Are you passionate about peace and development? Do you want to pursue a master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at a prestigious university? Do you have relevant work experience and a strong academic background? If yes, then you may be eligible for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, a fully-funded scholarship program for peacebuilders from around the world.

What is the Rotary Peace Fellowship?

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a program of The Rotary Foundation that supports up to 130 peace and development leaders each year to study at one of the seven Rotary Peace Centers located in Australia, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda, the UK, and the USA. The fellowship covers tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

There are two types of fellowships available:

• Master’s degree program: This is a 15- to 24-month program that combines academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities. Fellows complete a two- to three-month field study, which they design themselves, as part of their curriculum.
• Professional development certificate program: This is a one-year blended learning program that consists of online courses, contact sessions, and a social change initiative. Fellows gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and regions. This program is intended for working professionals.

Who can apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship?

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development who are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• For the master’s degree program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, at least three years of full-time work or volunteer experience in a relevant field, and proficiency in English. Applicants must also be able to attend two or more Rotary Peace Center universities, as placement is based on academic suitability and availability of space.
• For the certificate program, applicants must have a strong academic background, at least five years of full-time work or volunteer experience in a relevant field, and proficiency in English. Applicants must also be able to attend one of the two Rotary Peace Centers offering the certificate program, either in Uganda or Turkey, depending on their regional focus and interest.

How to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship?

The application process for the Rotary Peace Fellowship is as follows:

• Review the eligibility restrictions and the relevant experience guide on the Rotary website.
• Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers and rank your preferences.
• Engage with a local Rotary club or district and request their endorsement for your application. This is optional, but strongly encouraged, as it can enhance your chances of selection.
• Gather the required documents for your application, such as resume, recommendations, essays, transcripts, test scores, and social impact plan.
• Submit your application online through the Rotary website between February and 15 May 2024.
• Await the qualification notification and selection results, which will be announced in November 2024.
• Apply for admission to the university where your Rotary Peace Center is located, if you are selected for the master’s degree program.

FAQs

• Q: What is the difference between the Rotary Peace Fellowship and the Rotary Peace Centers?
• A: The Rotary Peace Fellowship is the scholarship program that funds the fellows to study at one of the Rotary Peace Centers. The Rotary Peace Centers are the academic institutions that partner with Rotary to offer the peace and conflict studies programs for the fellows.
• Q: How competitive is the Rotary Peace Fellowship?
• A: The Rotary Peace Fellowship is highly competitive, as it attracts hundreds of applicants from around the world each year. The selection process is based on the applicant’s academic and professional qualifications, leadership potential, commitment to peace, and fit with the Rotary Peace Centers.
• Q: How much does the Rotary Peace Fellowship cover?
• A: The Rotary Peace Fellowship covers the full cost of tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses for the duration of the program. The fellowship does not cover personal expenses, such as visa fees, travel insurance, books, and supplies.
• Q: Can I choose which Rotary Peace Center I want to attend?
• A: You can indicate your preferences for the Rotary Peace Centers in your application, but the final placement decision is made by The Rotary Foundation based on academic suitability and availability of space. You must be able to attend two or more Rotary Peace Center universities for the master’s degree program, and one of the two Rotary Peace Centers for the certificate program.
• Q: Can I apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship more than once?
• A: Yes, you can reapply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship if you are not selected in a previous year. However, you must submit a new application with updated documents and information.

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