P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund 2026 | Study in United States — P.E.O. International
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, usually shortened to IPS, is one of the longer-running scholarship programs aimed squarely at international women pursuing graduate study in North America, and unusually, it’s open only to non-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens, flipping the restriction most national scholarships apply the other way around.
About the Scholarship
P.E.O. International is a U.S.- and Canada-based women’s philanthropic organization whose International Peace Scholarship Fund has supported international women graduate students since 1949. It’s designed as supplemental funding, meant to be used alongside other scholarships or personal funding rather than as a sole source of support for a graduate degree. It pairs well with other funding aimed at international women, including the Margaret McNamara US-Canada Program and MPOWER’s MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship for those in science and technology fields.
Scholarship Benefits
- A scholarship of up to $12,500 per academic year
- Can be renewed for a second year of study, subject to reapplication and continued eligibility
- Intended as supplemental funding, so it can be combined with other awards
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a woman who is not a citizen of the United States or Canada
- You must be enrolled, or have been accepted, as a full-time student in a master’s or doctoral degree program at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution
- You must have at least one academic year of study remaining at the time of application
- You generally need to apply through a local P.E.O. chapter where you’re studying, rather than directly to the national fund
Fields of Study Covered
Open to any field of graduate study at the master’s or doctoral level. IPS does not restrict eligibility by discipline.
Required Documents
- A completed IPS application form
- Proof of full-time graduate enrollment or admission
- Academic transcripts
- A statement describing your academic and professional goals
- Contact with a local P.E.O. chapter, since applications are typically coordinated through one
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify and contact a P.E.O. chapter local to your university, since IPS applications are coordinated at the chapter level
- Confirm you meet the citizenship, enrollment, and remaining-study-time requirements
- Complete the IPS application with your chapter’s assistance
- Submit transcripts and your goals statement
- Apply before the December 15 deadline for the following academic year’s funding
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed locally through the sponsoring P.E.O. chapter and then at the fund level, with attention to academic achievement, financial need, and the applicant’s stated academic and career goals.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Reach out to a local P.E.O. chapter early, since the application process runs through chapter sponsorship rather than a single central portal
- Be clear in your goals statement about what you plan to do with your degree, both during and after your studies
- Apply even if you already hold other funding, since IPS is explicitly designed to supplement rather than replace other scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
Can U.S. or Canadian citizens apply?
No, this scholarship is specifically for women who are not citizens of the United States or Canada.
Is this only for first-year graduate students?
No, as long as you have at least one academic year of study remaining, you can apply regardless of what year of your program you’re in.
How do I find a local P.E.O. chapter?
P.E.O. International’s website has a chapter locator; your university’s international student office may also be able to help connect you.
Can I use this scholarship alongside other funding?
Yes, IPS is explicitly designed as supplemental funding meant to be combined with other scholarships or personal resources.
Is the scholarship guaranteed to renew for a second year?
No, renewal requires reapplying and continuing to meet eligibility requirements. It isn’t automatic.