P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship 2025-2026

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS), established in 1949, is a prestigious program designed to support women from outside the United States and Canada in pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship is built on the belief that education is the strongest tool for promoting peace and understanding worldwide.

The IPS is not a full-ride award—it is intended to provide partial financial assistance, while applicants are encouraged to secure additional funding from personal resources, family, institutions, or other scholarships. The goal is to empower international women to gain world-class education and return home equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Quick Facts Table

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be women holding citizenship outside the U.S. and Canada (permanent residents are not eligible).
• Have secured admission into a full-time graduate program at an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada.
• Have at least one academic year of coursework remaining at the time of award.
• Demonstrate both academic potential and financial need.
• Provide evidence of additional funding sources (personal/family funds, tuition waivers, assistantships, or grants).
• Commit in writing to returning to their home country after studies to share knowledge and contribute to development.

Not Eligible:

• U.S. and Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• PhD candidates who have finished coursework and are working only on dissertations (for first-time applications).
• Students planning to enroll in online courses only, internships, or practical training without coursework.

Scholarship Benefits

• Maximum Award: Up to $12,500 per academic year.
• Amount awarded depends on demonstrated financial need; some students may receive less.
• Provides partial support only; scholars must show they can cover remaining costs of study and living.
• Renewable for subsequent years of study, subject to reapplication and satisfactory progress.
• Access to the P.E.O. Sisterhood network, which provides encouragement, cultural exchange, and a lifelong supportive community.

Application Process

•       Complete the Eligibility Form available on the official P.E.O. website between September 15 and December 15.
•       If eligibility is confirmed, applicants are invited to submit the full application.
•       Provide required documents, including:
•       Applications are carefully reviewed by the IPS Selection Committee.
•       Successful candidates are notified in May.

Important Dates (2025–26 Cycle)

• Application Opens: September 15, 2025
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
• Review Process: January – April 2026
• Awards Announcement: May 2026

Scholarship Impact

• Since 1949, the IPS has awarded over $52 million in scholarships.
• More than 7,200 women from around the globe have benefited from this program.
• Recipients have gone on to become educators, leaders, researchers, and professionals, bringing their expertise back to their home countries and building international bridges of cooperation.
• The program not only funds education but also builds a global network of women committed to peace and progress.

Final Thoughts

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) 2025-26 offers more than financial aid—it opens doors for women worldwide to access higher education in the United States and Canada. By supporting graduate studies and encouraging recipients to return home, this program strengthens leadership, knowledge-sharing, and global understanding. For women who aspire to create meaningful change in their communities, the IPS stands as a powerful opportunity to transform both their own future and the world around them.

Apply Now!