In an era marked by complex global challenges, the need for skilled peacebuilders has never been more critical. The Rotary Peace Fellowship Professional Development Certificate Program offers mid-career professionals a unique opportunity to enhance their expertise in peace and development. This prestigious, fully funded program is designed to empower leaders committed to fostering peace within their communities and beyond.
With a curriculum that combines academic learning, practical fieldwork, and a global network of peacebuilders, the program is ideal for professionals seeking to make a tangible impact. Whether you are an early-career researcher, a seasoned professional, or an international applicant looking for funded opportunities in peace and development, this fellowship provides the resources and platform to advance your mission.
About the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
Program Overview
- Program Name: Rotary Peace Fellowship – Professional Development Certificate Program
- Current Status: Active and accepting applications for the 2026–27 cycle
Scope and Objectives
The program aims to strengthen the capacity of peace and development professionals by providing them with advanced knowledge and practical skills. Participants engage in a blended learning experience that includes academic coursework, field studies, and the implementation of a social change initiative. The program fosters cross-cultural understanding and equips fellows to promote peace within their regions effectively.
- Program Duration: 12 months
- Study Mode: Blended (online coursework combined with 11 weeks of on-site participation)
Focus Areas
- Peacebuilding and conflict resolution
- Leadership development
- Cross-cultural communication
- Social change initiatives
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Work Experience
- Minimum of five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
Age Limit
- No specific age limit; however, the program is designed for mid-career professionals
Nationality
- Open to candidates from all countries
Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in English is required
Additional Requirements
- Strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace, demonstrated through professional and academic achievements as well as personal or community service
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Ability to explain how your plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission
- Candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program and their intended start date for the fellowship
- Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year, are not eligible to apply
- Candidates for Makerere University: Must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region
- Candidates for Bahçeşehir University: Must be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region
Application Process
- Review Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including your resume, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
- Develop a Social Change Initiative Plan: Outline a comprehensive plan for a social change initiative that you will implement during the program.
- Submit Online Application: Complete and submit the application through the official Rotary Peace Fellowships website by May 15, 2025.
- Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Required Documents
- Resume/CV: A detailed account of your professional and academic background.
- Statement of Purpose: An essay explaining your motivation for applying, your commitment to peace and development, and how the fellowship aligns with your career goals.
- Recommendation Letters: At least two letters from professional or academic references attesting to your qualifications and suitability for the program.
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Language Test Scores: Proof of English proficiency, if required.
- Passport Copy: A copy of your valid passport.
Focus Areas / Fields of Study
The Rotary Peace Fellowship Certificate Program supports a diverse range of academic and practical disciplines aimed at promoting peace and resolving conflict. Key focus areas include:
- Peace and conflict resolution
- International development and diplomacy
- Education and public policy
- Human rights and social justice
- Public health and mental health in conflict zones
- Environmental sustainability and peace
- Gender equity and women’s empowerment
- Nonviolent communication and mediation
- Post-conflict trauma recovery
Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged—fellows can integrate multiple fields to address complex, real-world peacebuilding challenges effectively.
Financial Benefits
Rotary Peace Fellows receive comprehensive financial support, which includes:
- Tuition and Fees: Full coverage of academic and administrative fees
- Travel Costs: Round-trip transportation between the home country and the university site
- Lodging and Meals: Room and board provided for the entire program duration
- Field-Study Costs: Coverage of all expenses related to the required field immersion
- Capstone Seminar Costs: Fully funded final week of the program
- Medical Insurance: Provided throughout the on-site components
- Technology Support: For online components and the implementation of the Social Change Initiative
- Monthly Stipend: Not provided as a flat monthly stipend; however, all living costs during the in-person segments are covered
- Research Funding: Included through the social change initiative support
- Relocation Allowance: Included within travel and living expenses
- Additional Benefits: Access to global Rotary networks, mentors, and alumni support
Selection Process
Eligibility Screening
Applicants are first screened for basic qualifications, such as academic background, professional experience, and alignment with the program’s regional and thematic goals.
