The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) is a financial assistance program for international women pursuing graduate-level education in the United States or Canada. Established in 1949, the scholarship supports women’s education and promotes global peace by helping recipients gain advanced knowledge they can use to make a positive impact beyond North America.
The scholarship provides up to $12,500 per academic year, depending on the applicant’s demonstrated financial need. It is not designed to cover every educational and personal expense, so applicants must show that they have additional financial resources to support their studies.
If you are a woman planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the United States or Canada, the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship may be worth exploring. However, you must satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements, secure admission to an eligible institution, and complete the application process within the specified deadlines.
This guide explains the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and practical tips to help you prepare a stronger application.
What Is the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship?
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is an educational funding initiative administered by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization established in 1869 to advance educational opportunities for women.
The scholarship fund was established in 1949 to help women from countries outside the United States and Canada pursue advanced education in North America. The program is built around the belief that education can promote international understanding and create positive changes in communities around the world.
Unlike scholarships that are open to all students regardless of gender, IPS is specifically designed to support eligible women. It provides financial assistance to selected students while emphasizing the importance of using their education to benefit others.
The program also supports international students attending Cottey College, a women’s college owned by the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The eligibility rules for Cottey College students differ in some respects from those applicable to graduate students studying in the United States or Canada.
For the latest information, visit the official P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund website.
Benefits of the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
1. Financial assistance of up to $12,500
The maximum IPS award is $12,500 per academic year. The amount awarded depends on the applicant’s financial need, and some recipients may receive less.
It is important to understand that IPS is a grant-in-aid program, not a guaranteed full scholarship. You should not assume that receiving the maximum award will cover your entire tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other expenses.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have other financial resources available to meet the remaining costs of their education.
2. Support for graduate-level education
The program helps eligible international women pursue advanced degrees at accredited colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
This can make it relevant to women who want to strengthen their academic qualifications, develop professional expertise, or prepare for leadership roles in their chosen fields.
However, applicants must satisfy the program’s requirements concerning admission, formal coursework, enrollment, and residence. Online courses, research-only arrangements, and internships without qualifying formal coursework are not covered.
3. An opportunity to contribute to your home country
IPS emphasizes the importance of returning to one’s home country, or another location outside the United States and Canada as permitted by the program’s policies, after completing the degree program and any applicable Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain how their education and future work could benefit their communities, professions, or countries.
4. Connection to a wider educational mission
The scholarship is part of P.E.O.’s broader commitment to advancing women’s education. Its purpose extends beyond providing financial assistance: it encourages recipients to use their education to promote understanding and create positive change.
The exact support and experiences available to individual scholars should be confirmed through the official program and its published policies.
Who Is Eligible for the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship?
Before beginning an application, carefully check the eligibility conditions. Meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee an award, because the scholarship is competitive and funding is limited.
1. Citizenship requirements
For the graduate scholarship route, applicants must be women who are citizens of countries other than the United States and Canada.
A woman who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is generally ineligible. The official policy makes an exception for individuals whose U.S. or Canadian residency is for tax purposes only.
International students attending Cottey College have a separate eligibility route.
2. Admission to an eligible institution
Graduate applicants must be qualified for admission to a graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.
A confirmation of admission specifying the graduate degree program must be submitted with the application. Applicants should therefore plan their university admission process alongside their scholarship preparations.
Do not assume that being interested in a university, submitting an admission application, or receiving a conditional indication of interest automatically satisfies the scholarship’s admission requirements.
3. A full year of formal coursework remaining
For a first-time graduate applicant, the official policy requires at least one full year of formal coursework remaining.
The applicant must also be enrolled and living in the United States or Canada for the entire school year covered by the scholarship.
Doctoral students who have completed their formal coursework and are working only on their dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
The scholarship does not fund online courses, research, internships, or practical training unless they are combined with qualifying formal coursework.
4. Demonstrated financial need
IPS is based on demonstrated financial need. However, the award is not intended to cover every academic or personal expense.
Applicants must identify additional financial resources sufficient to meet their estimated expenses. These resources may include personal or family funds, tuition waivers, employment, teaching assistantships, study grants, and other scholarships.
Your financial plan should show how you expect to cover the difference between your total educational costs and the IPS award you may receive.
5. Commitment to leave the United States or Canada after study
Recipients must agree to the scholarship’s fulfillment requirements concerning departure after completing their degree program or applicable OPT.
The official policy requires a commitment to return to the applicant’s home country or to a location outside the United States and Canada, depending on the applicant’s visa status and the applicable rules.
This is an important requirement. If you intend to apply, read the current policies carefully and make sure you understand the commitment before proceeding.
6. Guaranteed return travel expenses
The official IPS policies require graduate applicants to have round-trip or return travel expenses guaranteed. The relevant travel form from the guarantor must be submitted with the application.
IPS funds cannot be used to pay for travel. Applicants should therefore make a realistic plan for these expenses rather than assuming the scholarship will cover them.
