Rotary Peace Fellowship: 2027 - 2028 Application Process

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is one of Rotary International’s premier educational programs, providing fully funded fellowships for emerging leaders dedicated to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fellowships for master’s degree programs and professional development certificates at Rotary Peace Centers located around the world.

Applications for the 2027- 2028 academic year will open in February 2027.

Application Deadline: 15 May 2027
District Endorsement Deadline: 1 July 2027

How to Apply

A successful application takes time and preparation. We encourage applicants to begin several months before the deadline: Peace Fellowship Application

Applications for the 2028–2029 Rotary Peace Fellowship will open in February 2027. In the meantime, if you know a potential candidate: Peace Fellowship Candidate Referral

Step 1 - Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, carefully review all eligibility requirements and restrictions. Applicants should also review the Relevant Experience Guide to determine whether their academic background and professional experience meet the fellowship expectations.

Please note:

• Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral studies.
• Both the Master’s and Professional Development Certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree and English proficiency.
• Candidates must have completed their most recent academic degree at least three years before the fellowship begins.
• Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program are not eligible to apply.

Step 2 - Explore the Rotary Peace Centers

Research each Rotary Peace Center to determine which program best aligns with your career goals and peacebuilding interests.

• Master’s applicants must rank two preferred Peace Centers.
• Professional Development Certificate applicants select one preferred Peace Center.

Take time to compare each center’s curriculum, faculty, regional focus, and university partner.

Step 3 - Connect with Rotary

Applicants are strongly encouraged to connect with their local Rotary community early in the application process.

Use the Rotary Club Finder to locate the Rotary or Rotaract club nearest you.

Connecting with Rotary allows you to:

• Learn more about Rotary’s work locally and internationally
• Meet current Rotarians and Peace Fellows
• Receive mentorship throughout the application process
• Obtain an optional Rotary club or district recommendation

Although a Rotary club or district recommendation is optional, it is highly encouraged and can strengthen your application. District 5300’s Peace Fellowship Committee is also available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the application process.

Step 4 - Review the Application Instructions

Before beginning your application, carefully read the Application Overview provided in Rotary’s online application portal. Applicants are expected to submit original, authentic work based on their own experiences, leadership, and commitment to peace.

Important: The use of Generative AI to create application content is strongly discouraged. Applications containing plagiarized or non-original material may be disqualified.

Step 5 - Prepare Your Application Materials

Applications must be submitted in English.

Required for All Applicants:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic and/or professional recommendations
• Personal statement video
• Personal essays

Master’s Program Applicants:

• Postsecondary transcripts
• English language proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL if required by the university)

Professional Development Certificate Applicants:

• Social Impact Plan

Applicants should request transcripts and schedule any required English proficiency exams well in advance of the application deadline.

Step 6 - Submit Your Application

Applications must be submitted between February 2027 and 15 May 2027. Before submitting, ensure that:

• All required documents have been uploaded.
• Recommendations have been received.
• Any optional Rotary club or district recommendation has been completed.

Once submitted, applications are considered final.

Step 7 - District Review and Endorsement

Applicants are assigned to the appropriate Rotary district through the online application system.

The district may conduct an interview before determining whether to endorse the application. District endorsements must be submitted to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July 2027.

Step 8 - Await Selection Results

Applications first undergo an eligibility review.

Qualified applications are then evaluated by the Rotary Peace Centers Committee and representatives from the participating universities.

Top candidates may also be invited to interview with their prospective university.

Successful applicants will be notified in November 2027 and informed of the Rotary Peace Center where they will study.

Step 9 - Apply to the Host University

Being selected as a Rotary Peace Fellow does not automatically guarantee admission to the affiliated university.

All selected fellows must successfully complete the university’s admissions process before enrollment.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are reviewed using several criteria, including:

• Eligibility requirements
• English proficiency
• Demonstrated commitment to peace and development
• Leadership potential
• Alignment with Rotary’s mission and fellowship objectives
• Academic achievement and compatibility with the selected university
• Feasibility and potential impact of the Social Impact Plan (Certificate applicants)

Eligibility Restrictions

Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study.

You are not eligible for the master’s program if you are:

• Active Rotary members (or Rotaractors who are also Rotary members)
• Employees of Rotary clubs, Rotary districts, Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, or other Rotary entities
• Spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, or spouses of children or grandchildren of anyone in the above categories
• Former Rotary members and qualifying family members within 36 months of resignation

Rotaract members who are not also Rotary members are eligible to apply.

In addition:

• Applicants must have at least three years between completing their most recent academic degree and beginning the fellowship.
• Current undergraduate or graduate students are not eligible.
• Previous Rotary Peace Fellows and Rotary Global Grant Scholars must wait three years after completing their program before applying again.

Professional Development Certificate Regional Eligibility

Applicants for the Professional Development Certificate must also meet regional eligibility requirements.

Makerere University - Uganda: Applicants should be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities outside the continent, or demonstrate a compelling interest in African peacebuilding.

Bahçeşehir University - Türkiye: Applicants should be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work internationally with communities connected to the region, or demonstrate a compelling interest in peacebuilding in the Middle East and North Africa.

Symbiosis International University - India: Applicants should be from Asia, have worked in Asia, work internationally with Asian communities, or demonstrate a compelling interest in peacebuilding throughout the region.