ambassadorial scholarships

Ambassadorial Scholarships, The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program, was founded in 1947. Since then, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-06. Through grants totalling approximately US$500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to 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 a greater understanding of their host country.

The Rotary Link Weekend for incoming Ambassadorial scholars and Peace Fellows, held in Leicester in September 2009, was very successful, giving them a valuable orientation into Rotary, especially in RIBI and District 1070.  Rotary scholars attending universities and colleges in RIBI during 2009/10 were all invited, and had a weekend of friendship and fun.

More information, including brochures and application forms are available on the Rotary International web site at:

Ambassadorial Scholarships