Peace Fellowships Master's degree programs

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 that demonstrate a commitment to peace and conflict resolution, are able to undertake extensive reading and research, and are able to participate actively within a diverse cohort of students. Successful candidates have both a record of prior achievements in peacebuilding and 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
Potential for leadership
Have at least three years of full-time experience in peace or development work

We encourage people with disabilities and 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, employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.

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. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience between the completion of a previous academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship.

Learn more about eligibility restrictions.

Fellowship components

Academic training

Learn research-based theories and approaches to peace and development.
Applied field experience

Build practical skills through a self-designed, 2-3 month field experience.
Networking

Expand your global network of academics, peace workers, and Rotary members.
Workshop series

Develop professional skills in peacebuilding and development.
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 Department of Public Policy and Social Research.

University of Bradford, Bradford, England (fact sheet)

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 (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?

Think the master’s degree program is right for you? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify.

Explore

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
Muyatwa Sitali

“The Rotary Peace Fellowship training in peace and conflict studies helped me understand the risks and vulnerabilities in my work in postconflict and fragile states. I also gained negotiation skills that I use almost daily.” — Muyatwa Sitali, Programs and Outreach Officer, Sanitation and Water for All
Marie-Paule Attema

“It’s often individuals who have been impacted by conflict themselves who want to make a change in the world. Being given the opportunity to pursue a master’s in peace and conflict studies opened doors I never thought possible in terms of connections in the field of peace and development.” — Marie-Paule Attema, recent graduate of Rotary Peace Center at the University of Queensland
Noëlle DePape

“The peace fellowship was an incredible opportunity. It was a launching pad I’d say for my career and I was able to meet incredible people from around the world and learn from them. This is an international network of peacebuilders that I continue to connect with today.” — Noëlle DePape, Program manager at MADERA (Mission d'Aide au Développement des Economies Rurales)
Abdikheir Ahmed

“We are a family of peace fellows; we see ourselves as change agents in the community. And to be a change agent, you need to be able to influence society and put yourself in the loop of decision making.” — Abdikheir Ahmed, Director, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg