Rotary's Global Grant Scholarships fund graduate-level study abroad — a full master's or PhD — for scholars whose studies and career plans advance one of Rotary's seven Areas of Focus, from peacebuilding and disease prevention to clean water and the environment. Scholars are sponsored by a Rotary club and district in their home country, partnered with a host Rotary club/district in the study country, and serve as goodwill ambassadors during their studies. Grants start at $30,000 and can run for up to four academic years.
Why it is notable: a fully funded graduate degree with no central application portal — it runs entirely through local Rotary clubs, so most eligible graduates never realize their local club can sponsor them; the Foundation matches district funds at 80%, multiplying local money.
Funding at a glance
What it covers
Tuition and fees for 1–4 academic years (minimum grant budget US$30,000; district awards $30,000–$40,000+ reported).
Room and board.
Travel expenses (as specified in grant terms), passport/visa costs, inoculations.
School supplies, books, household supplies.
Language training courses (but not if university admission is contingent on language improvement).
Humanitarian-project costs tied to the scholar's studies, where the club/district plans them.
Most personal and miscellaneous expenses are not covered.
Eligibility criteria
Qualification Required
Graduationfor MastersMasters/MPhilfor PhD
This scholarship is offered for graduate-level coursework or research (master's or doctoral) at an approved university outside the applicant's home country, in a field aligned with one of Rotary's seven Areas of Focus.
Who can apply
All nationalities — applicants must come from and plan to study in a country where a Rotary club/district is present, and must apply through a Rotary club in their place of legal/permanent residence, employment, or full-time study.
Experience
No fixed experience bar, but districts look for excellent academic performance, leadership potential, communication skills, high ethical standards, and a record of civic engagement; some districts require professional/volunteer experience in the field of study; career goals must show long-term commitment to measurable, sustainable change in an Area of Focus.
Language Certificate
"Course-dependent" — applicants must be proficient in the language of the host country, or study in a graduate program taught in English in the host country (district-level rule; confirm with your sponsoring district).
Other Certificates
Official transcripts; proof of unconditional university admission (required before final Foundation approval).
Age Limit
No Age Limit
Check your eligibility
Run all three quick checks before reviewing your chosen course's full entry requirements.
1
Country checker
All nationalities eligible, provided a Rotary club/district exists in both the home and study countries; study must be outside the applicant's home country.
2
Last degree checker
Choose your highest completed qualification to see which degree level may fit.
3
Course checker
Pick a course to see whether it falls inside this scholarship's scope.
Complete all three checks
Your combined result will appear here.
Based on published eligibility — always confirm on the official page before applying.
Application essentials
Requirements
Review each requirement before you begin the application.
01
Qualification
undergraduate degree completed before the scholarship begins; graduate-level program only.
02
Alignment
studies and career goals must advance one of Rotary's seven Areas of Focus with long-term, measurable, sustainable impact.
03
Sponsorship
must be sponsored by a qualified Rotary club/district (home) partnered with a host club/district abroad.
04
Language
proficiency in the host-country language, or an English-taught graduate program in the host country.
05
Documents
application form, autobiography, statement of intent, transcripts, unconditional admission, detailed budget, two recommendations, language evidence, service-project outline.
06
Exclusions
Rotarians, Rotary employees, and their spouses/lineal descendants/ancestors (and spouses of lineal descendants) are ineligible.
Document checklist
01District/club scholarship application form.
02Autobiography and statement of intent.
03Official transcripts.
04Proof of unconditional university admission (before final approval).
05Detailed budget with other funding sources.
06Two recommendation letters.
07Language Proficiency Form / evidence.
08Proposed humanitarian/service project outline for the study country.
09Résumé.
Application fee
No fee — completely free.
Visa, kept concise: Study visa type for this destination: Student visa of the study country (varies by destination).
Application Procedure
10 steps — follow in order. Each stage prepares the next.
01
Identify a graduate program abroad (outside your
home country) aligned with an Area of Focus, and get admitted (unconditional admission required before final Foundation approval).
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02
Find and contact a local Rotary club
in your district — candidates begin at the club level; the club reviews candidates and nominates to the district.
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03
Prepare the district application
proposed field of study and degree timeline, detailed budget (including other funding sources), autobiography/statement of intent, transcripts, language proficiency evidence, recommendation letters, and a service/humanit
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06
Complete pre-departure orientation
begin studies in the 2027–28 Rotary year.
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05
If selected, work with the sponsoring club
and the host district/club abroad to prepare the formal Global Grant application to The Rotary Foundation (submitted through the Rotary Grant Center by the qualified sponsors).
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04
Attend the district interview/selection (e.g.
District 5870 interviews for 2027–28 scholars: November 21, 2026).
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07
District/club scholarship application form.
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08
Autobiography and statement of intent.
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09
Official transcripts.
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10
Proof of unconditional university admission (before final
approval).
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a Global Grant Scholarship? A: Through a local Rotary club — candidates begin at the club level, are nominated to the district, and the district's selected scholar is submitted to TWhat can the scholarship fund? A: Graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years abroad — tuition, room and board, travel, visas, supplies — with a minimum budget of $30,000.What are the Areas of Focus? A: Peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; communCan Rotarians or their families apply? A: No — Rotarians, Rotary employees, and their spouses, lineal descendants, ancestors (and spouses of lineal descendants) are ineligible.Can it fund studies I've already started? A: No — scholarships may not be used for graduate studies already underway.How is the $30,000+ funded? A: District Designated Funds plus an 80% World Fund match from The Rotary Foundation (plus cash, directed gifts, and endowment earnings).What is expected of scholars beyond studying? A: Scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors — regular updates, presentations to Rotary clubs during and after the scholarship, and participation in host-disIs there a single deadline? A: No — each Rotary district sets its own timeline; 2027–28 district selections are underway now.
Need document or attestation help?
Detailed attestation guidance stays in Opplore's standalone Guides section, not inside this scholarship page.
Multiple countries · any approved university outside the…