About Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International’s sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary “to do good in the world.” It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$1billion. It has one of the largest and most prestigious international fellowship programs in the world.
The Peace Fellowship
Their Approach
They see peace not as an abstract concept but as a living, dynamic expression of human development. Peacebuilding is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission as a humanitarian service organization, and it is one of their six areas of focus – the channels of activity through which the members make their mark on the world.
The 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.
How Does the Fellowship Work?
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully-funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of their peace centers.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace.
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,400 fellows who now work in more than 115 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, the military, education, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
Who is it for?
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to the 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.
The Programs
- 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. [Click here to know more about this program]
- 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. [Click here to know more about this program]
Eligibility
1. Master’s Degree Programs: Master’s degree candidates must:
- Be proficient in English
- Have a bachelor’s degree
- Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
- Potential for leadership
- Have at least three years of full-time experience in peace or development work
- They encourage people with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodations as needed to people with disabilities.
- You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member, employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.
Note: Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience between the completion of a previous academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship.
2. Professional development certificate program: The ideal candidate is a proven mid-career peace and development leader with at least five years of relevant work experience. The candidate must also:
- Be proficient in English
- Have a bachelor’s degree
- Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Be able to explain how their plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission
- Candidates for Makerere University: Either be from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent.
- They encourage people with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodations as needed for people with disabilities.
- You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member, employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.*
Note: Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience between the completion of a previous academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship.
*See, Eligibility Restrictions.
Eligibility Quiz
If you think you’re fit for either of the programs or if you’re not sure, take the Eligibility Quiz.
Useful Links (PDFs)
Fellowship Support
The fellowships cover the following:
- Tuition and fees,
- Room and board,
- Round-trip transportation, and
- All internship and field-study expenses.
Application Timeline
- The foundation is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 Rotary Peace Fellowship program.
- Candidates have until 15 May to submit online applications to The Rotary Foundation.
- Districts must submit their endorsement decisions to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.
Click here to apply for the Peace Fellowship.
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