About the Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a prestigious global fellowship program that supports up to 130 Fellows each year to pursue a master's degree or professional certificate in peace and conflict resolution studies. Since 2002, The Rotary Foundation has invested over $500 million in the program, training more than 1,600 Fellows from over 115 countries who now work in governments, NGOs, international organizations, and academic institutions around the world. Fellows receive full funding to study at Rotary Peace Centers located at leading universities across six countries.

Key Fellowship Programs

• Master's Degree Program: 15–24 month program at one of five Rotary Peace Centers — Duke University (USA), University of North Carolina (USA), Uppsala University (Sweden), International Christian University (Japan), University of Queensland (Australia), and Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
• Professional Certificate Program: 3-month intensive program at Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) or Makerere University (Uganda) for mid-career professionals
• Full Coverage: Includes tuition, living expenses, round-trip airfare, internship/field study costs, and conference fees
• Rotary Network: Access to a global community of peacebuilders, alumni, and Rotary clubs in over 200 countries
• Number of Fellows: Up to 130 fellowships awarded annually worldwide
• Duration: 15–24 months for master's; 3 months for certificate

Eligibility Requirements

• Nationality: Any nationality (Afghanistan is eligible)
• Education: Bachelor's degree for master's program; relevant work experience for certificate program
• Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of full-time relevant work experience in peace, conflict resolution, or development fields
• Academic Achievement: Strong academic record with demonstrated leadership potential
• English Proficiency: IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ (required for English-language programs); some centers accept equivalent proof
• Commitment to Peace: Demonstrated commitment to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international understanding
• Age: No formal age limit, but candidates typically 25–45
• Return Intent: Commitment to return to home country or region to work in peacebuilding after the fellowship
• Rotary Connection: Preference given to candidates connected to Rotary clubs, but not required to be a Rotarian

Application Details

Required Documents

• Completed online Rotary Peace Fellowship application
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — with detailed work history
• Academic transcripts from all universities attended
• Certified copy of bachelor's degree and any advanced degrees
• Two recommendation letters (at least one from a current/former employer)
• Personal statement (max 500 words) — outlining peacebuilding experience and goals
• Essay on a peace-related topic (max 500 words)
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Copy of passport
• Portfolio of relevant peace work (optional, strengthens application)

Application Timeline

• Application Opens: February 1 of the year preceding study
• Deadline: May 15 (final deadline for all applicants)
• District Interviews: June – August (Rotary district level)
• Rotary Peace Centers Review: September – November
• Final Selection: November – December
• Notifications Sent: December
• Fellowship Begins: August – September (following year)

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated commitment to peace and conflict resolution (weighted heavily)
• Leadership experience in peacebuilding, development, or humanitarian work
• Academic excellence and intellectual capacity
• Clarity of purpose and post-fellowship plan
• Quality of personal statement and peace essay
• Strength of recommendation letters
• Potential to contribute to Rotary's global peace network
• Alignment with Rotary's mission of Service Above Self

Benefits Covered

• Full tuition at the Rotary Peace Center university
• Monthly living stipend (approx. $1,500–$2,500 depending on location)
• Round-trip airfare to and from the fellowship location
• Internship and field study expenses
• Conference fees and educational materials
• Health insurance during the fellowship
• Access to global Rotary network for career development
• Lifetime membership in the Rotary Peace Fellowship alumni association