The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program for International Students: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program for International Students

The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program accepts applicants who are focused on peace and want to stop community conflicts. This fellowship accepts participants from every region of the world where Nigeria and every African country is included in the applicant pool. You don’t need to be rich because the program is fully funded.

There is no age limit and most applicants hold adult positions and have work experience. A minimum educational requirement for the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program is that you must have completed your undergraduate studies at university or college. For the program admission you must have three years of experience through work or volunteer roles in peacebuilding alongside development and human rights or community support functions.

During selection the program looks for individuals who demonstrate leadership abilities with strong compassion and devotion to global change. Your good command of English is required since all classes are in English. Different schools require English proficiency results by TOEFL or IELTS for admission.

The scholarship offers great opportunities to youth leaders across Africa who want to transform their countries with peaceful solutions.

This guide has all the information you need to know. A step by step guide by us will help you go through the process easily.

What Is the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program?

The Rotary Peace Fellowship Program is a full scholarship package. This program is to train people to become leaders in peace and conflict resolution fields. The program pays for everything. All expenses including school fees, transportation and food and accommodation are fully paid by the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program.

One hundred thirty individuals are selected each year by Rotary. Students attend one of multiple international peace centers which serve as their destinations during the program. The schools chosen are advanced educational settings for learning from experts and co-operating with other peacebuilding professionals.

The program teaches students how to prevent conflict and problem resolution techniques to lead others to better life.

Who Can Apply?

Before you apply, you must check if you meet the rules. Here are the main requirements:

• You must have a bachelor’s degree (that’s a university degree).
• You must have at least three years of work experience in peace or development.
• You must speak English very well. Some schools may ask for test scores like IELTS or TOEFL.
• You should be a good leader and care about people.
• You must not be a Rotarian or related to one closely (like a spouse or child of a Rotary employee).You don’t need to be rich.

What Will You Study?

There are two types of Rotary Peace Fellowships:

1. Master’s Degree Programs

These programs are 15-24 months long and for students who will be 15-24 months in academic study.  These institutions are located in the USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Sweden and Uganda. The programs at these institutions offer top peace and development courses.

2. Professional Development Certificate Program

The program is 3 months long for employees currently working in peace and development. The training is in two locations which are Thailand and Uganda. If you want to acquire new skills fast this program is for you.

Why Should You Apply?

Here are some good reasons:

• You will study for free.
• You will meet people from around the world.
• You will become a better leader.
• You will learn how to help your community and bring peace.
• You will get to work with international teams.

When to Apply?

The Rotary Peace Fellowship is open every year in February as its only application period. Application submission must be done by May. Early application increases your chances of getting in this process.

The application process will lead to an interview phase which ends with result release in November. Selected candidates must join their program the following year in August or September.

Rotary Peace Fellowship for International Students: Step by Step Guide to Apply

Let’s go through it together. This will help you apply stress free.

Step 1: Research the Program

Visit the Rotary Peace Fellowship website. Read whole website information about its two program types including Master’s degree and Certificate program. Choose the program that suits you.

Review both universities and countries. Consider options that align with your experience and goals.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will need:

• Your transcripts (from college/university)
• A resume or CV (with your work history)
• Letters of recommendation (usually two)
• A personal statement or essay (why you want the fellowship)
• Proof of English skills (if required by the school)
• Your passport or other ID

Start early to collect these papers. Give enough time to your referees (people writing your recommendation letters).

Step 3: Create a My Rotary Account

Visit the Rotary website and create a free account. You need this account to fill out and submit your application.

Go to the Rotary Peace Fellowship application page and click “Apply Now.”

Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application

Log in to your account and fill out the form. Be honest and clear. Use simple English and tell your story in your own words.

Important parts of the form are:

• Your background and work experience
• Why you care about peace
• What you hope to do in the future
• Your program choice (Master’s or Certificate)
• Your preferred school(s)

Save your work often.

Step 5: Get Endorsed by a Rotary District

This is a big part. Applicants Need To Get Support From Their Local Rotary District Through Endorsement.

The Rotary Club Finder will help you find nearby clubs. Contact them politely. Describe your application to them before asking for their endorsement.

They will usually schedule a brief interview with you. The Rotary club will submit an online form after agreeing to support your application.

Note: A successful application requires endorsement which cannot be done without this approval.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once you get Rotary District endorsement go back to your application form and finish submitting everything before the deadline.### Step 7: Submit and Wait

Make sure you have filled out every part of your application. Once you submit you cannot make any changes.

Step 7: Wait for Results

Rotary will then review all applications. After shortlisting Rotary might request a closing interview or additional questions from you.

Results will be given to applicants in November. The selection process will provide you with information on visa, travel and other guidance.

Tips

Here:

• Start now. Don’t wait till the end.
• Be yourself. Use your real story. Show how much you care about peace.
• Keep it simple. Don’t use big words.
• Talk to Rotarians. They can help you understand the process.
• Read the guide. The Rotary website has an official applicant guide.

Conclusion

For International students, the Rotary Peace Fellowship is life changing. Through this program you will learn to lead others to peace and create big impact globally.

If developing skills to help others solve problems and create peace is one of your dreams then this program is for you.

There is no cost to apply. If you get selected you will have your studies and travel expenses covered.

So start now. Begin preparing your application