Rotary 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 totaling approximately US$500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.
"The Rotary Foundation does some terrific things, not the least of which is the Ambassadorial Scholarships program." — Michael R. Whiteman, international programs director, University of Idaho
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.
Generous contributions from Rotarians worldwide represent a continued faith that today’s Ambassadorial Scholars will be tomorrow's community and world leaders.
Types of scholarships
Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships provide a flat grant of US$25,000 for one academic year of study in another country. These awards are intended to help defray costs associated with round-trip transportation, tuition and other fees, room and board, and some educational supplies. They are the most common type of Ambassadorial Scholarships.
Some Rotary districts may offer only one type of scholarship, or none at all. Applicants must check with their local club about availability. Grants are provided in U.S. dollars or their international equivalent.
Other scholarship opportunities
There are many ways for districts to support the Ambassadorial Scholarships program besides financing awards through the District Designated Fund (DDF). Endowed, named, and donated scholarships differ from regular DDF-funded Ambassadorial Scholarships because they are financed by an alternate source, and recipients often must comply with special study or location restrictions determined by the donor or donating district. Other options include supporting the world competitive scholarships made possible by district donations to the Scholarships Fund Pool for Low-Income Countries and contributing to the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.
