P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (USA and Canada)

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship has funded women from outside the United States and Canada for graduate study in North America since 1949, making it one of the longest-running awards of its kind. It provides up to USD 12,500 per academic year based on demonstrated financial need, renewable by re-application while full-time coursework remains.

The scholarship is designed as gap funding, so applicants show how it completes a realistic budget alongside other resources, and commit to returning home to foster peace through their education. The eligibility form for the 2027-28 year must be submitted between September 15 and December 15, 2026.

• Women from countries outside the United States and Canada pursuing (or admitted to) a graduate degree at an accredited college or university in the US or Canada.
• US or Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not eligible, though residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
• A full year of formal coursework must remain, and you must be enrolled and in residence for the entire school year.
• Doctoral students who have finished coursework and are working only on the dissertation cannot apply as first-time applicants.
• Scholarships are not given for online-only study, research-only periods, internships or practical training without coursework.
• Applicants must intend to return to their home country to apply their education and foster peace.
• The award is need-based, and you must show additional resources (family funds, assistantships, waivers or other scholarships) that make your budget realistic.

• Up to USD 12,500 for the academic year, sized to each student's documented need.
• One of the longest-running awards for international women in North America, funded since 1949 by the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
• Renewal is possible by re-applying in later cycles while eligible coursework remains.
• International students attending Cottey College, the P.E.O.-owned women's college, are also eligible.
• The application is free and the process is transparent, with a published calendar each year.
• Recipients join a values-driven network centered on education and international friendship.

• Online eligibility form submitted during the eligibility window (September 15 to December 15).
• Full application materials issued to eligible candidates, completed through the P.E.O. online system.
• Proof of admission or enrollment at your US or Canadian graduate school.
• Academic transcripts.
• Budget and financial documentation showing need and your other funding sources.
• References and personal statements as specified in the application packet.

• Read the IPS policies on the P.E.O. website and confirm you meet every criterion, especially the remaining-coursework rule.
• Submit the online eligibility form between September 15 and December 15, 2026 for the 2027-28 academic year.
• If ruled eligible, complete the full application: materials are due February 1, 2027 for students already enrolled in their intended programme, or March 15, 2027 for those not yet enrolled and for Cottey College applicants.
• Awards are announced in May 2027 and must be accepted by June 1, 2027.
• Build your budget honestly; the committee expects the award to close a gap, not carry the full cost.
• Strong statements connect your degree to concrete plans for positive impact at home.