PP.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund
Partially funded
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, United States
Scholarship overview
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund has provided scholarships since 1949 for women from other countries to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada. P.E.O. members contribute the funds.
The awards are need-based grants-in-aid and are not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. Recipients are expected to return home and use their education to make a positive impact and support global peace.
Award Information
- Woman from outside the United States and Canada.
- Pursuing an advanced (graduate) degree at an accredited US or Canadian college or university, or an international student attending Cottey College.
- Qualified for admission to full-time graduate study, with confirmation of admission specifying the graduate degree programme.
- Plans to return home (or to a location outside the US or Canada, depending on visa status) after the degree or Optional Practical Training.
- Has a full year of formal coursework remaining and is enrolled and in residence for the entire school year.
- Doctoral students who have finished coursework and are working only on a dissertation are not eligible as first-time applicants.
- US or Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible; residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
- No awards for online courses, research, internships or practical training not combined with coursework.
- Maximum US$12,500 for one year (12 months) of study, based on need; lesser amounts may be awarded.
- Paid in two instalments: the first after acceptance paperwork and confirmation of enrollment, the second in December on confirmation of continuing enrollment (due by November 30).
- Funds may be used only for tuition, school and living expenses while in residence as a full-time student; local transportation is allowed.
- Not allowed: travel to or from the home country, travel abroad, professional conferences, past debts.
- One renewal is possible for graduate recipients, for no more than two years in total; renewal funding is not guaranteed at the same level. Total IPS support for students also funded at Cottey College does not exceed US$25,000.
2027-2028 term:
- September 15, 2026: eligibility forms open.
- December 15, 2026: last day to submit eligibility forms.
- February 1, 2027: application materials due for applicants already enrolled in the intended graduate programme and school.
- March 15, 2027: application materials due for applicants not yet enrolled (and Cottey College applicants).
- May 2027: award notification.
- June 1, 2027: last day to accept the scholarship.
- Submit the IPS eligibility form online between September 15 and December 15; eligibility must be established before application materials are sent.
- Once eligibility is confirmed, complete the application materials by the applicable deadline.
- Submit confirmation of admission, a budget with all anticipated financial resources, two recommendations, the signed promise to return home and the travel form guaranteeing return funds.
- If awarded, sign the acceptance form by June 1.
Official links
Documents you will need
- Confirmation of admission naming the graduate degree programme.
- Budget of estimated expenses and all anticipated additional resources (personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work scholarships, assistantships, grants, other scholarships, loans).
- Two recommendations, at least one from a professor, academic adviser or supervisor of employment or volunteer work; relatives and fellow students are not accepted.
- Signed promise to return to the home country.
- Travel form from the guarantor for round-trip or return expenses (Cottey College students are exempt from the return promise and travel form).
How selection works
The Board of Trustees makes final decisions at its spring meeting, reviewing individual evaluations and collectively awarding the scholarships. Applications are evaluated without regard to age, race, national origin, religion or disability. Awards are announced in May, and an award is withdrawn if arrival in the US or Canada is not confirmed by September 15.
