Rotary Peace Fellowship
Vicki Dilley
Rotary Peace Fellowship Team Lead
Northfield
Each year, Rotary awards 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 1,600 fellows who now work in over 140 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 up to 40 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 regions. Fellows complete field studies and 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
The 2024-25 Rotary Peace Fellowship application is now closed. The 2025-26 Rotary Peace Fellowship application will be available online in February 2024. Contact Vicki Dilley vickiannedilley@gmail.com for more information.
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 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.
What’s expected of World Peace Fellows?
- impact world peace and conflict resolution in a significant, positive fashion during their future careers
- demonstrate a commitment to a career in peace and conflict resolution
- excel academically in their selected programs, accept the academic counsel and advice of the Rotary Center director, and obtain a master’s degree or certificate at the conclusion of their scholarship period
- participate in an annual Rotary Center seminar
- serve as ambassadors of goodwill wherever they go
- make formal and informal appearances before Rotary clubs and districts, school and civic orgs, etc.
- participate in district, regional, and international Rotary events
- maintain contact with The Rotary Foundation throughout their professional careers in order to advise and assist Rotary International and its member clubs in their efforts to contribute to world peace and understanding
- help evaluate and promote the Rotary World Peace Fellowship program
- accept assignments to a Rotary Center outside of their home countries
Who can apply? Who cannot?
Eligibility: Take the eligibility quiz
Eligibility Criteria:
- A strong commitment to international understanding and peace demonstrated through professional and academic achievements and personal and community service activities
- A bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience as a minimum, with strong academic achievement
- A minimum of five years’ combined paid or unpaid full-time relevant work experience (master’s degree) or five years’ relevant work experience with current full-time employment in a mid- to upper-level position (professional development certificate)
- Proficiency in a second language (master’s degree) or in English (professional development certificate)
- Strong leadership skills
The following are ineligible to apply:
- Rotarians and honorary Rotarians
- employees of a club, district, or other Rotary entity or of Rotary International
- spouses, lineal descendants (child or grandchild by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parent or grandparent by blood) of any living Rotarian and former Rotarians and their relatives as described above within 36 months of resignation.
How does one apply? Applications are closed for the 2024 – 2025 Fellowship year. They will reopen for the 2025-2026 Fellowship year in February 2024
Application must be made through a local Rotary club in the applicant s legal or permanent residence or place of full-time study or employment. People with disabilities and members of Rotaract clubs are eligible and encouraged to apply. The scholarship selection process consists of three levels: club, district, and world. After receiving applications, Rotary clubs forward their candidates to the Rotary district level for competition.
What are the deadlines?
- May 15 DEADLINE for ONLINE APPLICATION.
- July 1 Committee recommendation(s) forwarded to The Rotary Foundation in Evanston for consideration.
- Fall Successful applicants(s) will be notified by The Rotary Foundation of results of their study institution assignments.
How you can help find qualified candidates?
- Departments of International Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Peace Studies, and Conflict Resolution at local colleges and universities.
- Former international volunteers.
- Mediation, arbitration and dispute resolution groups.
- Governmental agencies, international organizations and corporations.
If you need more information, please call Kathy Hughitt, (651) 636-9054 or email Kathy or Vicki Dilley, email or 507-271-3200 for process questions.