For the complete requirements, consult the official Eligibility and Application Process page.
How to Apply for the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
Applying for IPS involves more than completing an online form. You should first establish your eligibility, prepare for graduate study, organize your financial information, and submit the required materials according to the official calendar.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Visit the official scholarship website
Begin with the official P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund website:
Official scholarship website: https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/international-peace-scholarship-fund/
To review the requirements and begin the eligibility process, visit:
Official eligibility and application page: https://www.peointernational.org/educational-support/international-peace-scholarship-fund/eligibility-and-application-process/
On that page, look for the “Access IPS Form” link. This is the official route to the eligibility form.
Always use the P.E.O. website rather than an unofficial scholarship advert or third-party application page. The official website contains the applicable eligibility rules, policies, and deadlines.
Step 2: Check whether you meet the eligibility requirements
Before submitting the eligibility form, read the requirements carefully.
Confirm that:
- You meet the citizenship and other applicable eligibility conditions.
- You are seeking an eligible graduate degree at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution, or qualify through the separate Cottey College route.
- You understand the formal coursework and residency requirements.
- You can demonstrate financial need and identify additional resources for your educational expenses.
- You understand the return-home or other qualifying departure commitment and the travel requirements.
If any requirement is unclear, consult the official policy or contact P.E.O. before submitting your information.
This step matters because an applicant who does not meet the basic requirements may be unable to proceed to the full application.
Step 3: Submit the eligibility form
The first stage for graduate applicants is the online eligibility form. According to P.E.O., eligibility forms are accepted from September 15 through December 15 each year.
For the 2027–2028 term of study, the published eligibility-form window opened on September 15, 2026, and closes on December 15, 2026.
Complete the form accurately, following the instructions provided. Be ready to supply the information requested about your citizenship, intended course of study, and educational plans.
Submitting this form does not mean you have been awarded a scholarship. It establishes eligibility for consideration and is the first step in the process.
Step 4: Apply for admission to a suitable university
If you have not already done so, research accredited universities in the United States or Canada offering your intended graduate degree.
Review each university’s admission requirements, tuition costs, course structure, and deadlines. Prepare the documents required for admission, which may include academic transcripts, degree certificates, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and English-language test results where applicable.
You must provide confirmation of admission specifying your graduate degree program with the scholarship application. Plan your admission timeline accordingly.
Do not choose a university solely because it is located in North America. Make sure the program fits your academic background, career plans, financial resources, and the scholarship’s requirements.
Step 5: Prepare the full application materials
If you establish eligibility and receive instructions to continue, follow the official application instructions carefully.
The official policies identify important materials and requirements that applicants should be prepared to address, including:
- Confirmation of admission: Evidence showing that you have been admitted to the graduate degree program.
- Letters of recommendation: The program’s published requirements call for two letters of recommendation.
- Academic transcripts: Submit transcripts where required by the application instructions.
- Financial information: Provide a realistic estimate of educational and personal expenses, together with details of the additional resources available to cover them.
- Return-travel arrangements: Provide the required documentation confirming that return or round-trip travel expenses are guaranteed.
- Other required forms: Complete the declarations and additional documents specified in the application materials.
Follow the current instructions for document formats, submission methods, and any additional requirements. Do not rely on an old application checklist if the official instructions for your application year differ.
Step 6: Build a realistic financial plan
A clear financial plan is an important part of the application.
Start by calculating your estimated tuition and fees. Then add other relevant expenses, such as accommodation, food, books, health insurance, and other living costs.
Next, list your confirmed or expected sources of funding. These may include personal savings, family support, scholarships, tuition waivers, or eligible employment and assistantships.
Compare the total available resources with your estimated costs. Your plan should show how you can meet the expenses that the IPS award does not cover.
Be honest and realistic. Do not list funding as confirmed if you have not secured it, and do not assume that IPS will provide the maximum award.
Step 7: Submit the completed application before the correct deadline
The full-application deadline depends on your enrollment situation for the program and institution for which you intend to receive the scholarship.
For the 2027–2028 term of study, P.E.O. publishes the following dates:
| Application stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Eligibility form opens | September 15, 2026 |
| Eligibility form closes | December 15, 2026 |
| Completed application materials for applicants already enrolled in the intended graduate program and school | February 1, 2027 |
| Completed application materials for applicants not yet enrolled in the intended graduate program or school | March 15, 2027 |
| Award notifications | May 2027 |
| Deadline to accept an awarded scholarship | June 1, 2027 |
These dates come from the official 2027–2028 IPS Application Calendar.
Read the calendar carefully to identify the deadline that applies to your circumstances. Do not assume that every applicant has until March 15 to submit the full application.
Allow time for recommendation letters, university admission documents, financial information, and travel documentation to be completed. Submit the application through the method specified in the official instructions and keep copies of your submitted materials.
Step 8: Monitor your application and respond to instructions
After submission, monitor the email account you used for the application and follow any official instructions from P.E.O.