Application Review
A panel evaluates submitted applications based on:
- Academic merit and professional background
- Clarity and feasibility of the social change initiative proposal
- Demonstrated leadership in peace or development
- Community impact potential
Shortlisting and Interviews
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for interviews conducted by representatives from Rotary districts or the host universities.
Final Selection
The final selection is conducted by the Rotary Foundation in collaboration with the host universities, and successful applicants are notified via email.
Key Application Deadlines (For 2026–27 Cycle)
- Application Open Date: February 2025
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Document Submission Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Interview Dates: June–July 2025 (tentative)
- Admission Results Announcement: November 2025
- Program Start Date: Early 2026 (January–February, depending on the host university schedule)
Note: Always check the official website for updated timelines and any country-specific details.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Statement of Purpose
- Clearly outline your motivation, peace-related experience, and long-term goals.
- Demonstrate how your proposed social change initiative aligns with Rotary’s mission of fostering peace.
- Emphasize the regional relevance of your initiative (pertaining to Africa or the Middle East and North Africa, depending on the chosen university).
CV/Resume
- Use a clean and professional format that highlights your experience in peace, development, and leadership.
- Include details of any international exposure and community-based initiatives.
Recommendation Letters
- Select referees who are well-acquainted with your work in peace or development.
- Ensure that the letters provide specific examples of your leadership, commitment, and tangible results.
Contact Information
- Program Contact Portal: Rotary Peace Fellowships Contact Page
- Email (Rotary Foundation): [email protected]
- Phone (Rotary International HQ):
- U.S. & Canada: +1-866-976-8279
- International: +1-847-866-3000
Conclusion
The Rotary Peace Fellowship Certificate Program is a premier opportunity for mid-career professionals seeking to elevate their impact in global peace and development. With full funding, top-tier training, and a powerful global network, the fellowship equips participants to drive meaningful change in conflict-affected and developing regions.
Whether addressing educational disparities, human rights violations, or regional conflicts, this fellowship provides the tools and platform needed to lead transformative initiatives. Start your application today through the official Rotary Peace Fellowship website and take the next step toward becoming a peace leader for tomorrow.
Citation
- Rotary International. Peace Fellowships Professional Development Certificate Program. Available at: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships-certificate-program
- Makerere University Peace Center. Available at: https://rpc.mak.ac.ug
- Bahçeşehir University Peace Center. Available at: https://rpc.bau.edu.tr
Quick Summary Table
Feature | Details |
Program Name | Rotary Peace Fellowship – Professional Development Certificate Program |
Host Countries/Regions | Uganda (Makerere University), Türkiye (Bahçeşehir University) |
Funded By | The Rotary Foundation |
Eligibility | Mid-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in peace or development work |
Financial Support | Full tuition, travel expenses, room and board, field-study expenses |
Fields of Study | Peace and development, conflict resolution, leadership |
Application Deadline | May 15, 2025 |
Official Website | Rotary Peace Fellowships |
FAQs
It’s a fully funded, one-year postgraduate program for mid-career professionals to develop peacebuilding skills through academic learning, fieldwork, and a social change initiative.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least five years of relevant work experience, and proficiency in English. They should also demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to peace.
Submit an online application by May 15, 2025, including your resume, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a social change initiative proposal.
The fellowship covers tuition, travel expenses, room and board, field-study costs, and medical insurance during on-site participation
Yes, applicants can select between Makerere University in Uganda and Bahçeşehir University in Turkey, based on regional focus and personal interest
No specific age limit exists; however, the program targets mid-career professionals with substantial experience in peace and development
The program includes a two-week online course, a ten-week on-site course with field studies, a nine-month social change initiative, and a one-week capstone seminar.
Yes, the program welcomes interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple fields to address complex peace and development challenges.
The program is highly competitive, selecting up to 80 fellows annually worldwide, based on academic merit, leadership, and potential impact in peacebuilding.
