotary Peace Fellowships empower dedicated leaders worldwide to become catalysts for peace through fully funded academic and professional development programs. For the 2025–2026 cohort, Rotary will award up to 130 fellowships—approximately 50 for master’s degree programs and 80 for professional development certificates—at six premier Rotary Peace Centers in the United States, England, Sweden, Japan, Australia, and Turkey Rotary International. Fellows receive comprehensive support—including tuition, room and board, round-trip travel, field-study expenses, and a living stipend—enabling them to focus entirely on peacebuilding research and practice Rotary District 7070. Since 2002, the program has trained over 1,800 alumni who now serve in more than 140 countries across governments, NGOs, academia, and international organizations Rotary International. Applications for the 2025–2026 cohort opened in February 2024 and closed on May 15 2024, with interviews and endorsements concluding by July 1 2024 Rotary District 7070.

Overview of Fellowship Programs

The Rotary Peace Fellowships are tailored to two pathways:

1. Master’s Degree Fellowships (15–24 months):

   • Deep academic training in peace and conflict resolution.

   • Self-designed, two- to three-month applied field study.

   • Cohort-based learning with a global peer network.

   • Offered at six universities: Duke & UNC (USA), International Christian University (Japan), University of Bradford (UK), University of Queensland (Australia), Uppsala University (Sweden), and Bahçeşehir University (Turkey) Rotary InternationalRotary International.

2. Professional Development Certificate Fellowships (11 weeks on-site + blended learning):

   • Intensive workshops and seminars on practical peacebuilding skills.

   • One-year blended learning with a field-based social change initiative.

   • Designed for mid-career leaders with at least five years of relevant experience Rotary International.

Master’s Degree Fellowship Details

Participating Universities

• Duke University & University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA): Joint international development policy master’s with a graduate certificate in peace and conflict resolution Rotary International.

• International Christian University (Tokyo, Japan): Master’s in Peace Studies within Public Policy and Social Research Rotary International.

• University of Bradford (England): Multiple master’s options in peace, conflict, security, and development Rotary International.

• University of Queensland (Australia): Master’s in international studies and peace and conflict studies Rotary International.

• Uppsala University (Sweden): Master’s in social science with the world’s foremost peace research department Rotary International.

• Bahçeşehir University (Istanbul, Turkey): Newly added center welcoming its first fellows in early 2025 Rotary International.

Academic & Field Components

• Research-informed Coursework: Theoretical foundations in conflict analysis, mediation, and peacebuilding.

• Applied Field Experience: Two- to three-month field study designed by each fellow, enabling hands-on project implementation.

• Seminars & Workshops: Leadership development, grant writing, data analysis for conflict contexts.

• Alumni Network: Lifetime access to a global community of over 1,800 practitioners, fostering collaboration and mentorship Rotary International.

Professional Development Certificate Details

• Eligibility: Minimum five years of full-time relevant experience; bachelor’s degree; proven leadership in peace or development work Rotary International.

• Program Length: 11 weeks on-site at one Peace Center, combined with online modules.

• Curriculum: Practical skills in project management, strategic planning, advocacy, and community engagement.

• Social Change Initiative: Fellows design and execute a local project, directly applying learned methodologies.

Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process

Core Eligibility

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree (master’s for certain centers).

• Professional Experience:

  • Master’s applicants: At least three years in peace or development roles Rotary International.

  • Certificate applicants: Minimum five years of relevant full-time experience Rotary International.

• Language Proficiency: English fluency required; some centers may require additional language skills.

• Leadership Potential: Evidenced through professional achievements, publications, or community service.

• Rotary Club Endorsement: Applicants must secure endorsement from their home Rotary club and district peace fellowship committee Rotary District 7010.

Application Timeline (2025–2026 Cohort)

• February 2024: Online applications open Rotary District 7070.

• May 15 2024: Application deadline for endorsements and district review Global South Opportunities.

• June–July 2024: Interviews and district endorsements finalized; submissions to Rotary International due by July 1 2024 Rotary District 7010.

• November 2024: Fellowship offers announced; pre-departure orientations begin.

Financial Coverage & Benefits

• Full Tuition & Fees: Covered for master’s and certificate programs.

• Room & Board: Accommodation costs met at host institutions.

• Round-Trip Travel: Airfare from fellow’s home to program site.

• Living Stipend: Monthly allowance for living expenses, books, and supplies.

• Field-Study Expenses: Funds for research travel and project implementation.

• Professional Networking: Access to Rotary events, conferences, and reunion seminars.

Impact & Alumni Network

Since its inception in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers program has:

• Trained over 1,800 fellows from 140+ countries Rotary International.

• Alumni working in high-impact roles at the United Nations, World Bank, NGOs, national governments, and academia.

• Annual Peace Fellow Seminar to showcase research and fieldwork; fosters partnerships across sectors on.rotary.org.

• District-level advocacy: Rotary members worldwide recruit and mentor candidates, sustaining a vibrant fellowship ecosystem Rotary District 7070.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What distinguishes the master’s fellowship from the certificate program?
The master’s pathway offers a 15–24 month degree with extensive research and field-study components, while the certificate is an 11-week intensive program for mid-career professionals seeking practical skills without committing to a full degree Rotary International.

Q2: How competitive is the selection process?
Rotary awards up to 130 fellowships globally each year; with high application volumes, candidates are evaluated on academic merit, leadership potential, field experience, and Rotary endorsements Rotary International.

Q3: Can current university students apply?
No. Applicants must have completed their most recent degree at least three years prior to the fellowship start date to demonstrate professional experience ClubRunner.

Q4: Is prior Rotary membership required?
No; however, endorsement and mentorship from a local Rotary club are mandatory to guide applicants through the process Rotary District 7010.

Q5: Are non-English speakers eligible?
Proficiency in English is required for coursework. Some centers may also require a working knowledge of the local language (e.g., Swedish at Uppsala) Rotary International.

Q6: What support is available after graduation?
Graduates join the Rotary Peace Fellows Alumni Association, which offers networking events, regional seminars, and collaboration on peace initiatives worldwide on.rotary.org.

Q7: Can fellows pursue permanent residency in host countries?
Visa policies vary by country. The fellowship covers only program-related visas; post-fellowship immigration depends on national regulations and individual circumstances.

Q8: How do I connect with alumni for guidance?
Reach out via the Rotary Peace Centers LinkedIn group or contact your district peace fellowship chair for alumni referrals Rotary District 7070.

Conclusion

The Ongoing Rotary Peace Fellowships for 2025–2026 offer an unparalleled opportunity for emerging and established peacebuilders to deepen their expertise, expand global networks, and enact meaningful social change. With full funding, world-class academic programs, and hands-on field experiences, fellows emerge equipped to tackle complex conflicts and foster sustainable peace. If you’re driven by a vision of a more just and peaceful world, begin connecting with your local Rotary club today, prepare a standout application, and join a legacy of over 1,800+ Rotary Peace Fellows transforming communities worldwide.