Ambassadorial Scholarship of Rotary Foundation

Ambassadorial ScholarshipsA**mbassadorial 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 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.

How to apply
*I*nterested applicants must apply for Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships through their local Rotary club. Because timelines vary, only your local club can provide specific information about application deadlines. For 2009-10 awards, club deadlines may be as early as 1 March 2008 or as late as 15 August 2008. Remember that availability varies by Rotary district. If your local district is not offering scholarships at this time, try inquiring next year.

Use the Club Locator to find contact information for Rotary clubs. If your hometown does not have a Rotary club, try entering the names of nearby cities. You can also consult a local telephone directory.

Application process Program year 2009-10
*November/December 2007*

- Application materials for 2009-10 Ambassadorial Scholarships and Rotary Grants for University Teachers become available from the Rotary club in the applicant's area of permanent residence or full-time study.
- Applicants must contact the nearest Rotary club to
- Determine whether scholarship funding is available
- Ask about local application deadlines
- Obtain application materials

*January-15 July 2008*

Applicants should complete the 2009-10 application, carefully researching possible institutions of study. There is no need to apply for or take language tests at this time.

*September-15 December 2008*
All 2008-09 scholarship applicants will receive notification of their study institution assignments (as long as their applications were submitted by the 1 October district deadline).

*February 2009*
All 2008-09 scholarship recipients will receive a packet of information from the Foundation. This material outlines the steps they're required to complete in preparation for their term.

Download the Ambassadorial Scholarships application form(PDF).

Terms of scholarships
- Scholars are required to attend at least one orientation seminar if offered in their district or region. Orientation seminars include training on developing and delivering speeches and presentations.
- Study or training must be undertaken in another country or territory where there are Rotary clubs. It cannot take place in the country of the sponsor Rotary district.
- Although applicants are asked to list their preferred study locations, the Foundation Trustees reserve the right to make assignments to any suitable institution to ensure the widest possible geographical distribution of scholars. Candidates must be flexible in their study institution assignments.
- Scholars will not be assigned to a city, state, or province where they have lived or studied for more than six months. As a result, these scholarships are not appropriate for students seeking to continue their studies at a given university.
- Each scholar is responsible for applying directly to the assigned institution, gaining admission, obtaining required visas, and making travel arrangements. The scholarship may not be used in conjunction with a study-abroad program affiliated with a home-country institution.
- Scholars must locate funds to cover all expenses that are not specifically financed by their scholarships or for which their scholarships are not sufficient. Scholarships will not be increased to cover spouses, dependents, or anyone other than the scholar.
- Scholars may receive additional funding from other sources during the scholarship period, but the Foundation will not duplicate funds provided by these sources.
- Depending on tax laws in the home and host countries, the scholarships may be partially or fully taxable. It is the scholar's responsibility to investigate tax regulations for scholarship funding.
- Academic-Year and Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships may be used for almost any field of study but cannot be applied to unsupervised research, medical internships or residencies, or employment. Scholars planning to pursue medical studies are not permitted to engage in hands-on procedures or direct-care patient services during the scholarship period.
- Any applicant for Academic-Year or Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships whose native language is not that of the proposed country of study must submit evidence of the ability to read, write, and speak the language of that country. Academic-year scholarship candidates must also pass a language proficiency exam determined by the Foundation.