Peace Fellowships: Master's Degree Programs Grant

Peace Fellowships: Master's Degree Programs Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Rotary Foundation Of Rotary International
Last Updated: March 10, 2026

Summary

The Rotary Peace Fellowships offer fully funded master's degree programs for early-career leaders committed to peace and conflict resolution. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree, relevant experience in peace or development work, and a dedication to cross-cultural understanding. The program includes academic training, field experience, and networking opportunities, aiming to develop effective peace professionals. Since 2002, over 1,700 fellows have been trained, many now holding leadership roles in various sectors globally.

Overview

Is the master’s degree fellowship right for me? The ideal candidate is academically strong, has a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and has work experience in peace and development. We are looking for early-career candidates who demonstrate a commitment to peace and conflict resolution, can undertake extensive reading and research, and can participate actively within a diverse cohort of students. Successful candidates have a record of prior achievements in peacebuilding as well as the potential for future growth and impact as leaders in the field resulting from their participation in the fellowship. After the program, candidates should be willing to share their own work and experience, staying in touch with peace fellows in their region and maintaining strong connections with Rotary members. Fellowship components Academic training Learn research-based theories and approaches to peace and development. Applied field experience Build practical skills through a self-designed, two- to three-month field experience. Networking Expand your global network of academics, peace workers, and Rotary members. Workshop series Develop professional skills in peacebuilding and development. Final seminar Present your master’s research. Peace Fellowships Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses. Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,700 fellows who now work in over 140 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments; NGOs; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank. Master’s degree programs Accepted candidates study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching and a diverse student body. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a two- to three-month field study, which participants design themselves. Professional development certificate program During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and regions. Fellows complete field studies and design and carry out a social change initiative. This program is intended for working professionals. Fellows earn a post-graduate diploma upon completion of the program.  More information about the Professional development certificate program can be found here.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Master’s degree candidates must also:Be proficient in EnglishHave a bachelor's degreeHave a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community serviceHave the potential for leadershipHave at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development workCandidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship.Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.We encourage people with disabilities and people from other diverse backgrounds to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodations as needed to people with disabilities.

Ineligibility

You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member or an employee of a Rotary club, 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 the above category are not eligible.Former Rotary members and their relatives as described above (within 36 months of their resignation)Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study.Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.