Description
The AAUW International Fellowships program supports women pursuing postgraduate studies in the United States who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents. Since its inception in 1917, the program has empowered outstanding international scholars committed to returning to their home countries to apply their expertise for community advancement. Additionally, up to five awards may be granted to members of Graduate Women International (GWI) for study outside their home country.
Award Details
- Master’s candidates: $20,000 (disbursed in two installments)
- Doctoral candidates: $25,000 (disbursed in two installments)
- Funds are non-transferable and exclusively for the fellow’s use.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
- Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Applicants must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or doctoral program at the time of application.
- Eligible degrees include: M.A., M.S., M.B.A., Ph.D., J.D., M.D., and other professional programs.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Study Requirements
- Must begin studies by September 1, 2026, and complete them no earlier than April 30, 2027.
- Full-time enrollment at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution is mandatory.
- For study outside the U.S. or home country, applicants must be GWI members, and the institution must be recognized by the U.S. federal student aid program.
Disqualifying Factors
- U.S. citizens/permanent residents are ineligible.
- Current/former AAUW employees, consultants, board members, or their immediate family members cannot apply.
- Previous recipients of AAUW fellowships/grants (excluding Community Action Grants or local branch awards) are not eligible.
Award Renewal (Master’s Only)
Up to five master’s students may receive second-year funding.
Eligibility requires:
- Enrollment in a two-year program at the start of the fellowship.
- Top-ranking academic performance in their field.
- Maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Submission of a renewal application, transcript, and institutional certification by May 30, 2027.
Selection Criteria
For Master’s Applicants:
- Academic excellence (minimum 3.5 GPA).
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing women and girls.
- Intent to return home and contribute professionally.
- Feasibility of study plan.
Preference given to:
- Applicants residing in their home country.
- Those with limited prior international study experience.
- Candidates from underrepresented nations in AAUW’s history.
For Doctoral Applicants:
- 3.5+ GPA in their most advanced degree.
- Originality in research and potential for field impact.
- Leadership in women’s empowerment.
- Clear research timeline and funding strategy.
- Preference for applicants from underrepresented countries and those without prior international study.
Application Timeline:
Application opens: August 1, 2025
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Award notifications by: April 15, 2026
First payment: July–September 2026
Second payment: January 2027 (requires interim report by December 15, 2026)
Fellowship term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Final report due: July 31, 2027
How to Apply
- Submit applications via AAUW’s awards management system (updates will be posted on their official website).
- Prepare in advance: Review eligibility, gather documents, and monitor the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page for updates.
- Email inquiries: awards@aauw.org
Required Documents
- Two recommendation letters (academic/professional references).
- Academic transcripts (with certified English translations if necessary).
- GPA verification (on a 4.0 scale).
- Proof of English proficiency (test scores or academic records).
- Admission/enrollment proof in an eligible graduate program.
- GWI membership confirmation (if studying outside the U.S.).
- Certified translations/name change documents (if applicable).
Note: Incomplete or incorrect submissions will result in disqualification.
For the latest updates, visit the official AAUW website.
Website URL
https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/international-fellowships/#Timeline