Rotary Peace Fellowships
Rotary Peace Fellowships prepare leaders to address the root causes of conflict and build sustainable peace in communities around the world. Through study, field experience, and a global network of peacebuilders, fellows gain the tools to lead meaningful change — and District 5330 clubs help find the next generation of them.
What are Rotary Peace Fellowships?
Rotary Peace Fellowships are fully funded opportunities for qualified leaders to study peace and development at Rotary Peace Centers around the world. The program is a major endeavor of The Rotary Foundation, with the goal of training leaders who promote national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict throughout their lives, in their careers, and through service.
Fellows are selected for their commitment to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, leadership, and service. They can earn either a master’s degree in international relations, peace studies, conflict resolution, and related areas, or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict resolution.
Since the program began in 1999, more than 1,800 peace fellows from over 115 countries have graduated from a Rotary Peace Center and now work in government, NGOs, education, law, and the military around the world.
In plain language: Rotary Peace Fellowships help prepare experienced and emerging leaders to prevent conflict, support communities, and build peace — with the cost fully covered by The Rotary Foundation.
Choose the program that fits
Rotary offers two ways to become a Peace Fellow, depending on where a candidate is in their career.
For early-career leaders
Designed for early-career candidates who are academically strong, hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and have at least three years of work experience in peace and development. Master’s programs run 15–24 months at premier universities and include a 2–3 month practical internship during the academic break.
Good candidates work in: international development, education, human rights, public policy, social services, refugee or immigrant support, community organizing, conflict resolution, and nonprofit leadership.
Master’s program details →For experienced professionals
Intended for working professionals who already have significant experience in peace or development work. The postgraduate certificate program includes on-site participation, and fellows are expected to share their experience and stay connected with the global peace fellow network after the program.
Good candidates are: nonprofit leaders, government or civic leaders, educators, mediators, humanitarian workers, social-impact professionals, community violence-prevention leaders, and public health or development professionals.
Certificate program details →Who makes a strong candidate?
Strong Peace Fellowship candidates are people who have already shown a commitment to peace, service, leadership, and community change. They do not need to be Rotarians — but they should have a clear record of service and a strong plan for how they will use the fellowship.
- Professional or volunteer experience connected to peace, conflict resolution, development, education, equity, human rights, public health, or community leadership
- Able to explain how their work contributes to peace
- Strong leadership potential and comfortable working across cultures
- A demonstrated commitment to service
- Meet Rotary’s education, language, and experience requirements (coursework is conducted in English)
District 5330 eligibility
Candidates must either be a permanent resident of District 5330, or a temporary resident attending a college within the District. Each interested candidate must be endorsed by a District 5330 Rotary club and is encouraged to connect with a local club as early as possible. As an international district, District 5330 may submit as many qualified applicants as it chooses.
How District 5330 clubs support Peace Fellowships
The most important thing a club can do is help us find and endorse strong candidates. Here’s where to start.
Identify candidates
Look for educators, nonprofit and public-health leaders, social workers, veterans’ advocates, refugee-support and youth violence-prevention leaders — anyone whose work builds peace.
Refer & endorse
Encourage strong candidates to learn more and apply, and endorse them through your club so their application can be forwarded to the District for review.
Invite speakers
Invite past Peace Fellows, peacebuilding professionals, or district leaders to speak at a club meeting and raise awareness of the program.
Promote & support
Share the opportunity through newsletters, social media, universities, school districts, and community partners — and offer applicants mentorship and interview practice.
The application process & timeline
Applications are submitted electronically to Rotary International, then forwarded to District 5330 for processing and interviews. Dates and Peace Centers can change each year, so always confirm current details on Rotary’s official page.
Two things to know: The Peace Fellowship is fully sponsored and funded by The Rotary Foundation — the sponsoring club and District have no financial obligation. And selection as a Peace Fellow does not guarantee university admission; that is a separate process and the candidate’s responsibility.
Know a peacebuilder?
District 5330 clubs can play a vital role in finding the next Rotary Peace Fellow. Our communities across Riverside and San Bernardino counties include educators, veterans’ advocates, nonprofit leaders, counselors, social workers, public-health professionals, civic leaders, and young professionals who are already working to build safer, healthier, more peaceful communities.
A strong candidate may already be serving in your school district, city government, nonprofit, faith community, youth program, public-health agency, or community coalition. A Rotary Peace Fellowship can expand their impact — and it starts with a club that notices.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Rotary Peace Fellowship?
A fully funded fellowship for leaders committed to peace and development. Fellows study at a Rotary Peace Center and join a global network of peacebuilders.
Do applicants have to be Rotarians?
No. Peace Fellowships are for qualified candidates committed to peace and development. Clubs help identify and endorse candidates — the fellows themselves don’t need to be Rotary members.
What’s the difference between the master’s and certificate programs?
The master’s program is generally for early-career professionals pursuing graduate study. The certificate program is for experienced working professionals who want focused, on-site professional development.
When does the application open?
Applications are accepted online each year, roughly 1 February through 15 May. The 2028–29 application is expected to be available online in February 2027. Always confirm current dates on Rotary International’s Peace Fellowships page.
Does the club or District pay for the fellowship?
No. The program is sponsored and funded by The Rotary Foundation. The sponsoring club and District have no financial obligation, though clubs may choose to help a candidate take part in District interviews.
How can my club help?
Identify potential candidates, endorse and refer them, promote the opportunity, invite speakers, and connect candidates with District support. Reach out to the District Peace Fellowship Chair to get started.
Help District 5330 find the next Rotary Peace Fellow
If you know someone already working to prevent conflict, support vulnerable communities, or build understanding across differences, encourage them to explore the Rotary Peace Fellowship.