Do you want to promote peace, social change, and community development? The prestigious Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026-27 offers a fully funded opportunity for emerging and experienced leaders from around the world to study at some of the most respected peace centers globally. This life-changing program can be your gateway to advancing your work in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or international development — without worrying about tuition, travel, or living expenses.

Whether you’re a mid-career professional or an early-career peace advocate, this fully funded fellowship is designed to enhance your ability to create sustainable, impactful change in your community and beyond.

About Rotary Peace Fellowship

Launched in 2002, the Rotary Peace Fellowship has supported over 1,800 peacebuilders from 140+ countries, many of whom now lead change in governments, NGOs, peacekeeping forces, education institutions, and international organizations e.g., the United Nations and the World Bank. Each year, up to 130 fellowships are awarded — including 50 for master’s degrees and 80 for professional development certificates — all fully funded.

The Rotary Foundation covers the entire cost of:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Round-trip transportation
• Internship and field study expenses

This comprehensive support ensures fellows can focus on what truly matters — creating a more peaceful and just world.

Why You Should Apply

Rotary’s focus on peace as a tangible, dynamic outcome means fellows gain hands-on skills, real-world exposure, and a robust international network. Whether you’re aiming to influence policy, reform justice systems, support grassroots movements, or promote dialogue across borders, this fellowship will empower you to be a stronger, smarter, and more connected changemaker.

Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026- Overview

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026–27
Offered By	Rotary International
Type	Fully Funded
Programs Available	Master’s Degree & Certificate Program
Degree Level	Postgraduate (Master’s & Certificate)
Eligible Applicants	Global leaders in peace and development
Rotary peace fellowship 2026-27 Deadline	15 May 2025
Host Countries	USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden, Uganda, Turkey

Rotary Peace Fellowship Benefits

• Full tuition and university fees
• Housing and meals throughout the program
• Round-trip travel to the host country
• Coverage of internship and field-study costs
• Access to a powerful global network of peace professionals
• Practical experience through self-designed fieldwork or social change initiatives
• Certificate holders receive intensive blended learning and on-site sessions

1. Master’s Degree Program

The Master’s Degree Fellowship is a 15 to 24-month program hosted at leading universities worldwide. It targets early-career professionals with a demonstrated commitment to peace, development, and international service. The program includes a 2–3-month field study, designed by each fellow to gain real-world experience.

Partner Universities for Master’s Fellowship

Rotary Peace Fellowship universities are: 

• USA- Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
• University of Bradford, Bradford, England
• University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
• Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

Master’s Program Eligibility Criteria

Fulfil the following Master program of Rotary peace fellowship 2026-27 requirements: 

• Proficiency in English
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field
• You must be holding a 3 years of full-time work experience in peace or development
• Strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• There should be a gap of at least 3 years since completion of the most recent academic degree
• Not currently enrolled in a degree program
• You must not be already an active Rotary member or employee

Note: Applicants cannot study at a peace center located in their home country.

2. Certificate Program (Professional Development)

The Certificate Program is a one-year postgraduate fellowship designed for mid-career professionals. It provides practical tools to implement peace initiatives within their communities and includes 11 weeks of in-person learning.

Fellows must design and implement a Social Change Initiative during the program, applying their learning in real-world contexts. This blended format allows participants to continue professional work while completing their fellowship.

Partner Universities for Certificate Fellowship

• Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
• Bahçeşehir University (BAU), Istanbul, Türkiye

Certificate Program Eligibility Criteria

For the certificate program of Rotary Peace Fellowship, eligibility criteria includes: 

• Proficiency in English
• A bachelor’s degree in any field
• Minimum five years of relevant full-time work experience in peace or development
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Strong commitment to peace and cross-cultural understanding
• Youre goals must clearly align with Rotary’s mission
• Not currently enrolled in a degree program
• There should be a gap of at least three years from the last completed academic degree
• Not an active Rotary member or employee

Additional Regional Requirements

Makerere University (Uganda):
Must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, or demonstrate strong interest in African peacebuilding approaches

Bahçeşehir University (Turkey):
Must be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, or have a compelling interest in peacebuilding in these areas

Application Process

Apply online by filling out the Rotary peace fellowship 2026-27 application form

• Step 1: Visit the official website to review fellowship details
• Step 2: Choose your preferred program (Master’s or Certificate)
• Step 3: Prepare your documents, including academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and references
• Step 4: Design your field study (Master’s) or Social Change Initiative (Certificate)
• Step 5: Submit your online application via the Rotary application portal before 15 May 2025

Selection Timeline

• Applications screened for eligibility
• Eligible applicants evaluated by Rotary Peace Centers Committee
• Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by host universities
• Final results announced in November 2025

Master’s vs. Certificate Fellowship

Feature	Master’s Program	Certificate Program
Duration	15–24 months	1 year (with 11 weeks on-site)
Work Experience Required	Minimum 3 years	Minimum 5 years
Target Audience	Early-career professionals	Mid-career professionals
Includes Field Work	Yes	Yes (Social Change Initiative)
University Partners	5 universities globally	Makerere University & BAU
In-country Study Allowed?	No (not in home country)	Yes (based on regional interest)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply if I recently completed my degree?
   No. You must have at least three years between your last degree and the start of the fellowship.
2. Is there any age limit?
   No official age limit, but candidates must meet professional experience requirements.
3. Are Rotaract members eligible?
   Yes, but only if they are not also Rotary club members.
4. Can I apply for both programs of Rotary Peace Fellwoship?
   No, you must choose one program that fits your background and experience.
5. Can I apply from any international country?
   Yes. The fellowship is open to global applicants, subject to specific regional criteria for the certificate program.

If you’re a leader ready to scale your impact in peacebuilding, this is your moment. Don’t miss the opportunity to become part of a global community committed to peace and development. The application deadline is 15 May 2025, so begin your journey today. APPLY NOW.

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