Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026-27; April 28, 2025
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Introduction to Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026-27
Since 2002, the Rotary Peace Fellowship has empowered over 1,800 fellows who are now leading change across 140+ countries. Alumni serve in governments, NGOs, universities, research institutions, peacekeeping missions, law enforcement, and prestigious organizations such as the United Nations and World Bank.
If you’re passionate about peace, development, humanitarian work, and leadership — the Rotary Peace Fellowship offers a unique, fully-funded opportunity to advance your career, amplify your impact, and join a powerful global network.
No of Fellowships: This year 130 applicants are selected under the Rotary Peace Scholarship 2026-2027 Program, 50 fellowships for master’s degrees, and up to 80 for Professional development certificate at different premier universities.
1. Fellowship Tracks at a Glance
| Fellowship Track | Ideal for | Duration & Format | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree Program | Early-career professionals (≥ 3 years relevant experience) | 15–24 months, includes 2-3 months applied field work | Australia, England, Japan, Sweden, USA |
| Professional Development Certificate | Mid-career practitioners (≥ 5 years relevant experience) | 1 year blended (online + on-site + field project) | Uganda, Türkiye |
Host Institutions
- The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia
- University of Bradford in Bradford, England
- International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan
- Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden
- Duke University and the University of North Carolina in Durham and Chapel Hill, USA
- Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda
- Bahçeşehir University (BAU), Istanbul, Turkey
2. What the Fellowship Covers
- Full tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Round-trip transportation
- Field study or applied project expenses
- Health insurance (for Master’s fellows)
3. Relevant Professional Experience: Who Is Eligible?
Rotary defines “peace and development work” broadly. Eligible fields include:
- Public health and community development
- Conflict prevention, mediation, humanitarian response
- Diplomacy and government policy work
- NGO and civil society leadership
- Economic development
- Advocacy for human rights, legal representation of vulnerable groups
- Faith-based peacebuilding
- Journalism and arts promoting social change
- Research, education, cross-cultural training
- Community policing, military peacekeeping
Ethiopian health professionals, humanitarian workers, educators, and public sector leaders are fully eligible if their work advances peaceful, inclusive societies.
4. English Language Requirements (Master’s Program Applicants)
Unless English is your first language, you must either:
- Submit valid English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.), or
- Request an exemption with documentation (e.g., transcript from an English-medium university).
Special Note for Ethiopians:
Some universities (such as Uppsala University) automatically accept Ethiopian bachelor’s degrees taught in English as proof of proficiency, reducing the need for additional testing.
Each partner university has its own minimum score requirements — see the detailed English requirement table on the document below.
5. Fellowship Components in Detail
Master’s Program Fellows:
- Academic Coursework: Study peace theories, conflict resolution, and development approaches.
- Applied Fieldwork: Design and complete a 2–3 month project with a partner organization.
- Workshops & Networking: Build global leadership and project management skills.
- Final Research Seminar: Present findings to Rotary’s peace community.
Certificate Program Fellows:
- Online Foundations Course: Introduction to peacebuilding frameworks.
- 10-Week On-Site Course: Intensive seminars, skills labs, and fieldwork.
- Social Change Initiative: Design and implement a project in your home community or region.
- Capstone Seminar: Showcase project results and build connections for future collaborations.
6. Special Eligibility for Certificate Programs
| Program Location | Special Eligibility Focus |
|---|---|
| Makerere University, Uganda | Candidates must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities anywhere. |
| Bahçeşehir University, Türkiye | Candidates must be from the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), have worked there, or work with MENA communities elsewhere. |
7. Who Can Apply?
The main requirements are given below:
- Proficiency in English is required.
- Work experience is necessary.
- Applicants must demonstrate academic achievements and involvement in personal or community service.
- Those pursuing a master’s degree should have completed their bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s degree applicants need a minimum of three years of relevant experience from their most recent degree to the start of the fellowship program.
- Individuals currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs are not eligible.
- Certificate program applicants need the same qualifications but with five years of relevant experience.
- Certificate candidates must articulate their plan of action.
- People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- If someone participated in a certificate program or received a global grant scholarship, a three-year gap is required before applying for a master’s under this fellowship.
- Active Rotary members, Rotary Club employees, and those working with Rotary International or other Rotary groups are ineligible.
Who cannot apply?
Rotary maintains clear eligibility restrictions:
- Active Rotary members (Rotaract-only members can apply)
- Employees of Rotary clubs, districts, or Rotary International
- Immediate family members of active Rotary members
- Candidates currently enrolled in a degree program (must have graduated at least 3 years before fellowship start)
- Recent Rotary scholarship or fellowship alumni (must wait 3 years post-completion)
8. Application Process (For 2026-27 Academic Year)
Deadline: 15 May 2025
- Review eligibility and relevant experience guide.
- Research the Peace Center universities.
- Engage with a local Rotary or Rotaract Club (optional but encouraged).
- Gather documents: resume, essays, video statement, recommendation letters, transcripts, English test scores (master’s).
- Submit your application online via Rotary’s application portal.
- Await notification in November 2025.
- Apply separately to the university once placement is confirmed.
Important: All essays, video statements, and documents must be in English. Use of Generative AI content is highly discouraged. Applications must reflect your authentic voice and experience.
9. Selection Process and Criteria for Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026-27
Applications are assessed on:
- Meeting eligibility requirements
- Proven commitment to peace and development
- Leadership potential
- English proficiency
- Academic excellence and compatibility with preferred universities
- Feasibility and potential impact of Social Change Initiatives (for certificate applicants)
Top candidates may be interviewed by the universities before final selection.
10. Life After the Fellowship: Your Impact Network
Rotary Peace Fellows join an elite alumni group working for sustainable peace globally. Alumni go on to:
- Lead United Nations missions
- Head NGOs and think tanks
- Influence government policies
- Research and teach at top universities
- Design groundbreaking development programs
- Advocate for health, climate resilience, and human rights
You won’t just earn a degree — you’ll gain a lifelong community of changemakers.
Applications for Rotary Peace Fellowships 2026-27 are open now for the 2026-27 academic year.
Deadline: 15 May 2025.
Start your journey toward becoming a global leader in peace and development.
Apply now at Rotary Peace Fellowships Portal
This article is based on official Rotary Foundation documents and February 2025 program updates.
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