Fellowship Lifecycle
Rotary Peace Fellows at UQ study the 24-unit Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program, which is an 18-month academic program commencing in February annually. Fellows must commence in Semester 1 (February), and the Fellowship involves an intensive period of both formal study, service activities, and the Applied Fieldwork Experience. Fellows should plan their fellowship around these compulsory activities, as per Fellowship conditions and guidelines.
Fellows will participate in their Applied Fieldwork. Fellows gain experience during the summer break between Semester 2 and Semester 1 of the following year. In their final semester, they will have the opportunity to present their learning in our Annual Seminar. The Annual Seminar is designed to enable Fellows to present the findings and research from their academic program, together with their Applied Fieldwork experiences, in a conference-like format to representatives from Rotary, sector professionals, academics, and peers.
More detailed information on the Fellowship lifecycle, activities, and expectations will be provided at the induction for Rotary Peace Fellows.
Fellowship Benefits
Rotary Peace Fellows are fully supported for the duration of the program. The fellowship covers, but is not limited to, full tuition and other university fees, provides a monthly stipend for living expenses (including accommodation), and funds the Applied Field Experience (AFE).
Applied Field Experience (AFE)
All Rotary Peace Fellows are required to complete an Applied Field Experience (AFE) as part of the Rotary Peace Fellowship, with funding provided in full or in part by the fellowship.
The AFE takes place at the end of the first year of study, during the summer break. Typically lasting between 8 and 12 weeks, it provides Fellows with practical, hands-on experience that complements their academic learning.
Fellows are responsible for securing and organising their own AFE, with guidance and support from the Director and Deputy Director of the UQ Rotary Peace Centre.
Past Fellows from the UQ Rotary Peace Centre have undertaken placements with a range of organisations worldwide, including ICRC, Care, various UN bodies, indigenous organisations inside Australia, and organisations focussing on mediation, conflict resolution, displaced peoples, and gender/youth-inclusive peace.
Professional Development
Each year, Rotary Peace Fellows have the opportunity to participate in a three-day visit to Canberra at the end of June. Hosted by local Rotarians, the program features a dynamic mix of professional, academic, and cultural activities, connecting Fellows with leaders and organisations working in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Timeline:
February – May (Year 0)
- Applications for the Rotary Peace Fellowship are completed.
- Required materials include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores (if applicable)
July – October (Year 0)
- The Rotary Foundation and partner universities at the Rotary Peace Centres review all applications.
- Fellowship recipients are selected.
Late October – Early November (Year 0)
- Applicants are notified of the outcome of their Rotary Peace Fellowship application.
November – April/May (Year +1)
- Successful candidates prepare and submit their application to UQ for the 24-unit Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPaCS).
April/May – October (Year +1)
- Successful applicants apply for and secure a student visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
January (Year +2)
- New Rotary Peace Fellows arrive in Brisbane.
February (Year +2)
- Fellows commence their studies at UQ.