Peace Fellowships
Master's degree programs
Is the master’s degree fellowship right for me?
The ideal candidate is academically strong, has a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and has work experience in peace and development. We are looking for early-career candidates who demonstrate a commitment to peace and conflict resolution, can undertake extensive reading and research, and can participate actively within a diverse cohort of students. Successful candidates have a record of prior achievements in peacebuilding as well as the potential for future growth and impact as leaders in the field resulting from their participation in the fellowship. After the program, candidates should be willing to share their own work and experience, staying in touch with peace fellows in their region and maintaining strong connections with Rotary members.
Eligibility
Master’s degree candidates must also:
- Be proficient in English
- Have a bachelor's degree
- Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
- Have the potential for leadership
- Have at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
Candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.
Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.
We encourage people with disabilities and people from other diverse backgrounds to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodations as needed to people with disabilities.
You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member or an employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.
* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.
Learn more about eligibility restrictions.
Fellowship components
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Academic training
Learn research-based theories and approaches to peace and development.
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Applied field experience
Build practical skills through a self-designed, two- to three-month field experience.
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Networking
Expand your global network of academics, peace workers, and Rotary members.
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Workshop series
Develop professional skills in peacebuilding and development.
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Final seminar
Present your master’s research.
Master’s fellowship recipients may not study at a Rotary Peace Center in their home countries.
Master’s program university partners
Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (fact sheet)
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 (fact sheet)
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 program of Public Policy and Social Research.
University of Bradford, Bradford, England (fact sheet)
The Division of Peace Studies and International Development 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 (fact sheet)
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 (fact sheet)
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.
Ready to apply?
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Hilary Caldis
“The fellowship creates this hotbed of growth and evolution for peace and development leaders — for people advocating for social change.” — Hilary Caldis, CEO, The Female Voice; Consular Professional, U.S. Department of State
A Peace Fellow's Journey: Lauren Coffaro
Part 1: What it took to win a Rotary Peace Fellowship for graduate study at the University of Bradford, England.
Part 2: A Rotary peace fellow talks about living in England and studying at the University of Bradford.
Part 3: For her Applied Field Experience, a Rotary peace fellow travels to Guatemala and works with a Nobel laureate.