Rotary Peace Fellowships 2023-24, Master level / Professional development
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 1,500 fellows who now work in over 115 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.
Our fellowships
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. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.
Choose the program that’s right for you
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 across the globe. Fellows complete field studies, and they also 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.
Application timeline
We are now accepting Rotary Peace Fellowship applications for the 2023-24 academic year. Candidates have until 15 May to submit applications to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary endorsers must submit endorsements to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July. Find endorsement instructions.
Our approach
We see peace not as an abstract concept but as a living, dynamic expression of human development. Peacebuilding is a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization, and it is one of Rotary’s areas of focus — the channels of activity through which our members make their mark on the world. Our programs, grants and fellowships focus on creating environments where peace can be built and maintained. Rotary believes that if concerned citizens work together to create peace locally, lasting change can happen globally.
Master’s program university partners
Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (fact sheet)
Fellows can earn a master’s degree in international development policy from Duke or a master’s from various departments at the University of North Carolina. In addition, Fellows at both universities can earn a graduate certificate in international peace and conflict resolution from UNC.
International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan (fact sheet)
The ICU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is known for its interdisciplinary program and liberal arts approach. Fellows pursue a master’s degree in Peace Studies within the Department of Public Policy and Social Research.
University of Bradford, Bradford, England (fact sheet)
The Division of Peace Studies at Bradford is the largest in the world and offers several master’s degrees related to peace, conflict, security, and development.
University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (fact sheet)
Fellows earn a master’s degree in international studies and peace and conflict studies at the Graduate Centre of Governance and International Affairs.
Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (fact sheet)
The Department of Peace and Conflict Research offers a master’s degree in social science. It is internationally renowned for its free and globally accessible collection of data related to armed conflict and organized violence.
Professional development certificate program – University Partners
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (fact sheet)
The interdisciplinary program, a comparative global and Asia-Pacific regional focus, balances theoretical learning with practical skills building by capitalizing on the professional experiences of expert lecturers and global field practitioners.
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda (fact sheet, video)
The program integrates theory, research, and practice for peace and development leaders who are from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent. Fellows will learn how to influence policies and initiate action to transform society through positive peace.
Source: Official website.