Call for Applications : Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026–2028

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Applications for the Rotary Peace Fellowships are now open for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Administered by The Rotary Foundation and supported by a global network of eight peace centers, this program is designed for individuals committed to conflict resolution and sustainable development. Each year, the foundation selects up to 50 fellows for master’s degree programs and 120 fellows for professional certificate programs. The deadline to submit an online application is May 15, 2026.

Designed for leaders from around the world, the fellowship covers all major expenses, including tuition, room and board, round-trip transportation, and field study or internship costs. The program seeks to strengthen the skills of peace professionals through rigorous academic training, practical experience, and integration into an international network of peace practitioners. It targets candidates with demonstrated experience in promoting peace, whether emerging professionals or senior leaders.

The Rotary Peace Fellowships are open to all nationalities. Two tracks are available: a 15- to 24-month master’s program that includes a two- to three-month field study, and a one-year professional certificate program combining online coursework, an on-site residency, and a social change initiative. Active Rotary members and club employees are not eligible, while Rotaract members may apply.

What Is the Rotary Peace Fellowship?

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is The Rotary Foundation’s flagship program in the field of peacebuilding. Launched in 2002, it has trained more than 1,800 professionals from over 140 countries. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to develop a generation of peace leaders capable of addressing conflict, advancing social justice, and supporting sustainable development. Fellows complete intensive academic coursework complemented by field experience, professional workshops, and participation in a global network of peace practitioners.

Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026 Funding

For the master’s programs, the Rotary Fellowship covers tuition and university fees, room and board, round-trip transportation to the study center, and all expenses related to internships and field studies. Fellows also receive support to attend conferences and conduct research.

For the professional certificate program, funding includes tuition, on-campus accommodation, course materials, insurance, international travel, and field study expenses.

Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Requirements vary depending on the selected track, but several general criteria apply:

• Rotary affiliation: Active Rotary members and employees of Rotary clubs are not eligible. Rotaract members may apply.
• Commitment to peace and development: Applicants must demonstrate sustained engagement in promoting peace, intercultural understanding, and community service.
• Language proficiency: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in a second language is strongly recommended.

Master’s Track

Applicants to the master’s fellowship must:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of full-time professional experience in peacebuilding or development. Relevant experience may include international cooperation, human rights, mediation, education, or related fields.
2. Demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to intercultural understanding.
3. Have completed their most recent degree at least three years prior to the start of the fellowship; individuals currently enrolled in an academic program are not eligible.
4. Provide a TOEFL or IELTS score (for non-native English speakers), and for certain universities such as the University of North Carolina, a GRE score.

Certificate Track

For the professional certificate program, applicants must:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree and have five years of professional experience in a peace- or development-related field.
2. Propose a social change initiative to be implemented during the program.
3. Commit to 11 weeks of in-person training, followed by a nine-month social initiative and a final seminar.
4. Meet regional criteria:
   • Applicants to Makerere University must be from Africa or have experience working with African communities.
   • Applicants to Bahçeşehir University must have ties to the Middle East or North Africa.
   • Applicants to Symbiosis International University must be from Asia or demonstrate a strong interest in the region.

Participating Institutions and Programs

Master’s Programs

The five Rotary Peace Centers offering master’s programs include:

• Duke University/University of North Carolina (United States): Master’s in International Development Policy or International Relations, including a two- to three-month field experience.
• International Christian University (Tokyo, Japan): Master’s in Peace Studies within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, with optional Japanese language training.
• University of Bradford (United Kingdom): Master’s in Peace and Development Studies delivered by one of the world’s largest academic centers in this field; the program lasts 15 months.
• University of Queensland (Australia): Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies with a focus on nonviolence and Indigenous diplomacy.
• Uppsala University (Sweden): Master’s in Social Science with a specialization in peace and conflict research.

Certificate Programs

The professional certificate is offered at three centers:

• Makerere University (Kampala, Uganda): Designed for candidates from Africa or those working with African communities; it combines theory, research, and practice to prepare leaders to influence policy and initiate peace-focused action.
• Bahçeşehir University (Istanbul, Türkiye): A multidisciplinary center for candidates from the Middle East and North Africa or those with professional ties to the region; it emphasizes translating experience into concrete social change initiatives.
• Symbiosis International University (Pune, India): Open from 2027; it targets candidates from Asia or those with a demonstrated interest in the region and focuses on interregional diplomacy and humanitarian response.

Application Procedure

1. Select a track and center: Applicants must first decide whether to apply for the master’s or certificate program. Master’s applicants rank two peace centers in order of preference; certificate applicants select one center (or two if eligible for both).
2. Secure district endorsement: Endorsement from a Rotary district is mandatory. Applicants identify a nearby club or district through the District Finder tool, request an interview, and obtain an endorsement letter. Applications without endorsement are not considered.
3. Prepare the application: The online application must be completed in English. It includes a curriculum vitae, essays (300–500 words) outlining commitment to peace, two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional for the master’s track; two professional references for the certificate track), and academic transcripts for master’s applicants. Non-native English speakers must provide a language test score (TOEFL or IELTS), and some programs require the GRE.
4. Submit the application online: Applications must be submitted through the official Rotary platform by May 15, 2026.
5. Interview and endorsement: The district reviews the application and forwards its endorsement to The Rotary Foundation by July 1, 2026.
6. Final selection: Applications are evaluated by the central selection committee. Results are announced in November 2026. Selected candidates must then apply formally to the assigned university.

Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026 Key Dates

• May 15, 2026: Deadline to submit the online application.
• May 15, 2026: Final date to request Rotary assistance in identifying a district contact.
• May 31, 2026: Closure of the platform for district submissions under the 2019 guide (The Rotary Foundation recommends applying before May 15).
• July 1, 2026: Deadline for district endorsement and submission of recommendation letters, transcripts, and test scores.
• November 2026: Announcement of selection results.

Official Link

For further information and to apply, visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowships page on The Rotary Foundation website. The application platform is available at rotary.embark.com/apply.