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

Duration: 15–24 months
Ideal for: Young professionals (3+ years experience)
Study fields: Peace, conflict resolution, development, etc.
Locations: USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Sweden

2. Professional Development Certificate

Duration: 1 year (online + on-site)
Ideal for: Mid-career professionals (5+ years experience)
Focus: Practical training + social change project
Locations: Uganda and Türkiye
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:

Hold a bachelor’s degree
Be proficient in English
Show strong leadership and a commitment to peace
Not be currently enrolled in another degree program
Have relevant work experience:
- Master’s: Minimum 3 years
- Certificate: Minimum 5 years

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:

Resume/CV
Two recommendations (academic or professional)
Personal statement video
Essays about your work, goals, and peace vision

For Master’s Applicants:

University transcripts
English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)

For Certificate Applicants:

Social impact project plan

📌 All materials must be submitted in English.

🌐 Step 4: Start Your Online Application

Visit the official Rotary Peace Fellowships page: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
Create an account and start your application.
Upload all documents and complete each section carefully.
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:

Learn more about Rotary’s mission and values
Build connections with local peacebuilders
Strengthen your application narrative

🧾 Step 6: Review and Submit

Double-check that all required materials are uploaded.
Review your application for errors or incomplete information.
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

Start early – gathering materials and writing essays takes time.
Be clear and specific about your peacebuilding experience and goals.
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!