The AAUW International Fellowships—offered by the American Association of University Women—are prestigious, merit-based awards providing critical support for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to pursue graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. Conceived to promote academic excellence and empower women leaders, these fellowships help recipients make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities upon their return home.
1. Overview & Purpose
- Established in 1917, AAUW International Fellowships have a rich history of enabling women to advance academically and professionally. They support:
- Master’s or first professional degrees, such as J.D., M.F.A., M.D., etc.
- Doctoral degrees, including research-oriented Ph.D. or Ed.D.
- Postdoctoral research.
- Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States during a single academic year. AAUW seeks women committed to returning home and leveraging their education to benefit women and girls in their communities.
- In rare cases, women in Graduate Women International (GWI) programs may receive limited support for study outside the U.S., excluding their home countries.
2. Award Amounts & Duration
- Master’s / First Professional Degree: Up to $20,000
- Doctoral Degree: Up to $25,000
- Postdoctoral Research: Up to $50,000
- Duration: One academic year—from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible:
- The applicant must be a woman (or individual identifying as a woman) who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Dual U.S. citizens are ineligible.
- Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline. Degrees must include proper documentation (name, institution, degree conferred). Translation and credential evaluation may be required for non-U.S. documents.
- Be committed to full-time study or research during the fellowship year in the U.S. Partial-year or distance-learning programs are ineligible.
- Plan to return to their home country to pursue a professional career—demonstrated through future plans and post-fellowship intent.
- Have proficiency in English, demonstrated via:
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Duolingo test scores (with specific minimums), or
- A written statement that English is the native language, or
- A transcript or diploma showing study at an English-speaking institution.
- Must have applied to or be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution for the fellowship year; acceptance notice can be submitted later.
- Not eligible if the applicant or their immediate family are related to AAUW staff, board, or prior recipients of an AAUW national fellowship (excluding local or branch grants).
- Previous AAUW International Fellowship recipients are ineligible.
4. Timeline & Key Deadlines (2025–2026 Cycle)
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | August 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT) |
| Fellowship Term | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 |
| Notification of Awardees | April 15, 2026 |
| First Stipend Disbursement | July–September 2026 |
| Interim Report (for renewal only) | December 15, 2026 |
| Second Stipend Disbursement | January 2027 |
| Grant Impact Report Due | July 31, 2027 |
| (For Master’s applicants) Renewal Application Deadline | May 30, 2027 (for second-year funding) |
5. Application Components & Requirements
You must submit the following:
- Narrative Application (typically with essays/personal statements).
- Letters of Recommendation—two required (from academic/professional references). No dossier services like Interfolio. Use professional email addresses.
- Copy of Degree(s)—highest degree earned, with translations and evaluations if needed.
- Official Transcripts—with full details of coursework and grades. Translations or institutional letters if documents are non-standard.
- CGPA Calculation—must be at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent documentation through credential services or institutional confirmation.
- English Proficiency Evidence—test scores or approved substitutes as detailed above.
- Proof of Admission or Enrollment—offer letter, transcript, or verification letter establishing your academic participation.
All documents must be carefully prepared and uploaded via the AAUW application portal (hosted by ISTS); incomplete applications are not accepted or reviewed.
6. Selection Process & Criteria
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Scholarly excellence—academic records, awards, and research potential.
- Original and feasible study/research plan—with clear timeline, funding strategy, and contribution to the field.
- Commitment to women and girls—demonstrated through leadership, community, or professional involvement.
- Potential impact—how the fellowship will contribute to applicant’s home country and her future leadership.
- Preference given to:
- Applicants from countries underrepresented among past recipients.
- Women pursuing their first international academic experience.
- Applicants residing in their home countries at time of application.
Process Overview
- Eligibility & Completeness Check: AAUW Staff ensure applications meet basic requirements.
- Peer Panel Review: Panels evaluate academic excellence, plans, and service to women and girls.
- Final Approval: Awards granted based on panel recommendations and funding availability.
Note: Applications cannot be edited or supplemented after submission; missing documents result in disqualification. No feedback is provided individually.
7. Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Craft a compelling narrative emphasizing how your education will empower women in your community.
- Be specific—include project objectives, goals, and metrics in your study or research plan.
- Document impact—quantify previous mentorship, outreach, or leadership activities.
- Demonstrate return intent—clearly articulate your career and social commitments post-fellowship.
- Leverage underrepresented status—if applicable, highlight unique perspectives or backgrounds.
- Start early—request letters, translations, and credential evaluations well ahead of the deadline.
- Review thoroughly—check formatting, names, and completeness of every document before submission.
8. Final Thoughts
The AAUW International Fellowships offer a unique, prestigious opportunity for non-U.S. women to pursue graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States while contributing to global gender equity and academic excellence. Success demands attentive preparation, thoughtful documentation, and a bold vision for your professional and civic impact.