(Global) – The Rotary Foundation is offering generous funding opportunities for graduate students through its Global Scholarship Grants for Development. With scholarships of at least $30,000, the program supports academic and research pursuits that address critical global challenges across 226 countries.
Summary
The Rotary Foundation provides scholarships of at least $30,000 to support graduate-level coursework or research in areas vital to global development, focusing on key societal issues like peace, health, and education.
Rotary Foundation Global Grants aim to empower scholars to contribute to solving global problems while fostering international collaboration. These grants fund graduate studies or research for one to four years, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses.
The scholarships align with Rotary’s six areas of focus:
| Rotary’s Focus Areas |
|---|
| Peace and conflict prevention/resolution |
| Disease prevention and treatment |
| Water and sanitation |
| Maternal and child health |
| Basic education and literacy |
| Economic and community development |
The program welcomes applicants worldwide, with no restrictions on nationality. Candidates must be sponsored by Rotary clubs or districts in their home or host country and fulfill all eligibility criteria.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Grant Amount | Minimum $30,000 |
| Eligibility | Applicants from 226 countries; must secure Rotary sponsorship |
| Covered Expenses | Tuition, travel, room and board, school supplies, language training |
| Non-Covered Expenses | Personal and miscellaneous costs |
| Disciplines | Graduate studies related to Rotary’s six focus areas |
| Study Level Required | Bachelor’s degree |
| Application Deadline | Rolling; applications must be submitted at least 3 months before departure |
Program Benefits
The scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers for promising students pursuing graduate education. The $30,000 grant can cover:
- Tuition and school supplies.
- Travel expenses, including visa and passport costs.
- Room and board.
- Household supplies.
- Language training courses (if not tied to university admission conditions).
Personal expenses are not included.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must collaborate with their local Rotary clubs to secure sponsorship. The application process is divided into two parts:
- Initial Application: Sponsored Rotary clubs or districts initiate the application.
- Scholar Profile Completion: Scholar candidates complete their profiles online.
Applications are submitted through the Rotary Foundation’s online portal. Though the program accepts rolling applications, candidates are encouraged to apply at least three months before their intended departure date.
Participating Universities and Disciplines
The Rotary Global Scholarship Grants support studies in diverse disciplines aligned with Rotary’s focus areas, including:
- Data Science and Society (Tilburg University, Netherlands)
- MBA (University of the People, U.S.; IU International University, Germany)
- Computer Science (IU International University, Germany)
- Public Health and Education (University of the People, U.S.)
Students can pursue degrees at prestigious institutions worldwide.
Empowering Global Scholars
The Rotary Foundation Global Grants emphasize building a network of capable leaders ready to tackle challenges like poverty, disease, and education inequality. By funding studies in critical areas of development, Rotary empowers students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Applicants are advised to connect with local Rotary clubs via the Rotary Club Locator to start their sponsorship process.
