Rotary Peace Fellowship 2027-28: Fully Funded Global Leadership Program
Overview
The Rotary Peace Fellowship 2027–28 is a fully-funded international fellowship for aspiring peacebuilders and social leaders. Each year, up to 170 outstanding individuals from around the world are selected based on their leadership potential, dedication to peace, and commitment to creating positive change. The fellowship equips participants with advanced skills, practical experience, and professional guidance to become global leaders in peace, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The program aims to gather future leaders from diverse countries and provide them with unique opportunities for global networking, academic learning, and practical experience. Since 1917, Rotary International has been fostering peace initiatives, and the Rotary Peace Centers have successfully trained over 1,500 fellows worldwide, preparing them to tackle global challenges in communities, organizations, and institutions.
Program Categories
The Rotary Peace Fellowship offers two pathways: a master’s degree program and a professional development certificate program. Both tracks focus on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Participants learn from highly experienced instructors and gain access to field-based learning, workshops, and networking opportunities with other peace leaders.
Host Countries and Institutions
The master’s degree program is offered in Australia, England, Japan, Sweden, and the USA at renowned institutions including the University of Queensland (Australia), University of Bradford (England), International Christian University (Japan), Uppsala University (Sweden), and Duke University & University of North Carolina (USA). The professional certificate program is conducted at Makerere University (Uganda), Bahçeşehir University (Türkiye), and Symbiosis International University (India).
Program Duration and Fellowships
The master’s program runs between 15 to 24 months, while the certificate program lasts one year. Each year, up to 170 fellowships are awarded, including approximately 50 for master’s students and 120 for certificate participants. The program combines academic coursework, applied field experience, workshops, networking events, and a final seminar to provide comprehensive professional training.
Benefits
The fellowship covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, round-trip travel, internship and field-study expenses, and health insurance. Fellows receive full financial support to focus entirely on their academic and professional development while gaining hands-on experience in peace initiatives worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, strong leadership potential, and a history of community service or peace-related projects. Master’s candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Certificate program applicants need five years of experience and a clear action plan. Candidates currently enrolled in degree programs, active Rotary members, or employees of Rotary organizations are not eligible. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Candidates who previously attended a certificate program or global grant fellowship must wait three years before applying for a master’s fellowship.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Rotary Foundation website. Candidates are required to upload all relevant documents and obtain an endorsement from a Rotary fellowship subcommittee. Endorsements must be submitted online by 1 July 2026. Once the application and endorsement are received, candidates will get confirmation from the Rotary Foundation.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications for the Rotary Peace Fellowship 2027–28 is 15 May 2026. For complete details, eligibility requirements, and the online application form, visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowship website.
