DEADLINE: 15 MAY 2022
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centres.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centres program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centres have trained more than 1,500 fellows who now work in over 115 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, education and research institutions, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, and international organisations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
1. Master’s degree programs: Accepted candidates study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching and a diverse student body. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a two- to three-month field study, which participants design themselves.
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
Potential for leadership
Have at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
Candidates must have 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.
The eligible masters programs and universities are:
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, Bradford, England: The Division 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 organised violence.
2. Professional development certificate program: During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and across the globe. Fellows complete field studies, and they also design and carry out a social change initiative. This program is intended for working professionals. Fellows earn a post-graduate diploma upon completion of the program.
Certificate candidates must also:
Be proficient in English
Have a bachelor’s degree
Have at least five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
Demonstrate leadership skills
Be able to explain how their plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission
Eligible academic programs and universities are:
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand: The interdisciplinary program, a comparative global and Asia-Pacific regional focus, balances theoretical learning with practical skills building by capitalising on the professional experiences of expert lecturers and global field practitioners.
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda: The program integrates theory, research, and practice for peace and development leaders who are from Africa, have worked in Africa, or work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent. Fellows will learn how to influence policies and initiate action to transform society through positive peace.
ENDORSEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Every Rotary year, district governors appoint a District Rotary Peace Fellowship Subcommittee Chair to oversee the Rotary Peace Fellowship application and endorsement process. The subcommittee chairs, along with additional trained Rotary endorsers, interview candidates and submit endorsement decisions. Rotary endorsement is required before The Rotary Foundation can consider a candidate. Clubs help by recommending and coaching qualified candidates.
More instructions can be found here: https://my.rotary.org/en/take-action/empower-leaders/support-peace-centers