FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMME

Foundation Scholarships

The Ambassadorial Scholarships programme, the precursor to today's  Foundation Scholarships programme, was founded in 1947. Since then, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad through this scheme. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships programme. 710 scholarships were awarded for study in 2009-10. Through grants totaling approximately US $500 million, recipients from about 52 countries studied in more than 73 nations.

The purpose of the Foundation Scholarships programme is to further international understanding and friendship among people of different countries and geographical areas. The programme 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. On 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 Foundation Scholars will be tomorrow's community and world leaders.