The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) will accept applications from mid-September to mid-December 2025 for the 2026-27 International Peace Scholarships (IPS) from international women students who wish to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada.

Established in 1949, the International Peace Scholarship Fund supports international women students seeking to attend graduate school in the United States or Canada.

It’s essential to note that the award is not intended to cover all living or academic expenses, but rather is based on documented financial need. Applicants must disclose any additional financial resources at the time of application that are adequate to cover their anticipated costs. These resources may include personal and family finances, tuition waivers, labor scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants, and other forms of financial aid.

The maximum amount a student can receive is $12,500; however, individual circumstances may result in the awarding of smaller sums.

Key Details

• Supporting Organization: Philanthropic Educational Organization
• Level of study: Master’s degree
• Duration: one year
• Target Group: Women
• Eligible Country: All

Key Dates

• Eligibility Forms Start Date: September 15, 2025
• Eligibility Forms Deadline: December 15, 2025
• Application Materials Deadline (For Enrolled Students): February 1, 2026
• Application Materials Deadline (For Not Enrolled Students): March 15, 2026
• Scholarship Notifications: May 1, 2026
• IPS Award Acceptance Due: June 1, 2026

Benefits of the International Peace Scholarship 

The total award amount is $12,500, which does not cover personal expenses; applicants are required to indicate any additional financial resources they may have. To cover these costs, applicants can use many resources, such as:

• • Family funds
  • Tuition waivers
  • Work scholarships
  • Teaching
  • Assistantships
  • Study grants and other scholarships

Notes:

• Depending on her visa status, an applicant will be required to fill out and sign a document agreeing to leave the United States or Canada and return to her home country within sixty (60) days of finishing her degree program(s) or Alternative Practical Training (OPT).
• The candidate must have round-trip or guaranteed return travel costs. The guarantor must provide a travel form in support of this with the application.
• IPS prizes cannot fund travel.

Eligibility Criteria for International Peace Scholarship

Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• The application is open to women from countries outside the U.S. and Canada
• Must be pursuing an advanced degree at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution
• Must plan to return home to contribute to peace and development
• Must have at least one full year of coursework remaining and reside in the U.S. or Canada during that time
• Also open to international students attending Cottey College

Not eligible if:

• Only working on a dissertation (no formal coursework) as a first-time applicant
• A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada
• Enrolled only in online courses, research, internships, or practical training without coursework

Required Documents

Please submit these required supporting documents for your application:

• Copy of admission letter
• Commitment letter to come back to their home country after graduation
• Grantee document for traveling expenses

How to apply?

Before applicants submit their application materials, they must first complete the eligibility form. The online eligibility form will be available in September 2025.

Note: The awards are announced in May. The scholarship amount will be divided into two (2) payments. The first payment is sent upon receipt of the student’s completed acceptance paperwork and enrollment confirmation. The second payment is made in December, upon receipt of the student’s confirmation of continuing enrollment, which is due by November 30. By December 15, all scholarship funds must be paid in full.

For further information about the PEO International Peace Scholarship, please visit the PEO website.

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