American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides AAUW International Fellowships for international women to pursue their graduate studies in the US institutions. AAUW has offered these International Fellowships since 1917. The program provides financial assistance to women, not U.S. citizens or P.R. (permanent residents), who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career after pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S.

A limited number of fellowships are available to Graduate Women International members for study outside the United States, except in the applicant’s home country. Graduate and postgraduate studies at approved United States institutions can apply for this opportunity.

Candidates should have obtained the equivalent of a U.S. undergraduate degree by the deadline to apply for the AAUW International Fellowships. Also, they should have applied to their proposed institutions by the time of the application. The selection committee will select the recipients considering their academic achievement and commitment demonstrated to women and girls.

Key Details

• Fellowship Application Submission Period: August 17, 2026, at 9:00 am ET – September 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET
• Fellowship Award Status Notification: March 2027
• First Stipend Disbursed: July – September 2027
• Mid year reprot due: December 2027
• Fellowship Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
• Second Stipend Disbursed: December 2027 / January 2028
• Final report: July 31, 2027
• Organized by: AAUW (American Association of University Women)
• Fellowship Location: United States
• Type of Fellowship: Full-time study or research

Awards and Benefits

Fellows can receive the following allowance for the duration of their fellowship program:

• Master’s or first professional degree: $20,000
• Doctoral degree: $25,000

Fields of Study

International Fellowships are available for master’s, academic doctoral, and professional doctoral degree programs formally classified as STEM disciplines, including but not limited to the fields listed below. Eligibility is based on the classification of the applicant’s degree program, not on their individual research topic or area of focus.

Also, check these opportunities:

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Eligibility Criteria of the AAUW International Fellowships

Applicants for the AAUW International Fellowships have to meet the following requirements:

• Identify as a woman.
• Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Admitted/enrolled in first Master’s or Doctorate (e.g., M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.D., Ph.D., J.D.).
• The program must start on or before Sept 1, 2026, and end on or after Apr 30, 2027.
• Hold at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (highest degree earned).
  • Can apply for only one degree type in a single specific field.
  • Must study full-time in the U.S. at an accredited institution.
  • Must reside in the U.S. or the research country during the fellowship.
• Applicants studying outside their home country or the U.S. must:
  • Be members of Graduate Women International (GWI).
  • Attend an institution eligible for U.S. federal student aid.

Not Eligible

The following groups are not eligible:

• AAUW Board Members
• AAUW employees (current/former, any role)
• AAUW reviewers
• The immediate family of the above
• Past AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (except Community Action Grants or local AAUW awards)

Selection Criteria

Below are the selection criteria for both Master’s and PhD studies:

Master’s Degree Applications:

• Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
• Demonstrated academic excellence and recognition.
• Commitment to applying expertise in the home country and supporting women/girls.
• Clear and feasible study plan, timeline, and funding.
• Defined career plans upon returning home.
• Preference for applicants from underrepresented countries.
• Preference for first-time international students.
• Preference for applicants residing in their home country.

Doctorate Degree Applications:

• Hold the highest academic degree (U.S. or abroad) with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
• Strong academic distinction.
• Original research with potential impact in the field.
• Commitment to using skills in the home country and empowering women/girls.
• Feasible research plan, funding, and timeline.
• Defined post-fellowship plans in the home country.
• Preference for applicants from underrepresented countries.
• Preference for first-time international researchers.
• Preference for applicants currently living in the home country.

Selection Process

Fellowships are awarded competitively based on the recommendations of AAUW’s independent review panels and available funds. Only complete applications that meet all eligibility criteria will be considered.

• Incomplete or incorrect applications are not reviewed.
• No edits or updates allowed after submission.
• Additional documents and deadline extensions are not accepted.
• AAUW does not provide feedback on errors or missing materials.

Applications are first screened by the AAUW Fellowships & Grants team for eligibility. Panels of scholars in Arts & Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences review eligible applications. Final decisions are based on panel recommendations and AAUW approval.

Required Documents

Please prepare and submit these documents as part of your application package:

• Two recommendation letters from academic/professional contacts (no dossier services or form letters).
• Copy of highest degree earned (with name, institution, and degree; certified English translation if not in English).
• Official transcript of highest degree (with name, institution, degree, courses, and grades; plus certified translation if needed).
• CGPA calculation on a 4.0 scale showing minimum 3.5 GPA (via transcript, institutional letter, or credential evaluation).
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo, or transcript from an English-speaking institution).
• Proof of admission or current enrollment (official admission letter or current transcript/enrollment letter).
• Proof of Graduate Women International (GWI) membership (if studying outside the U.S., via certificate, letter, or documentation).
• Certified English translations for any non-English documents.
• Explanation of name change (if applicable, e.g., marriage certificate or court document).

Minimum English Test Scores:

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: 60
• IELTS: 6.5
• Cambridge Assessment: 176
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 120

Application Procedure for the AAUW International Fellowships

Qualified applicants can apply online by entering the link below:

Apply Now

Please visit the American Association of University Women website to learn more about the AAUW International Fellowships, selection criteria, and regulations.

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