A 30-Day Residential Training in Gandhian Nonviolence, Peace and Conflict Transformation
About the course
The Certificate Program on Nonviolence and Peace is a 30-day, full-time residential academic training offered by MGM University, Maharashtra, India, in partnership with an international group of educators and practitioners. The course is free, with a fee for accomodation, food and visits (see below). Grounded in the philosophy and practice of Gandhian nonviolence, the program invites participants to explore how nonviolence can become both a way of life and a practical approach to building more just, peaceful and sustainable societies. The program combines academic learning with dialogue, experiential activities, field visits and direct interaction with practitioners.
Rather than treating peace as simply the absence of violence, the course explores the deeper conditions that make peaceful societies possible. Participants will examine the relationship between truth, nonviolence, justice, conflict, social transformation and sustainable living, while developing practical tools for responding constructively to difficult human situations. The training is designed for people from different countries, professional backgrounds and areas of experience who wish to deepen their understanding of nonviolence and apply it in their personal, professional or social contexts.
What will you learn
The program is structured around four interconnected areas: Principles of Nonviolence and Peace; Nonviolent Action – Dimensions and Applications; Nonviolent Methods of Dealing with Conflict; and a Field Project. Participants will study the philosophical foundations of Gandhian thought, the principles and practice of Satyagraha, nonviolent resistance and constructive action, as well as different approaches to conflict analysis, dialogue, negotiation, mediation, reconciliation and conflict transformation.
Learning takes place through teaching sessions, group discussions, workshops, case studies, interaction with practitioners, library work, journal writing and exposure visits to places connected with the practice of nonviolence, including the Gandhi Ashram. Each participant will also have a mentor to support the practical work and field project, which will culminate in a structured final report and presentation.
Who can apply
The program is open to international students, professionals, activists, community leaders, teachers, lifelong learners and others interested in nonviolence and peace. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have completed undergraduate studies, or, in the case of undergraduates, have relevant experience in peace action. Proficiency in English is required, as the program involves academic discussions, readings, written work and interaction in English.
Because this is an intensive residential program, applicants should be prepared to participate fully throughout the 30-day period. The program has an intake of 30 students, and admission is based on an online application followed by a personal interview and references. We particularly welcome people who are already engaged, or who intend to become engaged, in peacebuilding, social transformation, education, community work, nonviolent activism, conflict resolution or related fields.
Dates, location and investment
The 2026 edition will take place from 15 November to 14 December 2026 at MGM University in Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India. It is a residential program comprising 24 days of campus activities and a six-day exposure visit to places of practice. The academic structure corresponds to 12 credits, with teaching-learning sessions, practical or field activities, library work, tutorials and supervised project development.
The course is free, but requires a fee of US$800 to afford shared accommodation for 30 days, food for 30 days, and the exposure visit. Single-room accommodation is also available at an additional rate of US$15 per day per person. Applicants should follow the payment instructions provided by MGM University during the admission process.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online and are followed by a personal interview and references as part of the admission process. As the program has a limited intake of 30 participants, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and to provide clear information about their academic, professional or community experience and their motivation for studying nonviolence and peace.
If you are interested in participating in this international learning experience, please complete the online application and follow the instructions provided by MGM University. For questions concerning admission, fees, accommodation or the application process, applicants may contact the University Department of Gandhian Studies, MGM University
Contacts
hod.gandhianstudies@mgmu.ac.in
contato@shantibrasil.com
+91 9421925146.