In a world increasingly shaped by global collaboration, education remains one of the most powerful tools for fostering peace, equity, and progress. Among the many initiatives that champion this cause, the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity for women across the globe. Established in 1949, IPS has supported thousands of international women in their pursuit of graduate education in the United States and Canada, nurturing a generation of leaders committed to making a positive impact in their home countries.
Origins Rooted in Peace
The IPS Fund was born from a visionary moment in 1919, when Franc Roads Elliott—one of the founders of the Philanthropic Educational Organisation (P.E.O.)—introduced a resolution for international peace at the Convention of Supreme Chapter. Her belief in the power of education to promote peace laid the foundation for what would become a transformative scholarship programme. Thirty years later, in 1949, her vision materialised with the establishment of the International Peace Scholarship Fund, a project dedicated to advancing peace through education.
Since its inception, IPS has embodied the values of global sisterhood, academic excellence, and social responsibility. In 1951, the programme expanded to include international students attending Cottey College, a women’s liberal arts and sciences college in Missouri owned by the P.E.O. Sisterhood. This expansion further reinforced the organisation’s commitment to empowering women through education.
Purpose and Impact
The core mission of the IPS Fund is to provide financial assistance to women from outside the United States and Canada who are pursuing graduate degrees at accredited institutions in these countries. The scholarship is not merely a financial award—it is a catalyst for change. IPS recipients are selected not only for their academic potential but also for their commitment to returning to their home countries and using their education to foster peace, development, and social progress.
Over the decades, IPS scholars have gone on to become educators, health professionals, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Their work has touched countless lives, proving that investing in women’s education yields exponential returns for society.
Scholarship Details
The IPS Fund awards scholarships based on demonstrated financial need, but it is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. Applicants must show that they have additional financial resources to support their studies. These resources may include personal or family funds, tuition waivers, work opportunities, teaching assistantships, study grants, and other scholarships.
The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500, although lesser amounts may be granted depending on individual circumstances. This flexible approach allows the IPS Fund to support a diverse range of students with varying financial needs.
Importantly, IPS does not fund online courses, research-only programmes, internships, or practical training unless these are combined with formal coursework. Doctoral students who have completed their coursework and are solely working on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for an IPS scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be women from countries outside the United States and Canada.
- Academic Intent: They must be seeking an advanced degree (master’s or doctoral) from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
- Residency: Applicants must be enrolled and in residence for the entire academic year.
- Commitment to Impact: They must intend to return to their home countries upon completion of their studies to contribute positively to their communities.
- Cottey College Students: International students attending Cottey College are also eligible.
Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada are not eligible. However, students with residency for tax purposes only may apply.
Application Timeline and Process
The IPS application process is structured and time-sensitive. Prospective applicants must adhere to the following calendar for the 2026–2027 term of study:
- September 15, 2025: IPS begins accepting eligibility forms.
- December 15, 2025: Final day to submit eligibility forms.
- February 1, 2026: Deadline for completed application materials from applicants already enrolled in their intended graduate programme.
- March 15, 2026: Deadline for completed application materials from applicants not yet enrolled and for those attending Cottey College.
- May 2026: Notification of scholarship awards.
- June 1, 2026: Final day for students to accept IPS scholarships.
The application process begins with the submission of an eligibility form, which can be accessed through the official IPS portal: IPS Application Form
Applicants must provide detailed information about their academic background, financial resources, career goals, and commitment to community impact. The IPS Board of Trustees oversees the student selection process, ensuring that each recipient aligns with the scholarship’s mission and values.
The Role of P.E.O. Sisterhood
The P.E.O. Sisterhood is a philanthropic organisation that has been promoting educational opportunities for women since 1869. With over 6,000 chapters and nearly a quarter million members across the U.S. and Canada, P.E.O. is a powerful network of women dedicated to supporting one another through education, friendship, and service.
The IPS Fund is one of six educational projects sponsored by P.E.O., alongside the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, P.E.O. Scholar Awards, P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, and ownership of Cottey College. Each of these initiatives reflects the organisation’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
Through IPS, P.E.O. members actively engage in identifying, mentoring, and supporting international women scholars. Their involvement goes beyond financial support—they offer encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging to students navigating life in a new country.
Stories of Transformation
The true impact of the IPS Fund is best illustrated through the stories of its recipients. From rural villages in Africa to bustling cities in Asia, IPS scholars have returned home equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead change.
One IPS alumna from Nepal used her degree in public health to launch a maternal health initiative that reduced infant mortality rates in remote communities. Another scholar from Nigeria became a university professor, mentoring young women in STEM fields and advocating for gender equity in education.
These stories are not isolated—they represent the ripple effect of empowering women through education. Each IPS recipient becomes a torchbearer of peace, progress, and possibility.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the IPS Fund has achieved remarkable success, it continues to face challenges in meeting the growing demand for scholarships. The cost of graduate education in North America is rising, and many international students struggle to secure adequate funding. The IPS Fund relies on donations, fundraising efforts, and the generosity of P.E.O. members to sustain its mission.
To expand its reach, IPS is exploring partnerships with universities, foundations, and global organisations that share its commitment to women’s education and peacebuilding. These collaborations can help increase scholarship amounts, support more students, and amplify the programme’s impact.
Conclusion
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund is more than a financial aid programme. It is a movement rooted in hope, education, and global sisterhood. By investing in the academic journeys of international women, IPS nurtures leaders who return home to uplift their communities and promote peace.
As the world faces complex challenges—from climate change to inequality—the need for educated, compassionate, and visionary leaders has never been greater. IPS continues to rise to this challenge, one scholar at a time.
For women dreaming of graduate study in the U.S. or Canada, IPS offers not just funding but a pathway to transformation. And for those who believe in the power of education to change the world, supporting IPS is a meaningful way to make that vision a reality.
