Ambassadorial Scholarships

Spreading Goodwill and Understanding

$27,000 awarded for one academic tear of study abroad

More than 750 university students from some 60 countries are selected to study abroad during each academic year through a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship. Designed to bridge cultures and encourage goodwill, the scholarships are one of Rotary’s leading efforts to promote world peace and understanding.

Ambassadorial Scholarships provide students the opportunity to study in one of the almost 200 countries and geographical regions where Rotary clubs are active. While abroad, scholars speak to Rotary clubs and districts, schools, civic organizations, and other forums where they act as “ambassadors of goodwill” and participate in community service.

Nearly 800 recipients from 70 countries studied in more than 60 nations in 2007-08 at a cost of US$15 million. 

Top universities sending 2008-09 scholars abroad were:

• Northwestern University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (11 scholars each)
• United States Naval Academy (10 scholars)
• University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida (6 scholars each)

Rotary’s Ambassadorial Scholarships program is the world’s largest privately-sponsored international scholarship program.  Focused on humanitarian service, personal diplomacy, and academic excellence, the university-level program has sponsored more than 38,000 Rotary Scholars since 1947. Alumni include Paul Volcker Jr, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Philip Lader Former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, David Mulford, US Ambassador to India, and Roger Ebert, popular Film Critic.

Types of scholarships

Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships provide a flat grant of US$27,000 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.

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). District 5510 has 3 Endowments that can produce additional Scholarships in addition to the (1) funded by DDF.

• The Hartley & Ruth Barker which are members of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale: $500,000
• The John & Barbara O’Connell family trust: $100,000
• Several 5510 Rotarians combined fund: $50,000