How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide to the 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowship
Are you passionate about building peace and resolving conflict? The Rotary Peace Fellowship 2026 offers an incredible opportunity to gain advanced education and practical experience in peacebuilding, fully funded. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for this prestigious program.
🔍 Step 1: Understand the Program Options
Rotary offers two fellowship tracks:
1. Master’s Degree Program
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Duration: 15–24 months
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Ideal for: Young professionals (3+ years experience)
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Study fields: Peace, conflict resolution, development, etc.
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Locations: USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden
2. Professional Development Certificate
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Duration: 1 year (online + on-site)
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Ideal for: Mid-career professionals (5+ years experience)
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Focus: Practical training + social change project
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Locations: Uganda and Türkiye
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Priority: Candidates from or working in Africa or the Middle East
👉 Choose the program that best suits your experience and career goals.
📝 Step 2: Review the Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
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Hold a bachelor’s degree
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Be proficient in English
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Show strong leadership and a commitment to peace
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Not be currently enrolled in another degree program
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Have relevant work experience:
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Master’s: Minimum 3 years
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Certificate: Minimum 5 years
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Note: For master’s applicants, at least 3 years must have passed since completing your most recent academic degree.
📁 Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
For All Applicants:
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Resume/CV
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Two recommendations (academic or professional)
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Personal statement video
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Essays about your work, goals, and peace vision
For Master’s Applicants:
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University transcripts
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English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
For Certificate Applicants:
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Social impact project plan
📌 All materials must be submitted in English.
🌐 Step 4: Start Your Online Application
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Visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowships page: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
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Create an account and start your application.
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Upload all documents and complete each section carefully.
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Make sure your essays reflect your passion, experience, and potential for impact.
🤝 Step 5: Engage with Rotary Clubs
You don’t need a club endorsement to apply, but engaging with a local Rotary or Rotaract Club is highly recommended. This helps you:
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Learn more about Rotary’s mission and values
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Build connections with local peacebuilders
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Strengthen your application narrative
🧾 Step 6: Review and Submit
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Double-check that all required materials are uploaded.
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Review your application for errors or incomplete information.
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Submit your application before the deadline.
🗓️ Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted, so don’t wait until the last minute.
✅ Final Tips
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Start early – gathering materials and writing essays takes time.
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Be clear and specific about your peacebuilding experience and goals.
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Align your application with Rotary’s core values: peace, service, integrity, and community.
🌟 Make Your Mark on the World
The Rotary Peace Fellowship isn’t just a scholarship — it’s a launchpad for global impact. Join a network of more than 1,800 fellows working across 140+ countries to foster peace and development.
Ready to apply? Start your journey today!
