Fellowship in the Field of Peace and Development Fully Funded by Rotary Foundation 2024

Promoting peace is one of Rotary’s main causes. The fully funded Rotary Peace Fellowship, which covers tuition and living expenses, increases the capacity of existing leaders to prevent and resolve conflict by offering academic training, field experience, and professional networking. Fellows earn either a master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers, located within seven leading universities around the world. Through training, study, and practice, Rotary Peace Fellows become catalysts for peace and development. More than 1600 program alumni are working in over 140 countries as leaders in national governments, NGOs, social enterprises, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations such as the United Nations.

Available Programs:

Master’s Degree

1. 15-24 month program, small-group classroom learning, in fields related to peace and development 
2. 50 fellows selected annually to earn a master’s degree in fields related to peace and development. Each university offers interdisciplinary curricula with research-informed teaching 
3. 2-3 month self-designed applied field experience to develop practical skills 
4. Fellows connect with an international cohort of peace fellows, thought leaders, and a global network of Rotarians

Professional Development Certificate

1. Yearlong program for working professionals that blends online learning, in-person classes, and an independent project. Candidates who are from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent can apply for the certificate program at Makerere University in Uganda. (The certificate fellowship program at Chulalongkorn in Thailand is not accepting applications in 2023).
2. Intended for social change leaders with extensive experience working in peace-related fields 
3. 40 fellows will be selected to earn a post-graduate diploma in peace and development studies at Makerere University
4. Interdisciplinary program includes a two-week online preliminary course, 10 weeks of on-site courses with field studies, a nine-month period during which fellows implement a social change initiative (with interactive online sessions), and an on-site capstone seminar.

Rotary Peace Centers:

Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill USA: Fellows can earn a master's degree in international development policy from Duke or a master’s from various departments at the University of North Carolina. In addition, Fellows at both universities can earn a graduate certificate in international peace and conflict resolution from UNC.

International Christian University, Tokyo Japan: The ICU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is known for its interdisciplinary program and liberal arts approach. Fellows pursue a master’s degree in Peace Studies within the Department of Public Policy and Social Research.

University of Bradford, West Yorkshire England: The Department of Peace Studies at Bradford is the largest in the world and offers several master’s degrees related to peace, conflict, security, and development.

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia: Fellows earn a master’s degree in international studies and peace and conflict studies at the Graduate Centre of Governance and International Affairs.

Uppsala University, Uppsala Sweden: The Department of Peace and Conflict Research offers a master’s degree in social science. It is internationally renowned for its free and globally accessible collection of data related to armed conflict and organized violence.

Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand (Professional Development Centre): The professional development certificate is awarded to experienced leaders who complete the university’s intensive three-month program in peace and conflict prevention and resolution.

See also the PhD scholarships available on For9a.

The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, and all internship and field-study expenses.

Qualified candidates have: 

1. Have three years of related work experience for the master’s program
2. Have five years of related work experience for the certificate program at Makerere University and be able to explain how their plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission (Candidates for Makerere University must either be from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent.)
3. Be proficient in English (Master’s candidates whose first language is not English must provide English language standardized test scores).
4. Have a bachelor’s degree (Master’s candidates must provide a copy of their transcripts).
5. Demonstrate leadership skills.
6. Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace.

About Rotary:

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, it is always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

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