It began with a simple act of curiosity. Scrolling through scholarship opportunities in 2021, Sharmin Akter Shakila stumbled upon something unfamiliar. “I came across this on a website, maybe ‘Opportunities’ or something, and I thought, what actually is this?” she recalls.

At the time, the Rotary Peace Fellowship was virtually unknown in Bangladesh. There were no clear examples to follow, no established community of applicants to turn to for guidance. “When I applied, I didn’t know anyone from Bangladesh who had done this,” she says. “I even reached out to Rotary members here, and they told me they didn’t really know if anyone had gone before.”

Yet, that uncertainty did not stop her. Today, Shakila stands among a very small group — only around three Bangladeshis so far — who have received this prestigious fellowship. As a Rotary Peace Fellow for 2023–24 at the University of Bradford, her journey is not just a personal milestone but also a window into one of the world’s most competitive and purpose-driven scholarships.

At its core, the Rotary Peace Fellowship is not merely a master’s degree programme; it is a leadership initiative. Funded by Rotary International, a global network of clubs that raise funds throughout the year, the fellowship is designed for individuals already engaged in peacebuilding, development, or social change.

“It’s basically for exceptional leaders from developing or third-world countries,” Shakila explains. “People who are already contributing to their communities through development work or different initiatives are selected and given the opportunity to pursue a master’s programme.”

Sharmin Akter Shakila is a development professional from Bangladesh working on financial inclusion, environmental and social justice, youth and education, and gender inclusion and entrepreneurship. She received a MSc in Economics and Finance for Development through the Rotary Peace Center at the University of Bradford, England.

Each year, around 50 to 60 students from across the world are selected. They are hosted in five major countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Sweden — with a newly added programme in Turkey. Each centre admits only a small cohort, typically eight to ten fellows, making the programme highly selective. There is no country quota.

“It completely depends on your profile. One year, a country might have several fellows; another year, none at all.”

The academic programmes themselves vary by institution but are rooted in themes of peace, conflict resolution, and development. From international development policy in the United States to peace studies in Japan, political science and international studies in Australia, and interdisciplinary peace research in Sweden and the United Kingdom, the courses are designed to equip fellows with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools.

What sets the Rotary Peace Fellowship apart, however, is its emphasis on real-world engagement. “This programme is different because it’s not just about studying,” Shakila notes. “Alongside academics, you engage with Rotary clubs, community development projects, and leadership activities in the host country.”

In the UK, for instance, the programme runs for 18 months and includes a three-month field placement. “You can go to any country where it’s safe and work on something relevant to your field,” she explains. “This kind of applied experience is not available in most other scholarships.”

Fellows are also expected to present their learning to Rotary members through seminars, research presentations, or community engagements. “We have to showcase what we’ve learned and what we’ve done during our studies or fieldwork,” she says.

“It ensures that the knowledge doesn’t just stay with us.” Even after the programme ends, the connection continues. “Rotary wants us to stay involved, to contribute to community-building projects globally. It doesn’t end with the degree.”

Despite its impact, the fellowship remains intensely competitive. Globally, around 15,000 applications are submitted each year, from which only 50 to 60 candidates are selected. At the university level, the filtering becomes even tighter. “At our centre in Bradford, around 200 applications were submitted,” Shakila says. “From that, about 50 were shortlisted for interviews, and finally only eight to ten were selected.”

In Bangladesh, awareness has only recently begun to grow. “Before, it was almost zero,” she notes. “Now, maybe 10 to 15 people apply each year.” Her own journey has played a role in that shift, as she actively shares information about the fellowship within her networks.

The eligibility criteria reflect the programme’s focus on experience and leadership. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least three years of full-time relevant work experience, proficiency in English, and a demonstrated commitment to peacebuilding and cross-cultural understanding. “There’s a strong emphasis on experience,” Shakila says. “It’s not just about academic results. You need to show what you’ve actually done.”

Interestingly, standardised tests like IELTS or GRE are not required at the initial stage. “Rotary itself doesn’t ask for these,” she explains. “But if you get selected, you still need to secure admission to the university, and then you must meet its requirements.” There must also be a gap of at least three years between completing a previous degree and starting the fellowship, reinforcing its focus on early-career professionals.

The application process runs from February to May, with a strict deadline of 15 May. Missing it means waiting another year. The selection unfolds in multiple stages. “First, Rotary International does an initial screening,” she says.

“Then applications are sent to universities. After that, universities shortlist candidates and conduct interviews.” Applicants must indicate their preferred universities, and if shortlisted, their applications are typically sent to their first-choice institutions. Final results are announced months later, usually in November or December, for programmes beginning the following September. “It’s a long process,” she admits. “But that’s because there are three to four layers of screening.”

One of the most compelling aspects of the fellowship is its financial support. It is fully funded, covering tuition fees, travel, visa costs, accommodation, stipends, and even expenses for the fieldwork component. “Everything is covered,” Shakila confirms. “From visa and travel costs to stipends, even the cost of the three-month field experience.”

For aspiring applicants, however, funding is only part of the story. What truly defines success in the application process is clarity of purpose. “It’s a leadership scholarship,” she says. “What matters most is what you’ve actually done.” She emphasises that leadership does not always mean large-scale achievements. “Even small initiatives — something you did in your department that created change — can count. Don’t underestimate your work.”

Rotary Peace Fellows at the University of Bradford gather at the 2024 Annual Seminar where graduating peace fellows present their master’s work in peace and development to the Rotary community and university staff and faculty.

The most critical stage, according to her, is the initial screening. “There are five or six essay questions, and you really need to take time to answer them,” she says. “Don’t rush just because of the deadline.” She warns against generic responses. “Reviewers read thousands of applications. They can tell if you’ve copied or used AI-generated answers.” Instead, she encourages applicants to write authentically. “Be clear about who you are, what you’ve done, and what you want to do in the future.”

Equally important is aligning personal goals with the fellowship’s mission. “They want people who will return to their communities,” she says. “Not stay abroad, but actually use the knowledge to create impact.” This alignment — between past work, present motivation, and future vision — is what makes an application stand out.

While academic performance is important, it is not the sole deciding factor. “You need a good academic background,” she says. “But experience is equally, if not more, important.” The fellowship seeks candidates who can bridge theory and practice, demonstrating both intellectual capability and tangible impact.

Shakila’s own profile reflects that balance. A development professional working on financial inclusion, environmental justice, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion, she had years of experience before applying.

“When I started writing the essays, I focused on what leadership means to me, what I’ve done, and how this fellowship fits into my goals,” she says. Months after submitting her application, she received the final decision. “I only fully understood the scope of the scholarship after getting in,” she adds.

Today, she is part of a global network of professionals working across sectors. Many Rotary Peace Fellows go on to careers in international development, NGOs, donor agencies, academia, and research. 

“Some are now at places like Cambridge or Oxford,” she says. “Others are working as directors in international organisations.” Ultimately, the path depends on the individual. “You can go far in your field. It depends on what you want to do.”

“It felt like a risk when I applied. But sometimes, you just have to try, even if you don’t know what will happen,” she concluded.