The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) in Canada, 2025

In a world where education is a powerful force for change, the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) stands out as a beacon of hope. For decades, P.E.O. has supported women from outside the U.S. and Canada to pursue graduate study in North America — all in the spirit of fostering global understanding and peace. The 2025 IPS cycle continues this legacy, empowering outstanding women who are committed not just to their academic goals, but also to making a positive difference in their home countries and the world.

What Is the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship?

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund is a long-standing program run by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, designed to support women from countries other than the U.S. and Canada who wish to pursue graduate-level study in North America. IPS has been operating since 1949.

The core mission of IPS is to foster global peace through education, on the belief that educated women will return to their home countries and contribute to their societies — helping build more just, understanding, and peaceful communities. Apart from financial aid, IPS also encourages a sense of sisterhood: recipients often talk about the emotional and moral support they receive from P.E.O. members during their studies.

What Does the IPS Scholarship Provide?

Here’s a breakdown of how much financial help the IPS offers, and how it works:

• The maximum award is US$ 12,500 per year.
• The amount each student receives depends on demonstrated financial need and is not guaranteed to cover all expenses.
• Payment is split into two installments:
  1. First payment after you confirm your enrollment.
  2. Second payment in December once you prove you’re continuing full-time.
• The scholarship can be renewed for one additional year (up to 2 years total) if awarded again and if you remain eligible.
• Funds can be used for: tuition, living expenses, and local transport. But you can’t use IPS money for international travel or conferences.

Who Is Eligible for the 2025 IPS Scholarship?

If you’re considering applying for the 2025 IPS, here’s a detailed breakdown of who qualifies — based on the P.E.O. International eligibility criteria.

1. Nationality
   • Applicants must be women from countries other than the United States and Canada.
   • Canadian or U.S. citizens, or permanent residents, are not eligible.
2. Level & Type of Study
   • Must be pursuing a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
   • First-time applicants must have at least one full year of coursework remaining (i.e., cannot be applying for dissertation-only funding).
   • Doctoral students who have already completed coursework and are working only on a dissertation are not eligible as first-time applicants.
   • The scholarship does not fund online-only study, internships, or research unless they are part of a formal coursework program.
3. Residency & Enrollment
   • You must be enrolled full-time and in residence for the full academic year in the U.S. or Canada
   • Alternatively, international students at Cottey College (in the U.S.) are also eligible.
4. Return to Home Country
   • A key expectation: IPS recipients should plan to return to their home countries after completing their studies to apply their education toward “fostering global peace.”
5. Application Period
   • The eligibility form must be submitted between September 15 and December 15, 2025.
   • For currently enrolled graduate students, full application materials are due by February 1, 2026.
   • For new students (or those not yet enrolled), the full application is due by March 15, 2026.

How IPS Recipients Are Selected

Here’s how P.E.O. selects IPS scholars:

1. Eligibility Confirmation
   • The first step is completing an eligibility form submitted between Mid-September and Mid-December.
   • Once your eligibility is confirmed, P.E.O. sends you the full application.
2. Detailed Application
   • Applicants must submit a realistic, complete budget with estimated costs and other sources of funding (family, scholarships, grants, work, etc.).
   • You also need two recommendation letters, ideally from professors or supervisors who know your academic and personal goals.
3. Selection Criteria
   • The IPS Board of Trustees reviews applications without discrimination (age, religion, nationality, etc.)
   • They evaluate both financial need and your potential social impact — does your education plan align with P.E.O.’s mission of fostering global peace?
4. Award Notification
   • Winners are usually notified in May.
   • If selected, you must accept the scholarship by June 1.

Important Deadlines (2025)

Here are the crucial dates for the 2025–2026 IPS cycle

Why the IPS Matters

Here’s why the IPS is a scholarship with purpose:

1. Global Peace Through Education
   P.E.O. believes that when women from around the world gain advanced education, they return home ready to lead, teach, and contribute — creating ripples of peace and understanding.
2. Financial Assistance with Heart
   The IPS Fund helps cover part of the cost of study — tuition, living expenses, and more. But importantly, it expects students to also identify other funding sources, ensuring a realistic and sustainable financial plan.
3. Sisterhood & Community
   Beyond money, P.E.O. offers mentorship, emotional support, and a global network. Many recipients report that the encouragement from P.E.O. members abroad is one of the most valuable parts of their scholarship.
4. Legacy and Impact
   Since 1949, P.E.O. has awarded thousands of IPS scholarships. According to their data, the IPS Fund has contributed more than US$ 52 million toward helping over 7,000 women around the globe.

Tips for Applicants

If you plan to apply for the 2025 IPS, here are some practical strategies:

1. Be Very Clear About Your Need
   • Since the award is based on financial need, prepare a realistic budget showing your expected expenses and other funding sources.
   • Demonstrate why you need IPS support, not just that you need it.
2. Show Commitment to Global Impact
   • Explain how you intend to return to your country and apply what you learn to make a difference.
   • Highlight any past volunteer, community, or leadership experience that aligns with the IPS mission.
3. Be Ready for Full-Time Study
   • Make sure your program is full-time, on-campus, and includes at least one entire additional year of coursework.
4. Prepare Strong References
   • Ask for recommendation letters from professors or supervisors who know your academic ability and your potential to contribute meaningfully to your home country.
5. Apply Early
   • Submit the eligibility form just after it opens (September 15) — first impressions may matter.
   • Prepare all required documents (transcripts, financial statements, study plan) ahead of time.
6. Be Realistic About Coverage
   • Since the scholarship doesn’t cover all costs, plan for how you will fund the rest (other scholarships, work, family).
   • Use the P.E.O. worksheet or template (if available) to map to your personal finances.

Where to Apply & Learn More

🔗 IPS Official Page: P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund

🔗 Eligibility & Application Process: Eligibility & Application – P.E.O. IPS

🔗 IPS Application Calendar (2025–2026): IPS Calendar

🔗 Policies & Procedures (PDF): IPS Policies Document

Conclusion

The 2025 P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) is a meaningful opportunity for international women who are ambitious and committed to contributing to global peace through education. It provides financial support and access to a global community, mentorship, and a structured way to maximize the impact of your degree.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare early, clearly articulate your need and mission, and build a strong application that blends both academic merit and social commitment — IPS could change both your life and the lives of people in your home country.

Good luck with your application. 💪