Rotary International Peace Fellowship 2027 (Fully Funded)

Apply for the fully funded Rotary International Peace Fellowship 2027. Earn a Master’s degree or professional certificate at global peace centers. Deadline: May 15, 2026.

The Rotary International Peace Fellowship 2027 is a premier global initiative designed for dedicated leaders in the peace and development sectors. Each year, the Rotary Foundation awards up to 170 fully funded fellowships—50 for Master’s degrees and 120 for professional development certificates—to individuals who are committed to community service and international peacebuilding.

This fellowship is not just an academic opportunity; it is an invitation to join a global network of over 1,500 alumni working in senior roles at the UN, World Bank, and leading NGOs. The 2027 fellowship application cycle is currently open, with a submission deadline of May 15, 2026.

Key Details

Fellowship Options and Host Institutions

The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers two distinct pathways depending on your career stage and academic background. You will study at one of Rotary’s partner universities, known as Rotary Peace Centers.

1. Master’s Degree Program

Designed for early-career professionals, this 15–24 month program includes research-informed teaching and a self-designed 2–3 month applied field experience.

• Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA: Focus on international development policy.
• International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan: Focus on peace studies and public policy.
• University of Bradford, Bradford, England: The world’s largest center for peace and conflict studies.
• University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia: Specializing in non-violence and indigenous diplomacy.
• Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden: Renowned for global data on armed conflict and violence.

2. Professional Development Certificate

A one-year blended learning program (online and on-site) for mid-career leaders. It focuses on practical skills and the design of a Social Change Initiative.

• Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda: Focus on African peace and development challenges.
• Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye: Focus on peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Symbiosis International University, Pune, India: Focus on humanitarian responses and interregional diplomacy in Asia.

Scholarship Benefits

The Rotary Foundation provides a comprehensive financial package to ensure fellows can dedicate themselves fully to their training and peacebuilding work:

• Full Tuition and Fees: Coverage of all academic costs at the host university.
• Room and Board: Monthly stipend for housing and meals.
• Round-trip Transportation: Airfare at the start and end of the fellowship.
• Field-Study and Internship Expenses: Funding for practical training and research trips.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
• Global Network Access: Direct connection to Rotary’s international community of peace advocates.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific academic and professional criteria to be considered for the 2027 fellowship.

General Criteria (For Both Tracks)

• Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in English (TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required).
• Academic Background: Must hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Membership Restrictions: Active Rotary members and employees of Rotary entities are ineligible. Rotaract club members who are not Rotary members can apply.
• Integrity: Applicants must submit original work; the use of generative AI or plagiarism leads to disqualification.

Master’s Track Specifics

• Experience: At least three years of full-time relevant work experience in peace or development.
• Academic Gap: Must have at least a three-year gap between their most recent degree (UG or PG) and the start of the fellowship.
• Leadership: Demonstrated potential for leadership and community impact.

Certificate Track Specifics

• Experience: At least five years of full-time relevant work experience.
• Regional Pathway: Applicants for Makerere, Bahçeşehir, or Symbiosis must have a connection to the specific region (Africa, MENA, or Asia) through birth, work, or significant interest.
• Social Impact: Must be able to explain how their social change initiative aligns with Rotary’s mission.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The application process is thorough and requires early preparation. Candidates are strongly encouraged to engage with local Rotary districts for mentorship.

1. Research Centers: Visit the Rotary Peace Centers website to compare curricula. Master’s applicants must rank their top two choices.
2. Engage with Rotary: Use the Rotary Club Finder to connect with a local club. While not mandatory, a club or district recommendation strengthens your profile.
3. Gather Documents: Prepare your resume, academic transcripts, and personal statement video.
4. Draft Essays: Focus on your future goals. Explain how the fellowship will help you achieve specific peacebuilding outcomes.
5. Submit Online: Complete the online application on the My Rotary portal by May 15, 2026.
6. Selection: Finalists will be notified in November 2026.

Important Note: Selection for the fellowship does not guarantee university admission. If selected as a fellow, you must still apply to and be accepted by your designated host university.

Final Thoughts

The Rotary International Peace Fellowship 2027 is a life-altering investment in your leadership capacity. Whether you are navigating conflict resolution in urban settings or designing development policies for entire regions, this fellowship provides the academic rigor and practical network needed to succeed. Start your journey early by connecting with a Rotary club and refining your vision for global peace.

For more information, visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowship webpage: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships