Description

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships to emerging leaders across the globe committed to peace and development. Designed to cultivate the next generation of change-makers, Rotary Peace Fellowship 2025 provide:

• 🎓 Comprehensive Academic Training
• 🏠 Room & Board at world-class universities
• ✈️ Round‑Trip Travel to and from your program site
• 🛠️ Internship & Field‑Study Stipends
• 🤝 Global Networking Opportunities with Rotary members, alumni, and experts

Since its inception in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers program has supported over 1,800 fellows from 140+ countries. Our alumni serve as leaders in government, NGOs, research institutions, peacekeeping bodies, and international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

🎓 Program Tracks & Details

Rotary offers two distinct tracks tailored to professionals at different stages of their careers:

1. Master’s Degree Fellowship (Up to 50 Awards)

Duration: 15–24 months

Program Structure:

• Core Courses: Conflict analysis, mediation techniques, human rights, public policy, sustainable development, gender and peacebuilding, leadership ethics.
• Elective Seminars: Specialized topics such as climate change and conflict, transitional justice, digital peace innovation.
• Field Study Placement: 2–3 months of self-designed hands‑on experience in a host community, NGO, UN agency, government ministry, or research institution.
• Capstone Research Project: An original, publishable thesis addressing a real-world peace and development challenge, culminating in a final seminar presentation.

Sample Coursework:

• Peace Theory & Practice
• International Negotiation Strategies
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction
• Data Analytics for Peacebuilding
• Media, Communication, and Conflict

Learning Outcomes:

1. Mastery of theoretical frameworks and practical tools for conflict resolution.
2. Capacity to design and implement context-specific field projects.
3. Enhanced research and analytical skills for policy influence.
4. Expanded global network of peers and mentors.

2. Professional Development Certificate (Up to 80 Awards)

Duration: 1 year (Blended: Online Modules + 11 Weeks On-Site)

Program Structure:

• Online Learning: Intensive modules covering leadership, project management, and community engagement.
• On-Site Residency (11 weeks): Immersive workshops, case studies, and teamwork exercises.
• Social Change Initiative: Fellows design and implement a real‑world project in collaboration with local stakeholders.
• Peer-to-Peer Exchange: Ongoing collaboration with certificate cohorts across regions.

Core Themes:

• Strategic Peacebuilding
• Collaborative Leadership
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
• Advocacy & Policy Engagement

Learning Outcomes:

1. Practical skills to conceptualize and lead peace projects.
2. Strengthened ability to mobilize communities and resources.
3. Networked support from Rotary and alumni for post-program initiatives.

📍 Host Universities & Eligible Countries

Our Peace Centers are hosted at premier institutions in six countries. Fellows may originate from any of Rotary’s 200+ Member Countries, but Master’s applicants cannot study at a center in their home country.

📍 Host Universities & Eligible Countries

✨ Fellowship Benefits in Depth

1. Global Alumni Network: Connect with 1,800+ Rotary Peace Fellows operating in 140+ countries. Alumni host cross-border collaborations, conferences, and workshops.
2. Mentorship: Each fellow is paired with a Rotary mentor and an alumni coach for personalized guidance throughout the program and beyond.
3. Action Grants: Access to Rotary’s small grants for post-fellowship social impact projects, enabling you to jumpstart your initiative with seed funding.
4. Professional Exposure: Invitations to present at flagship Rotary events, UN forums, and academic conferences to showcase your work and influence policy.
5. Rotary Club Engagement: Membership opportunities with local Rotary or Rotaract clubs to sustain community service and leadership development.
6. Language Support: Optional language courses (subject to availability) in host-country languages to deepen intercultural competence.

✅ Who Should Apply for Rotary Peace Fellowship 2025?

Master’s Degree Fellowship by Peace Fellowship

• Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record.
• Professional Experience: 3–5 years in peace, diplomacy, human rights, development, security, or related sectors.
• Research Interest: Demonstrated capacity for independent research and a clear thesis proposal.
• Location Flexibility: Willingness to study outside your home country.