The published calendar indicates that scholarship awards for the 2027–2028 term are expected to be announced in May 2027. If you receive an award, pay attention to the acceptance deadline of June 1, 2027.
Do not treat an eligibility confirmation as an award offer. Wait for official communication confirming the outcome of your application.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Although meeting the eligibility requirements is essential, careful preparation can help you present your circumstances clearly.
Explain your academic goals
Be able to explain why you want to pursue your chosen degree, how it relates to your previous education, and what you intend to do with the knowledge you gain.
Your goals should be specific and realistic rather than a collection of broad statements about wanting to change the world.
Connect your education to a positive impact
IPS emphasizes the use of education to foster global peace and benefit communities. Explain how your intended field could help address a genuine need in your home country or another relevant community.
For example, an applicant studying public health might discuss improving access to preventive healthcare, while an education student could explain plans to strengthen teaching or learning opportunities.
Use examples that genuinely reflect your experience and ambitions.
Choose suitable recommenders
Ask people who know your academic work or professional abilities well enough to provide meaningful recommendations.
Give them adequate notice, explain your goals, and share the official instructions so they can prepare the required letters. Confirm that the letters have been submitted according to the specified process.
Make your budget easy to understand
Your financial plan should clearly distinguish estimated costs from confirmed funding.
Include realistic figures and check your calculations. Explain how you expect to meet the remaining expenses if your award is less than the maximum amount.
Read the policies rather than relying on summaries
Eligibility requirements and application procedures are specific to the program. A blog post can help you understand the process, but the official P.E.O. policies and current application calendar should guide your final decisions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should take care to avoid these common problems:
- Missing the eligibility-form deadline. The eligibility form must be submitted within the published September 15–December 15 window.
- Assuming IPS is a full scholarship. The maximum award is $12,500 per academic year, and additional resources are required.
- Applying without the required admission confirmation. Graduate applicants must provide confirmation of admission specifying their degree program.
- Ignoring the coursework and residency rules. Online-only study and dissertation-only arrangements for first-time doctoral applicants do not meet the stated requirements.
- Failing to arrange return travel funding. The official policies require guaranteed return or round-trip travel expenses, which IPS cannot fund.
- Using outdated application information. Deadlines and instructions should be checked against the calendar and policies for the relevant academic year.
- Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information. Check every form and supporting document before submission.
Other Scholarships to Consider
If IPS does not fit your circumstances or does not cover all your educational expenses, you can also investigate other graduate funding opportunities.
- AAUW International Fellowships: A separate funding program for eligible women pursuing graduate or postgraduate study, with its own rules and application calendar.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: An international educational exchange program available to eligible applicants from participating countries. Application arrangements vary by country.
- University-funded graduate scholarships and assistantships: Some universities provide scholarships, tuition waivers, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. Availability depends on the institution and academic department.
- Other country-specific scholarships: Depending on your nationality and intended field, government-funded and university-funded programs may offer additional options.
These opportunities have different eligibility requirements, benefits, and deadlines. Verify each program through its official website before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship worth?
The maximum award is $12,500 per academic year. The actual amount depends on demonstrated financial need, and the scholarship is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses.
Can Nigerian women apply for the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship?
A Nigerian woman may be eligible to apply through the graduate scholarship route if she meets the program’s other requirements, including the citizenship, admission, coursework, residency, financial, and return-travel conditions. Nigerian citizenship alone does not guarantee eligibility or selection.
Can I apply before receiving university admission?
You can begin researching universities and preparing for admission before submitting your scholarship application. However, the official IPS policy requires confirmation of admission specifying the graduate degree program with the application. Review the current instructions carefully before deciding when to proceed.
Does IPS cover airfare?
No. The official policies state that IPS awards cannot be used for travel. Graduate applicants must have their round-trip or return travel expenses guaranteed and provide the required documentation.
When is the deadline for the 2027–2028 scholarship?
Eligibility forms must be submitted by December 15, 2026. The full application deadline is February 1, 2027, for applicants already enrolled in the intended graduate program and school, and March 15, 2027, for applicants not yet enrolled in the intended graduate program or school. Confirm which deadline applies to you using the official calendar.
Where can I apply?
Start with the official P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship eligibility and application page. Use the “Access IPS Form” link to begin the eligibility process.
Conclusion
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship offers eligible international women an opportunity to receive financial assistance for graduate education in the United States or Canada. With a maximum award of $12,500 per academic year, it can help reduce educational expenses, although applicants must arrange additional resources to cover the remaining costs.
Before applying, confirm that you meet the program’s eligibility requirements, understand the coursework and residency rules, secure the necessary university admission, and arrange the required return-travel funding.
If you are preparing for the 2027–2028 academic year, start by reviewing the official eligibility page and submitting the eligibility form before December 15, 2026. Then follow the instructions for completing the full application by the deadline that applies to your circumstances.
Start here: Official P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship application information.
Careful preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements will help you determine whether IPS is suitable for your educational plans and give you a solid foundation for completing the application.