Rotary Peace Fellowship for Global Graduate Students (Fully Funded)
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a fully funded academic award for global graduate students. It supports future peacebuilders who want to pursue professional development or graduate study in peace and conflict resolution. Rotary International funds this prestigious fellowship.
This program fits under the umbrella of top-tier USA scholarships designed to develop global leadership and social impact. It gives international students the tools, network, and education to lead peace initiatives at home and abroad.
Why the Rotary Peace Fellowship is Unique
- Fully funded, with no repayment required
- Offered at top universities worldwide, including in the United States
- Targets leaders in conflict resolution, development, and humanitarian work
- Combines academic training with hands-on experience
Since 2002, over 1,600 fellows from more than 140 countries have graduated from the program.
Rotary Peace Fellowship for African Students
The Rotary Peace Fellowship encourages strong applications from Africa. Past fellows from Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe have advanced careers in diplomacy, human rights, education, and policy-making.
The program supports your journey with world-class training and a global community of changemakers.
What the Rotary Peace Fellowship Covers
This is one of the most comprehensive fully funded USA scholarships for peace and development work. It includes:
- Full tuition and fees
- Round-trip transportation
- Room and board
- Internship or field-study expenses
- Health insurance
- Language training (if required)
You focus on your studies and practical learning, not finances.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you meet the following:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have three years of full-time experience in peace or development work (five years for the certificate program)
- Show leadership potential
- Are proficient in English
- Are not a Rotary member or employee of Rotary International
Rotary seeks candidates with a clear commitment to peacebuilding and a strong history of community service.
Available Fellowship Tracks
There are two main program tracks:
1. Master’s Degree Program (15–24 months)
- Study at one of seven Rotary Peace Centers in the U.S., Australia, Sweden, Japan, and the U.K.
- Includes a 2–3 month professional internship
- Leads to a Master’s in fields like international development, peace studies, or public policy
2. Professional Development Certificate (3 months)
- Held at Makerere University in Uganda or Chulalongkorn University in Thailand
- Designed for mid-career professionals
- Includes a social change initiative or applied fieldwork
Both tracks are fully funded and globally respected.
Where the Fellowship is Hosted
Rotary Peace Centers are located at top universities:
- Duke University and UNC, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia
- Uppsala University, Sweden
- University of Bradford, UK
- International Christian University, Japan
- Makerere University, Uganda (certificate)
- Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (certificate)
The inclusion of U.S. institutions makes it part of key USA scholarships accessible to international students.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
Applications open in February and close in May. Final selections are announced in November.
Typical timeline:
- February – March: Start your application
- April: Request recommendations and submit essays
- May 15: Final deadline to submit
- June – August: Interviews and endorsements
- November: Final results
- Next August: Program begins
Check the official site for updates: Rotary Peace Fellowships
Required Documents
You must prepare:
- Online application form
- Academic transcripts
- CV or resume
- English test scores (TOEFL/IELTS) if needed
- Four short essays
- Two recommendation letters
- Social impact plan (for certificate applicants)
All materials should reflect your dedication to peace work.
How to Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship for Global Graduate Students (Fully Funded)
Step-by-step:
- Review eligibility and program options
- Research the Peace Centers and select your top choices
- Start the online application at Rotary’s website
- Write compelling, clear essays
- Request and confirm recommendation letters
- Submit the completed application by May 15
Strong applications are clear, mission-driven, and supported by leadership examples.
Selection Criteria
Rotary Peace Fellows are chosen based on:
- Proven leadership experience
- Commitment to peace and social development
- Academic background and professional goals
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
- Alignment with Rotary’s mission
Finalists are interviewed by regional panels before final selection.
Real Example: Rotary Fellow from Africa
A fellow from South Sudan, with experience in refugee support, earned her Master’s in Peacebuilding at Duke University. After graduating, she led trauma-informed education programs for displaced youth in East Africa.
Her work has impacted over 10,000 children and trained more than 500 teachers.
Rotary Peace Fellowship vs. Other USA Scholarships
| Feature | Rotary Peace Fellowship | Other USA Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Fully funded | Yes | Varies |
| Peace focus | Yes | Rare |
| Practical fieldwork | Yes | Varies |
| Global Peace Centers | Yes | Few |
| Certificate program | Yes | Rare |
This fellowship is ideal if your work centers on peacebuilding, humanitarian service, or grassroots change.
Program Duration
- Master’s Program: 15 to 24 months
- Certificate Program: 3 months intensive study
Both tracks offer immersive, hands-on learning with long-term benefits.
Program Benefits
- Access to world-class education
- Join a global network of 1,600+ fellows
- Gain conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Receive mentoring and professional support
- Boost career in NGOs, diplomacy, or multilateral institutions
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start preparing at least 3 months before the deadline
- Choose a Peace Center that fits your goals
- Write essays with clear examples of your impact
- Show passion, not just ambition
- Align your plans with Rotary’s mission
Your experience matters more than academic grades.
Career Paths After the Fellowship
Graduates have gone on to work in:
- United Nations
- African Union
- Red Cross and World Vision
- Government ministries
- Grassroots NGOs
- Conflict mediation initiatives
Many become trainers, policymakers, and nonprofit founders.
Where to Get Help
These resources offer support throughout your application process.
Rotary Peace Fellowship and African Development
The fellowship aligns with development goals across Africa. Alumni are working in:
- Conflict prevention in Nigeria
- Post-conflict healing in Rwanda
- Gender-based violence advocacy in Kenya
- Community mediation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
These efforts contribute to peace, education, and social justice across the continent.
Final Thoughts
The Rotary Peace Fellowship for Global Graduate Students (Fully Funded) opens doors to leadership and service. It empowers changemakers from all backgrounds to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
If you are committed to peace, have the experience, and want to lead transformation in your community, this is your opportunity.
Prepare early. Write honestly. Apply fully.
Let your leadership speak. Let your story lead the way.
