Deadline: May 15, 2022.

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. 

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.

ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS

1. Master’s degree programs: Accepted candidates study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching and a diverse student body. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a two- to three-month field study, which participants design themselves.
2. Professional development certificate program: During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and across the globe. Fellows complete field studies, and they also design and carry out a social change initiative. This program is intended for working professionals. Fellows earn a post-graduate diploma upon completion of the program.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

MASTER PROGRAM

Master’s degree candidates must also:

• Be proficient in English
• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
• Potential for leadership
• Have at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Certificate candidates must also:

• Be proficient in English
• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Have at least five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
• Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
• Demonstrate leadership skills 
• Be able to explain how their plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission 
• Candidates for Makerere University: Either be from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent.

BENEFITS

The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

APPLICATION CONSIDERATION STEPS

Follow these steps to ensure that your application receives consideration.

1. Review the eligibility restrictions.
2. Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers. You will be asked to rank two centers you prefer for the Master’s program and up to two centers for the certificate program if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.
3. Engage with Rotary. Use the Club Finder to locate the Rotary club nearest you. Connecting with a club is a great way to learn about Rotary’s work in your community and around the world. A club recommendation is optional, but strongly recommended as part of your application.
4. Submit your application by 15 May. Applications require a resume, academic and/or professional recommendations, essays, transcripts, social impact plan (certificate only), and test scores (master’s only). All materials must be in English.
5. Get endorsed. In early June, if your application meets the qualification and eligibility criteria, it will be automatically assigned to a trained Rotary endorser who is either a member of a District Rotary Peace Fellowship Subcommittee, a member of a Rotary club, or a Rotary Peace Fellow program alumnus. Your assigned endorser will reach out to you to schedule an interview during the month of June. After your interview, the Rotary endorser will submit an endorsement decision for your application by 1 July.
6. Await selection results. Email notifications will be sent in November. If you are chosen for a fellowship, you will be told at which Peace Center you will study.
7. Apply for admission (master’s only) to the university where your Peace Center is located. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.

OFFICIAL LINK