Ambassadorial Scholarships

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The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known educational programme is Ambassadorial Scholarships.

Since 1947 nearly 37,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships programme. More than 730 scholarships to students from 70 countries were awarded for study in 62 countries in 2004-05. Since 1947, when the programme started, over 37,000 scholars from some 100 countries have benefited from grants amounting to over US$462 million.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships programme is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. The programme sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

The scholarships cover study or training commencing on July 1st, or later, each academic year. During the study period scholars are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country through appearances before Rotary Clubs, schools, civic organisations and other forums. After the study has been completed scholars share their experiences with the people of their home countries and with the local Rotarians who sponsored their scholarships.

A unique benefit of Rotary Scholarships is the scholar’s association with Rotary Clubs and Rotarians. Each scholar is assigned a sponsor and host Rotarian Counsellor who provide orientation and advice in preparing for and completing a successful study period in another country.

Ambassadorial Scholarships are only open to non-Rotarians who are not directly related to a Rotarian (i.e. neither the daughter or son, nor the grand-daughter or grandson of a Rotarian).

Ambassadorial Scholarships last for one regular academic year (usually nine months) of full time study and because they are primarily ambassadorial the recipients may not be able to earn degrees or diplomas in the study period. Since candidates are expected to be proficient in the language of the host country this scholarship is usually not suitable for the study of a foreign language but is well suited to post-graduate vocational training.

Additional information about the Ambassadorial Scholars programme is available on the Rotary International website. The closing date for applications to be received by our District is August 31 in the year ahead of the proposed year of study.

If you are interested in participating in any of the above programmes then please contact us.

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