A premier, fully-funded leadership opportunity for global peacebuilders is now open! Rotary International has launched the Rotary Peace Fellowship for the 2027-2028 academic year, offering up to 170 fellowships for dedicated professionals worldwide. This prestigious program supports Master’s degrees or Professional Development Certificates in peace, conflict resolution, and development at leading global universities. If you are a professional committed to creating positive change in your community and the world, this is your chance to gain world-class training with full financial support. The application deadline is May 15, 2026.
Rotary Peace Fellowship 2027 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of this transformative global fellowship:
- Fellowship Sponsor: Rotary International
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Academic & Professional Training
- Program Types: Master’s Degree (15-24 months) & Professional Development Certificate (1 year)
- Number of Fellowships: Up to 170 annually (50 for Master’s, 120 for Certificate)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Target Group: Mid-Career Professionals in Peace, Development & Humanitarian Fields
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2026 (for the 2027-2028 academic year)
About the Fully Funded Rotary Peace Fellowship
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is one of the world’s most prestigious and comprehensive programs for emerging peace leaders. Since 2002, it has cultivated a global network of over 1,800 alumni working in over 140 countries across governments, NGOs, the UN, and academia.
This fellowship is more than a scholarship; it is a holistic leadership development experience. It combines rigorous academic study with practical field experience, a global network, and lifelong membership in the Rotary community. The program is designed to equip professionals with the skills, knowledge, and connections to drive meaningful, sustainable change in conflict prevention, resolution, and development.
Fellowship Program Options
The fellowship offers two distinct tracks to suit different career stages:
- Master’s Degree Program:
- Duration: 15 to 24 months.
- Fellowships: Up to 50 awarded annually.
- Includes: A 2-3 month applied field study (internship) where fellows design and implement a project addressing real-world peace and development challenges.
- Host Universities: Study at one of the prestigious Rotary Peace Centers at universities like Duke University (USA), University of North Carolina (USA), University of Bradford (UK), Uppsala University (Sweden), International Christian University (Japan), and University of Queensland (Australia).
- Professional Development Certificate Program:
- Duration: 1 year of blended learning (online and in-person).
- Fellowships: Up to 120 awarded annually.
- Designed for: Experienced, mid-career professionals aiming to enhance their skills and implement social change initiatives within their organizations and communities.
- Host Center: Offered at the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
This fellowship seeks proven professionals with a commitment to service. To be eligible, you must:
- Have a strong record of professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential in fields related to peace, development, public service, or humanitarian work.
- Show a proven commitment to community and international service, aligning with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
- Possess proficiency in English (and possibly another language, depending on the host university).
- Meet specific academic requirements:
- For the Master’s program: A bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience.
- For the Certificate program: Significant mid-career professional experience in peace or development work.
Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits & Coverage
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a full-cost fellowship covering virtually all expenses:
- Full Tuition & Fees: Complete coverage for the entire program.
- Room & Board: Accommodation and meals are provided.
- International Travel: Round-trip transportation to and from the host university.
- Internship/Field Study Funding: Financial support for the required practical field experience.
- Global Network: Lifelong membership in a powerful network of Rotary Peace Fellows and Rotarians worldwide.
How to Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship (Step-by-Step)
Applications are submitted through your local Rotary district. You cannot apply directly to Rotary International.
- Research & Contact Your Local Rotary Club/District: This is the most critical first step. Find the Rotary club or district nearest to your legal or permanent residence or place of study. Contact them early to express your interest and understand their specific endorsement process and deadlines, which are often earlier than the global deadline.
- Prepare Your Application: Work closely with your local Rotary club. Prepare a compelling application that includes your academic history, professional resume, a strong personal statement detailing your peacebuilding vision, and letters of recommendation.
- Secure District Endorsement: Your application must be endorsed and submitted by a Rotary district. Districts conduct interviews and select their top candidates to forward for global consideration.
- Global Review: Endorsed applications are reviewed by the global Rotary Peace Fellowship selection committee.
🔥 Pro Tip: The local Rotary club and district relationship is everything. Start this process at least 2-3 months before the global deadline. Attend a club meeting, build a genuine connection, and clearly articulate how your work aligns with Rotary’s values. A strong district endorsement is essential for success.
Application Deadline
The final global deadline for endorsed applications to be submitted is:
📅 May 15, 2026.
Important: Your local Rotary district will have its own, earlier deadline for receiving and reviewing applications. You must contact them immediately to confirm their internal deadline.
Official Website
For complete details, program descriptions, and to find your local Rotary club:
👉 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS WEBSITE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply directly to Rotary International online?
A: No. All applications must be submitted through and endorsed by a local Rotary district. The first step is always to contact the Rotary club or district where you have legal residence, employment, or academic ties.
Q2: I am not a Rotarian. Can I still apply?
A: Absolutely. The fellowship is open to all qualified candidates worldwide. You do not need to be a Rotary member or have any prior affiliation with Rotary. Family members of Rotarians are generally not eligible.
Q3: What are the main selection criteria?
A: Selection is based on a combination of professional and academic achievement, proven leadership potential, a clear commitment to peace and service, and a compelling vision for how you will use the fellowship to create change. Strong interpersonal skills and cultural adaptability are also key.
Q4: Is the fellowship open to all nationalities?
A: Yes. The fellowship is globally competitive and open to citizens of all countries. However, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (primarily English) and have a strong connection to a local Rotary district for endorsement.
Q5: What makes a successful application?
A: Beyond qualifications, successful candidates demonstrate a clear, passionate vision for peace, a track record of tangible impact in their communities, and the ability to articulate how the specific Rotary Peace Center program will help them achieve their goals. A strong, supportive endorsement from your local Rotary district is also a decisive factor.
