
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:
Visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowship application portal.
Register and fill out the online application form.
Upload supporting documents including:
CV/resume
Academic transcripts
Work experience details
Two recommendation letters
Personal statements and action plan
Contact a local Rotary district or club for endorsement.
Submit your endorsement confirmation and application through the portal.
🗓️ Deadline to Apply: 15 May 2025
Fellowship Subcommittee endorsements are required by 1 July 2025.