The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program 2026–27 is one of the world’s most prestigious and impactful fully funded international fellowships for peacebuilders, activists, and professionals committed to global peace and development. Sponsored by Rotary International, this annual opportunity selects up to 130 outstanding individuals from around the world who demonstrate leadership potential, a strong commitment to peace, and a track record of positive community impact.

Since its establishment, the Rotary Peace Centers Program has trained more than 1,500 fellows across various disciplines, empowering them to become influential ambassadors of peace, conflict resolution experts, and global changemakers. Whether through a Master’s degree or a Professional Certificate in Peace and Development, the Rotary Fellowship provides intensive academic training, applied fieldwork, and professional networking opportunities to prepare participants for leadership roles in peacebuilding.

This transformative opportunity is a beacon under categories like Fully Funded Fellowships, Peace and Development Scholarships, and Leadership Training Programs.

📌 Rotary Peace Fellowship Program 2026–27 – Quick Overview

Sponsored by:
Rotary International

Program Levels:

• Master’s Degree Program

• Professional Development Certificate Program

Duration:

• Master’s Program: 15–24 months

• Certificate Program: 1 year

Total Fellowships:

• 50 for Master’s Degree

• 80 for Certificate Program
  (Total: Up to 130 Fully Funded Fellowships)

Fellowship Locations and Host Institutions:

🔹 Master’s Program:

• University of Queensland – Brisbane, Australia

• University of Bradford – Bradford, England

• International Christian University – Tokyo, Japan

• Uppsala University – Uppsala, Sweden

• Duke University & University of North Carolina – Durham & Chapel Hill, USA

🔹 Certificate Program:

• Chulalongkorn University – Bangkok, Thailand

• Makerere University – Kampala, Uganda

🌍 Fellowship Components

The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers a comprehensive training package including:

• Academic Training led by top peace scholars

• Applied Field Experience in relevant sectors

• Workshops and Seminars across disciplines

• Global Networking with peace professionals

• Final Seminar to present capstone research

This fully immersive structure allows fellows to integrate theory with practice and develop practical tools for long-lasting peace and development work.

🎓 Benefits of Rotary Peace Fellowship Program

Fellows selected for the program will receive:

• Full tuition coverage at any of the partner universities

• Room and board throughout the program

• Round-trip airfare from home country to host institution

• Internship or applied field-study expenses

• Health insurance during the fellowship

• Access to Rotary’s global peacebuilding network

This is a zero-cost opportunity for those who meet the criteria and wish to pursue peacebuilding professionally.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program 2026–27, applicants must fulfill the following:

For Master’s Program:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (in any field)

• Have at least three years of relevant work or volunteer experience after the last degree

• Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement

• Be proficient in English (IELTS/TOEFL not required, but must demonstrate ability)

• Must not be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program

• Must have a three-year gap if previously attended a certificate or global grant program

For Certificate Program:

• Must fulfill all Master’s eligibility criteria

• Require minimum five years of relevant experience

• Must submit a detailed action plan for peace and development

• Cannot be current or former Rotary Peace Fellows without a three-year break

Ineligible Candidates:

• Active Rotary members, employees of Rotary International, or affiliated Rotary entities

• Applicants currently pursuing academic degrees

Rotary encourages persons with disabilities and candidates from underrepresented regions to apply.

📝 How to Apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026

To apply for this life-changing international fellowship:

1. Visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowship application portal.

2. Register and fill out the online application form.

3. Upload supporting documents including:

   • CV/resume

   • Academic transcripts

   • Work experience details

   • Two recommendation letters

   • Personal statements and action plan

4. Contact a local Rotary district or club for endorsement.

5. Submit your endorsement confirmation and application through the portal.

🗓️ Deadline to Apply: 15 May 2025

Fellowship Subcommittee endorsements are required by 1 July 2025.