International Peace Scholarship Fund

International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS)

Geographic Scope: International women students pursuing graduate study in the United States or Canada

Focus Areas: Graduate study for international women students who will return to their home country to utilize education to make positive impact and foster global peace

Program Purpose: Provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. Based upon demonstrated need; however, award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses.

Award Details: Maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.

Eligibility Period: September 15 to December 15

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a woman outside the United States and Canada
• Must be seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada
• Must commit to returning to home country to utilize education to make positive impact and foster global peace
• Must have a full year of formal coursework remaining and be enrolled and in residence in the U.S. or Canada for the entire school year; OR
• Must be an international student attending Cottey College

Not Eligible:

• Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations (as first-time applicants)
• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada
• Online courses, research, internships, or practical training if not combined with formal coursework

Note: Students with residency for tax purposes only are permitted.

Award Timeline

• Application Period: September 15 to December 15 (reopening September 15, 2026)
• Award Announcement: Made in May

Contact

P.E.O. International

• Address: 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312
• Phone: 515-255-3153
• Fax: 515-255-3820

Application Process

Eligibility Period: September 15 to December 15

Applications will be accepted starting September 15, 2026

Award Announcement: Made in May

Required Documents and Information

Based on policies and procedures (see documents for complete details):

• Full biographical and personal information
• Academic credentials and transcripts
• Details of advanced degree program
• Evidence of commitment to returning to home country
• Demonstration of financial need
• Documentation of additional financial resources adequate to meet estimated expenses

Examples of additional resources:

Personal and family funds

Tuition waivers

Work

Scholarships

Teaching assistantships

Study grants

Other scholarships

Important Notes

• Applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet estimated expenses
• See full IPS Application Calendar dates for current term of study on P.E.O. website

Required Documents

• P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund Policies and Procedures
• IPS Board of Trustees Student Selection Process documentation