Rotary Peace Fellowship: 2026 - 2027 Application Process

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a fully funded, world-class opportunity for emerging leaders who are committed to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fellowships for master’s degrees and professional development certificates at Rotary Peace Centers located around the world.

Applications for the 2026 - 2027 academic year will open in February 2026. All materials must be submitted by 31 May 2026. District endorsements must be submitted to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July 2026. Review district endorsement instructions.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To ensure your application is complete and competitive, follow the steps below:

1. Review Eligibility Criteria

Confirm your eligibility before applying. Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. For additional information, see the Rotary Peace Fellowship application restrictions.

2. Research Rotary Peace Centers

Explore the curriculum and programs at each Rotary Peace Center.

https://my.rotary.org/en/get-involved/exchange-ideas/peace-fellowships

• Master’s applicants must rank two preferred centers.

• Certificate applicants will rank one preferred center.

3. Submit Your Application by 31 May 2026

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

• Academic and/or professional recommendations

• Personal statement and essays

• Academic transcripts

• Test scores (Master’s only)

• Social impact plan (Certificate only)

4. Obtain a Rotary District Endorsement by 1 July 2026

As part of the application process, you must connect with a Rotary district. Rotary districts are regionally based and can be located through the online application system. You will be interviewed, and your application must be endorsed by the district.

5. Engage with a Local Rotary Club

Use the Rotary Club Finder to connect with a nearby club. While a club recommendation is optional, it is strongly encouraged to demonstrate your interest and alignment with Rotary’s mission.

6. Await Selection Results

Applicants will be notified by email in November 2026. If selected, you will be informed of the Peace Center to which you have been assigned.

7. Apply to the Host University

Selection for a Rotary Peace Fellowship does not guarantee university admission. All selected fellows must complete a separate admission process with the affiliated university.

ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS

You are not eligible for the master’s program if you are:

• An active member of a Rotary club

• An employee of Rotary International, The Rotary Foundation, or any Rotary entity

• A spouse, lineal descendant (child or grandchild), spouse of a lineal descendant, or ancestor (parent or grandparent) of any living person in the above categories

• A former Rotarian or a relative as described above (within 36 months of resignation)

• A recipient of a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship (within the past three years)

DISTRICT 5300 CONTACTS FOR SUPPORT

Betty Bui

District Peace Fellowship Co-Chair (California) - Rotary Club of South Pasadena

📧 bettyrotary5300@gmail.com | 📞 424.581.8696

Gino Reyes

District Peace Fellowship Co-Chair (Nevada) - Rotary Club of Las Vegas Verde

📧 gino@ginosellsvegas.com | 📞 206.280.6907

ROTARY PEACE FELLOW ALUMNI – DISTRICT 5300

Florence Maher

Peace Fellow, 2017–2018

🎓 International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan