AAUW International Fellowships for Non-American Women Seeking Graduate and Postgraduate Study in the US

If you are a woman outside the United States looking for a fully funded opportunity to pursue graduate or postgraduate education in America, the AAUW International Fellowships program is one of the most prestigious, well-resourced, and globally recognized options available to you. Since its first award in 1917, this program has changed the lives of thousands of women across the world — funding their education, expanding their networks, and positioning them to lead in their home countries.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what the fellowship is, who qualifies, how much it pays, what expenses it covers, how the selection process works, and how to build a competitive application.

What Is the AAUW International Fellowship?

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship is one of the largest graduate scholarships for women in the world. The organization has been educating, empowering, and advocating for women since 1881, with the fellowship programs beginning in 1888. Amber

Originally designed to provide Latin American women opportunities for graduate and postgraduate study in the United States, the International Fellowships program awarded its first fellowship in 1917. The program now includes women from around the world, and International Fellowships have been awarded to more than 3,600 women from more than 150 nations. Harvard

AAUW has awarded over $135 million in fellowships and grants since its inception in 1888. More than 13,000 scholars and organizations across 50 states and over 150 countries have benefited from AAUW’s support. GradRight

The fellowship is not a passive financial handout. It is a deliberate investment in women who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to uplifting women and girls in their communities. The underlying expectation is clear: you come to the United States, pursue your education at the highest level, and return home equipped to create change.

AAUW’s International Fellowships promote education and equity for women by investing in international applicants who will pursue postgraduate studies or research in the U.S., with the intention of applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in the context of their home countries. Scholafrica

Fellowship Categories Under the AAUW Program

The AAUW International Fellowship umbrella covers three distinct levels of academic study. It is important to understand each category because the eligibility criteria, stipend amounts, and application pathways differ across them.

Master’s and First Professional Degree Fellowships

These fellowships target women admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or professional degree program at an accredited U.S. institution. Master’s and first professional degree fellowships are intended for master’s or professional degree-level programs such as J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., or medical degrees such as M.D., D.D.S., and similar qualifications. Certificates, associate degrees, and undergraduate degrees are ineligible. Scholars4Dev

Programs that qualify include but are not limited to M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.F.A., L.L.M., and M.Arch. If you are pursuing a law degree, a business degree, or a medical degree at the master’s or first professional level, you are within scope.

Doctoral Fellowships

Doctoral fellowships are intended for doctorate degrees classified as research degrees, such as Ph.D. or Ed.D. Scholars4Dev Other qualifying degrees at this level include D.B.A., J.D., M.D., and similar academic and professional doctorates.

It is worth noting that you must be applying for your first doctoral degree. The fellowship is not available to women who already hold a doctorate and are simply pursuing another at the same level.

International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

This is a separate but closely related program for women who already hold a doctoral degree and wish to pursue postdoctoral research in the United States. Applicants must be admitted to their first postdoctoral research experience by the application deadline, hold an academic or professional doctoral degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and pursue their research in the U.S. on a full-time basis at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. AAUW

If you are at this stage in your academic career, AAUW strongly encourages applying specifically to the International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship rather than the standard International Fellowship program.

AAUW International Fellowship Stipend and Award Amounts

The financial support offered under this program is substantial. Here is a clear breakdown of what each category attracts:

Degree Level	Stipend Amount
Master’s or First Professional Degree	$20,000
Doctoral Degree	$25,000
Postdoctoral Research (separate program)	$50,000

International Fellowships carry a stipend of $20,000 for a master’s degree and $25,000 for a doctorate degree. Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term. AAUW

This is an important structural detail. The money goes directly to you as the fellow, not to your institution. You receive the first half at the start of your fellowship year and the second half at the midpoint. This gives you direct control over how you manage and allocate the funds within the permitted categories.

What the Fellowship Funds Can Cover

The fellowship stipend is flexible enough to cover the most significant expenses you will face as an international graduate student in the United States. Eligible expense categories include:

• Tuition and institutional fees
• Required course materials such as textbooks and academic supplies
• Housing and food costs
• Dependent care, including childcare
• Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars, as long as it does not exceed 10 percent of the fellowship total. Scholafrica

What this means practically is that if you receive a $25,000 doctoral fellowship, up to $2,500 of that can go toward professional travel — attending conferences in your field, presenting research, or building connections at academic events. The remaining amount goes toward your living and academic expenses.

Fellowship Duration and Renewal

The fellowship covers one academic year. However, there is a limited renewal provision worth understanding. A two-year fellowship may be awarded to up to five master’s degree candidates. To be considered eligible, applicants must be admitted into a two-year program as first-year students by the beginning of the Fellowship Term. AAUW

International Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships are one-time awards and are not renewable. AAUW If you are pursuing a doctoral degree, plan your finances accordingly. The fellowship supports one year of your program, and you will need to identify supplementary funding sources for the remaining years of your doctorate.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for AAUW International Fellowships

Eligibility for this fellowship is clearly defined. Meeting all the criteria is non-negotiable — partial compliance will result in disqualification regardless of how strong the rest of your application is.

Core Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship and residency status. You must be a citizen of a country other than the USA or hold a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the USA. If you are currently, or expect to be during the fellowship year, a citizen of the USA, permanent resident of the USA, or dual citizen with the USA and another country, you are not eligible. GradRight

This disqualification extends further than many applicants realize. Individuals holding permanent residency status of the United States or applicants for permanent residency are not eligible to apply for the International Fellowship, even if they are citizens of another country. AAUW If you have a pending green card application, you cannot apply.

Gender identity. You must identify as a woman. The fellowship is designed specifically for women and this is a firm eligibility condition.

Academic credentials. Applicants must possess at least one academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. While applicants may hold multiple degrees, they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned. Scholars4Dev

This GPA requirement is strict. To be eligible for International Fellowship, applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For master’s degree applicants, the CGPA must be based on the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. For doctorate degree applicants, the CGPA must be based on the highest degree earned at the time of application. AAUW

Enrollment status. Applicants must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate degree at the time of application. Applicants must begin their program on or before September 1, 2026, and complete it on or after April 30, 2027. Opportunity Desk You do not need to have received your admission letter before applying, but you must have at least applied to an accredited institution.

Full-time study commitment. You must intend to devote yourself full-time to your proposed academic plan during the fellowship year. GradRight Part-time programs are not supported under this award.

Return to home country. You should plan to return to your home country to pursue a professional career after completing your studies. GradRight This is not just a bureaucratic formality. AAUW takes this seriously as a core purpose of the fellowship, and your application should clearly demonstrate how your education will benefit your home country and community.

English proficiency. You must be proficient in English and confirm your proficiency by submitting one of the required components, such as certain English proficiency exams, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a written statement verifying English as your primary language of instruction. GradRight

The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 79 for the Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, you may qualify for a waiver of the test score requirement.

Who Cannot Apply

Beyond citizenship status, several other categories of people are specifically excluded:

• Employees of AAUW, including paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary employees, consultants, interns, and contract employees AAUW
• Immediate family members of AAUW employees, including spouses and dependent children
• Previous AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (excluding Community Action Grants or local AAUW branch awards)

If you have received any other AAUW fellowship in the past, you are not eligible to apply for the International Fellowship.

Fields of Study Covered

One of the major strengths of the AAUW International Fellowship is its breadth. Unlike many competitive fellowships that restrict applicants to specific academic disciplines, this program is open to a wide range of fields at the master’s and doctoral levels.

For master’s and doctoral applicants, eligible fields span the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, law, medicine, engineering, and the sciences. There is no restricted list of approved fields for these two levels — you simply need to be enrolled in an eligible degree program at an accredited U.S. institution.

For the postdoctoral research track, the scope is more specific. International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are available for the following Natural and Physical Science discipline areas AAUW as outlined on the AAUW website, so postdoctoral applicants should verify their specific field qualifies before beginning the application process.

It is also worth noting that for the current STEM-focused fellowship cycle that AAUW introduced for certain application rounds, International Fellowships are available for master’s and academic and professional doctoral degree programs in STEM disciplines, including but not limited to Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry) and other STEM fields. AAUW Applicants uncertain whether their program qualifies as STEM can consult the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which AAUW uses to determine STEM eligibility.

Application Timeline and Key Deadlines

The AAUW International Fellowship follows a predictable annual cycle. Understanding this timeline is critical because late or incomplete applications are not reviewed under any circumstances.

Milestone	Date
Application portal opens	August 1 annually
Application deadline	September 30, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Decision notifications sent	April 15 (following year)
Fellowship year begins	July 1
Fellowship year ends	June 30

The application deadline for AY 2026–2027 is September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Applications and submission of supporting documents are done online. Scholars4Dev

AAUW does not accommodate requests for earlier notification. GradRight If you apply and do not hear back before April 15, do not email AAUW asking for your result. The decision is communicated on that date and not before.

What Documents You Need to Apply

Preparing a complete application takes significant time and coordination, particularly because several documents depend on third parties. Start gathering your materials well before the deadline — ideally two to three months in advance.

Required Documents

• Letters of recommendation. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from advisors, professors, colleagues, or others who are academically or professionally familiar with the applicant and can speak to their work, professional qualifications, and academic background. AAUW Your recommenders are notified through the application system and submit their letters directly. Use professional email addresses for your recommenders, not personal ones.
• Proof of your highest academic degree earned to date
• Proof of bachelor’s degree (as the minimum qualifying credential)
• Official TOEFL score report or a waiver request if applicable
• Letter of admission from your proposed U.S. institution (required at the point of award acceptance, though acceptance is not mandatory at the time of application)
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Current enrollment proof if you are already enrolled in your program
• Proof of doctoral or M.F.A. degree for postdoctoral applicants only

In addition to these documents, the narrative portion of the application requires a personal statement that articulates your academic goals, your commitment to gender equity, your professional trajectory, and how your proposed studies connect to leadership and service in your home country.

The Eligibility Quiz

Before you can access the full application, you must pass the eligibility quiz to be reviewed by the selection panel. Scholafrica This quiz screens out applicants who clearly do not meet the basic criteria. Passing it is a prerequisite for accessing the rest of the application system, so do not skip this step or treat it as a formality.

How AAUW Selects Fellows: The Review Process

The selection process is rigorous, competitive, and structured. Understanding how it works gives you important insight into how to position your application.

Applications to the International Fellowships are reviewed by panels of distinguished scholars and experts in STEM fields. Review panels meet once a year to review applications for funding. Panel funding recommendations are subject to final approval by AAUW. AAUW

Before reaching the review panel, every application is first screened for completeness. AAUW’s Fellowships and Grants Team reviews applications for completeness and ensures compliance with eligibility requirements. Each eligible and complete application is then reviewed by a panel of reviewers, who evaluate applications based on the selection criteria outlined. AAUW

This means that an incomplete application never reaches a human reviewer. If a required document is missing, your application is effectively withdrawn. The responsibility for completeness rests entirely with you as the applicant.

Primary Selection Criteria

The review panel evaluates applications against these core criteria:

• Academic excellence, as demonstrated by your academic records, GPA, awards, peer recognition, and other forms of academic distinction
• Strength and clarity of your proposed study or research plan
• Demonstrated commitment to applying your expertise in the context of your home country after completing your studies
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting women and girls through civic, community, or professional work
• Feasibility of your academic plan, including a realistic timeline and a credible funding strategy for the full duration of your program

Groups Given Special Consideration

Beyond the standard criteria, certain categories of applicants receive additional consideration during the review process:

• Applicants who are residing in their home country at the time of application receive special consideration Amber
• Applicants from developing or emerging countries receive special consideration Amber
• Applicants from underrepresented groups in any region also receive special consideration Amber

This is meaningful information for applicants from sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other regions that are historically underrepresented among AAUW fellows. Your origin country is not a disadvantage — in many cases, it strengthens your application.

Competitive Realities

Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis, depending on available funds. Recommendations by the panel require final approval by AAUW. AAUW does not comment on panel deliberations, provide evaluations of applications, or reconsider fellowship proposals. Amber

Applications and supporting documents become the property of AAUW. Amber You will not receive your submitted materials back after the process concludes.

If you were previously unsuccessful, you are permitted to reapply. Each application cycle is treated independently.

Rules and Obligations Once You Receive the Fellowship

Being awarded the fellowship is the beginning, not the end, of your obligations. There are clear rules governing how you use the award and what you must do during the fellowship year.

Fellowship recipients must sign a contract upon acceptance. Fellows must work full-time on their project from July 1 to June 30; partial fellowships are not awarded and cannot be deferred. Any changes to the academic plan require prior written approval from AAUW. Up to two months abroad for research is allowed with prior AAUW fellowship approval. Amber

The stipend is subject to 14% or 30% tax withholding, depending on tax status. Fellows are responsible for understanding their tax obligations. Amber AAUW provides general tax guidelines but strongly recommends that fellows consult an independent tax professional, as personal tax situations vary and AAUW does not provide individualized tax advice.

On the question of visas, AAUW is clear: Responsibility for securing visas and other documents, and following policies associated with visas, rests solely with the fellow. AAUW However, your award letter may be included as part of your visa application materials. AAUW does not provide visa sponsorship or J-1 visa waiver support.

The Graduate Women International (GWI) Option

Most AAUW International Fellows study in the United States. However, there is a limited provision for studying outside of the U.S. Up to five awards are available to Graduate Women International members for study in any country other than their own. Opportunity Desk

This means that if you are a member of Graduate Women International and wish to pursue accredited graduate studies in a third country (not your home country and not the United States), you may still be eligible for an award — but only if you meet all other eligibility requirements and pursue your study at an institution recognized as eligible to participate in U.S. federal student aid programs.

Note that foreign branches of U.S. institutions are considered outside of the United States for the purposes of this fellowship. If you are enrolled at the Dubai or London campus of an American university, that does not count as studying in the U.S.

How to Build a Competitive Application

Many eligible women apply each year. The fellowship is competitive, the review panel is composed of distinguished scholars, and the selection criteria go beyond academic performance alone. Here is what separates strong applications from average ones.

Lead with a Clear, Specific Academic Plan

Vague statements about wanting to “contribute to my country” will not move a review panel. Your proposed study plan should explain specifically what you intend to research or study, why you have chosen a particular institution and program, what you expect to accomplish during the fellowship year, and how those accomplishments connect to concrete outcomes in your home country after you return.

The more specific and grounded your plan, the more credible it appears to reviewers. If you are applying for a doctoral fellowship in public health, explain the specific health policy gap in your country that your research addresses. If you are pursuing an M.B.A., articulate the professional context in which you will apply your training and the community impact you expect to generate.

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Women and Girls Concretely

This is not optional. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in the context of their home countries, and to supporting other women and girls. AAUW Reviewers are looking for evidence, not assertions.

Think carefully about your track record. Have you mentored younger women in your profession? Have you led initiatives that improved access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunity for girls or women in your community? Have you published, researched, or advocated on issues affecting women? Document this work in your application with enough specificity that reviewers can see its scope and impact.

Choose Recommenders Strategically

Recommenders are encouraged to evaluate the applicant in relation to the fellowship selection criteria and support this assessment with specific examples. AAUW This means your best recommenders are not necessarily the most senior people in your network — they are the people who can speak concretely about your academic excellence, your commitment to gender equity, your leadership, and your professional qualifications.

When possible, at least one recommender should be based in your home country and able to speak about your country’s need for the specialized knowledge you are seeking to acquire. This directly addresses one of AAUW’s core fellowship purposes.

Register your recommenders through the online application system as early as possible. The system sends them a personalized link to submit their letters. Do not wait until the final days of the application window to add them — technical delays and busy schedules can cause problems if you leave this too late.

Address Your Funding Plan Honestly

The fellowship stipend is $20,000 or $25,000 for one year. Graduate education in the United States, including tuition and living expenses in many cities, costs significantly more than this. Reviewers know this. Part of what they are assessing is whether your overall funding plan is realistic and coherent.

In your application, be transparent about all sources of funding you have or are pursuing — departmental funding, assistantships, savings, family support, other scholarships — and show how the AAUW fellowship fits into the complete financial picture for your program.

Proofread Everything

Given that incomplete applications never reach the review panel, and given that your narrative is evaluated by distinguished scholars, the quality of your writing matters. Have your personal statement reviewed by trusted colleagues or advisors. Check your documents carefully before submission. Confirm that every required item is uploaded and that your recommenders have submitted their letters before the deadline.

Benefits Beyond the Financial Stipend

The value of the AAUW International Fellowship extends well beyond the stipend. This is one of the most important things prospective applicants tend to underestimate.

Fellowship recipients have access to networking opportunities through AAUW, including events, conferences, and activities that facilitate collaborations and academic and professional growth. Fellows become part of the AAUW community, accessing resources for career development, mentorship, and ongoing support through AAUW’s network of alumni. GyanDhan

When you become an AAUW fellow, you are joining a community that spans more than 150 countries and more than a century of history. The relationships you build — with other fellows, with AAUW staff, and with the broader network of scholars and professionals connected to the organization — can shape your career for decades.

Additionally, the fellowship itself is a credential. Being identified as an AAUW International Fellow signals to future employers, research collaborators, funding bodies, and policy institutions that you have been vetted by one of the world’s most recognized advocates for women in higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am currently living outside my home country? Yes. However, special consideration is given to applicants who are residing in their home country at the time of application. Amber If you are currently living in a third country for work or study, your application will still be considered, but it may be reviewed slightly differently than those submitted from the home country.

Can I apply for multiple AAUW fellowship programs simultaneously? No. You may apply for only one AAUW fellowship in a given cycle. Review the full portfolio of AAUW programs carefully before deciding which one is the best fit for your academic stage and goals.

Can I apply if I have not yet received my admission letter? If you are applying for a master’s, first professional degree, or doctoral program, you must have applied to an accredited institution by the AAUW application deadline and indicate the name of the institution in your application. While acceptance is not required at the time of application, you must provide official confirmation from the institution with your award acceptance materials. GradRight

In practical terms: apply to your target U.S. institution and to the AAUW fellowship simultaneously. If you win the fellowship, you will need to show official admission before the funds are released.

What if I need to travel outside the U.S. during my fellowship year? Up to two months abroad for research is allowed with prior AAUW fellowship approval. Amber Any travel beyond this, or any change to your academic plan, requires written approval from AAUW in advance.

Is the stipend taxable? In most instances, the fellowship stipend is subject to a tax rate of either 14% or 30%, depending on relevant tax statuses and treaties. AAUW The exact rate depends on your country of origin and whether a tax treaty exists between your country and the United States. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.

Can postdoctoral applicants apply through the standard International Fellowship? No. Applicants interested in pursuing postdoctoral research are encouraged to consider AAUW’s International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, which is a separate program. Scholarship Roar The standard International Fellowship is specifically for master’s and doctoral applicants.

Comparing the Three AAUW International Award Levels

Feature	Master’s Fellowship	Doctoral Fellowship	Postdoctoral Fellowship
Stipend	$20,000	$25,000	$50,000
Duration	1 year (renewable for up to 5 candidates)	1 year, non-renewable	1 year, non-renewable
Entry requirement	Bachelor’s equivalent, GPA 3.5+	Bachelor’s equivalent, GPA 3.5+	Doctoral degree, GPA 3.5+
Program type	Master’s/first professional degree	Research doctorate	Postdoctoral research
Study location	Accredited U.S. institution	Accredited U.S. institution	Accredited U.S. institution
Application portal	AAUW online portal	AAUW online portal	AAUW online portal

Why This Fellowship Matters for Women from Developing Countries

The AAUW International Fellowship is not simply another scholarship for high achievers. It is structured specifically around a development philosophy: invest in talented women from underrepresented regions, equip them with world-class education and professional networks, and send them home equipped to lead change.

This is why applicants from developing and emerging economies receive special consideration in the review process. If you are a woman from Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Peru, or any other country where skilled professional women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, your application can speak directly to the systemic gap that your fellowship would help address.

The returnable nature of the fellowship — the expectation that you come back and contribute — also means that the program is not looking for women who intend to stay in the United States permanently. If your career vision is rooted in your home country, and if your education plan serves that vision, the AAUW International Fellowship may be one of the most aligned programs you can apply for.

The fellowship also acknowledges the real cost of international graduate education. For a woman from a country with a weaker currency, $20,000 to $50,000 in direct stipend support — combined with the access to a U.S.-accredited degree, a global alumni network, and the credibility of the AAUW name — can be genuinely transformative, not just for the individual fellow but for the institutions, communities, and networks she returns to serve.

Final Thoughts: Is the AAUW International Fellowship Right for You?

If you are a non-American woman with a strong academic record, a clear plan for graduate or postgraduate study in the United States, and a genuine and documented commitment to advancing women and girls in your home country, the AAUW International Fellowship deserves serious attention in your scholarship strategy.

The program offers meaningful financial support across master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. It carries the institutional weight of an organization with more than a century of investment in women’s education. It actively favors applicants from developing countries and underrepresented backgrounds. And it connects you to a global community of scholars and professionals who share a common commitment to gender equity and academic excellence.

The application process is demanding. You will need strong recommenders, a compelling personal statement, a coherent academic and funding plan, and a clear record of commitment to women’s advancement. But for women who genuinely meet this profile, the effort is well worth making.

Applications for the AAUW International Fellowship open annually in August. Begin gathering your documents, identifying your recommenders, and drafting your personal statement well ahead of the September 30 deadline. Visit the official AAUW website at aauw.org to access the application portal and review the most current eligibility guidelines, as specific requirements can be updated from cycle to cycle.