Professional Development Certificate

• Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 5 years of full‑time work in peacebuilding or development initiatives.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven ability to lead projects or teams, evidenced by achievements and references.
• Social Change Proposal: A concrete initiative aligned with regional priorities (Uganda or Turkey cohorts).
• Language Proficiency: English fluency; TOEFL/IELTS scores required for Master’s applicants.

🚫 Eligibility Restrictions for Rotary Peace Fellowship 2025

To ensure fairness and uphold Rotary’s mission, the following are not eligible:

• Active Rotary Members or employees of any Rotary entity (clubs, districts, RI).
• Current Students or those who completed their most recent degree less than 3 years before the fellowship start date.
• Immediate Family: Spouses, lineal descendants/ancestors, or in‑laws of active Rotary members or employees.
• Recent Rotary Fellows: Candidates who completed a Rotary Peace master’s, certificate, or Global Grant Scholarship within the past 3 years.
• Dependents: Fellowship benefits do not extend to family members or dependents.

Note: Rotaract members (without concurrent Rotary club membership) are eligible.

🗓️ Application Timeline & Process for Rotary Peace Fellowship 2025

Step-by-Step Application Guide for Rotary Peace Fellowship 2025

1. Review Eligibility & Experience Guide: Confirm your qualifications and eligibility.
2. Research Peace Centers: Explore curricula, faculty profiles, and alumni projects at each host institution.
3. Engage Locally: Connect with a local Rotary or Rotaract club to learn about Rotary’s work and gather optional club endorsements.
4. Prepare Materials:
   • CV/résumé detailing education and professional experience.
   • Academic transcripts (and English test scores for Master’s).
   • Two professional and/or academic recommendations.
   • Personal statement video (2–3 minutes) outlining your motivation and goals.
   • Written essays per application prompts.
   • Social impact plan (for certificate track).
5. Submit Application: Complete all fields, upload documents, and finalize by 15 May 2025 (23:59 UTC).
6. Await Notification: Successful candidates will be informed in November 2025.
7. Confirm Fellowship & Apply to University: Masters fellows must secure admission to their host university. Certificate fellows finalize residency travel plans.
8. Begin Your Journey: Join an inspiring cohort of peacebuilders and launch your program.

🏆 Alumni Impact & Testimonials

“Rotary Peace Fellowship transformed my career and worldview. The field study in Colombia sharpened my conflict-resolution skills, and the global network continues to support my work in refugee resettlement.”
— Ana Martínez, 2010 Fellow (Master’s), Colombia 🇨🇴

“Through the certificate program in Kampala, I launched a community dialogue project that bridged tribal divisions in Northern Uganda. The Rotary grant helped scale our model to three districts.”
— David Okello, 2018 Fellow (Certificate), Uganda 🇺🇬

Notable Alumni Roles:

• Senior Policy Advisor, United Nations Department of Political Affairs
• Director of Peace Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross
• Head of Research, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
• Founding Executive Director, Regional NGO for Women’s Rights
• Chief Negotiator, Government Peace Talks

Rotary Peace Fellows are leaders in their fields, driving policy change, advising high‑level negotiations, and spearheading grassroots initiatives.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What language skills do I need?
A: All programs are conducted in English. Certificate fellows should be fluent, and Master’s applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if English is not their first language.

Q: Can I apply for both Master’s and Certificate tracks?
A: Yes, you may apply to both. Ensure your applications clearly reflect the distinct goals and qualifications for each track.

Q: Are family members covered?
A: No. Rotary covers only the fellow’s expenses.

Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: Late applications are not accepted. Plan ahead to gather transcripts and test scores.

Q: How competitive is the selection?
A: Each year, over 1,200 applications are received for 130 fellowships—less than a 12% acceptance rate. Strong essays, recommendations, and clear impact plans are critical.

Q: Can I reapply if not selected?
A: Absolutely. Fellows may reapply after a minimum gap of 3 years since their last degree or fellowship end date.

🔗 Additional Resources & Contacts

• Full Program Details: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
• Online Application: https://rotary.embark.com/login/apply?target=2026
• Contact Support: peace.centers@rotary.org
• Find a Local Club: Use Rotary’s Club Finder tool for networking and guidance.