Each year, Rotary funds some of the world's most dedicated and brightest leaders to study at Rotary Peace Centers. Through training, study, and practice, Rotary Peace Fellows become catalysts for peace and development. Many go on to careers with governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.

Applications for the 2020-21 Rotary Peace Fellowship program are now being accepted. The due date for candidates to submit applications to their district is 31 May. Districts must submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July. Review district endorsement instructions.

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"The world is in great need of more peace fellows who can work hand in hand with governments and communities to counterbalance the outbreak of war and conflict."– Abu Sufian Taj Elassfia, 2011-13 Rotary Peace Fellow 

Application process

Rotary Peace Fellowships application video image
See the steps you need to take to complete your application process.

Follow these steps to ensure that your application receives consideration.

  1. Review the application guidelines and check the eligibility requirements and restrictions.
  2. Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers. You will be asked to rank two centers you prefer.
  3. Prepare your application, including your resume/CV, essays, academic or professional recommendations, transcripts, and test scores. All materials must be in English. For certificate candidates, transcripts and scores are not needed.
  4. Contact your local Rotary district before submitting your application to request an interview. District endorsement is a required component of the application process. TIP: Your local Rotary club can help you connect with your district. Use Club Finder to locate the club nearest you. Club interviews and recommendations are strongly encouraged but not required for candidates who have district support.
  5. Before any interviews, submit your online application to your district by 31 May.
  6. Complete an interview with district representatives. Districts must submit endorsements to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.
  7. Await notice of the selection results in November. If you are chosen for a fellowship, you will be told at which Peace Center you will study.
  8. Apply for admission to the university where your Peace Center is located. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.

Eligibility requirements

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace.

Candidates must also meet the following requirements:

Peace Fellows testimonials
  • Proficiency in English, with proficiency in a second language strongly recommended
  • Strong commitment to international understanding and peace as demonstrated through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • For master's degree candidates, a bachelor's degree and at least three years of related full-time work or volunteer experience
  • For certificate candidates, at least five years of related full-time work or volunteer experience

Eligibility restrictions

Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. The following people are not eligible for the master's degree program:

  • Active Rotary members
  • Employees of a Rotary club or district, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity
  • Spouses, lineal descendants (children or grandchildren by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parents or grandparents by blood) of any living person in these categories
  • Former Rotary members and their relatives as described above (within 36 months of their resignation)

Recipients of Rotary Global Grants Scholarships must wait three years after completing the scholarship to apply for Rotary Peace Fellowship programs.

Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program must wait three years to apply for the master’s degree program.

Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the master's degree program must wait five years to apply for the certificate program.

Take the eligibility quiz.

 
For more information contact PDG Lisa Foster ... lisaannefoster@hotmail.com