The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for its prestigious International Fellowship Program, offering generous financial support to women from around the world who wish to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral studies in the United States. Since its establishment in 1917, the fellowship has empowered thousands of women scholars to achieve academic excellence, become global leaders, and create meaningful change in their home countries.
The AAUW International Fellowship is one of the longest-running and most respected scholarship programs dedicated exclusively to women. It supports outstanding international students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
About the AAUW International Fellowship Program
The AAUW International Fellowship Program provides funding for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to undertake full-time graduate or postgraduate study at accredited institutions in the United States.
The fellowship aims to strengthen women’s leadership globally by investing in higher education and encouraging recipients to return to their home countries after graduation to contribute to social, educational, economic, and community development.
Over the past century, the program has supported thousands of women from more than 150 countries, helping them become researchers, educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and advocates for gender equality.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants receive financial support that can be used to cover educational and living expenses throughout the fellowship period.
Award amounts include:
- Master’s Degree: Up to US$20,000
- Doctoral Degree: Up to US$25,000
- Postdoctoral Research: Funding varies depending on the award category.
The fellowship can be used for:
- Tuition fees
- Academic expenses
- Books and study materials
- Housing and accommodation
- Living expenses
- Transportation
- Childcare expenses (where applicable)
Funding is typically disbursed in two installments during the fellowship year.
Eligible Degree Programs
Applications are accepted for:
- Master’s Degrees
- Doctoral (PhD) Degrees
- Professional Doctorates
- Postdoctoral Research
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants may pursue studies in virtually any academic or professional discipline, including:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering
- Business and Management
- Economics
- Law
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Education
- Architecture
- Agriculture
- Environmental Sciences
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Public Policy
- International Development
Applicants must apply under one field of study and one degree level.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AAUW International Fellowship, applicants must:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be a citizen of a country other than the United States.
- Not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency (Green Card).
- Hold an academic qualification equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree before the fellowship begins.
- Be admitted to or enrolled in a full-time graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Have a strong record of leadership and community engagement.
- Show commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
- Intend to return to their home country after completing their studies.
- Meet the English language requirements of their chosen university, which may include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or another accepted English proficiency examination.
Eligible Nationalities
The fellowship welcomes applications from women of all nationalities outside the United States.
Graduate Women International (GWI) members may also be eligible to apply under specific fellowship categories.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of admission or enrollment at a U.S. university
- GPA conversion (where required)
- English language proficiency test results
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Study or research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on several factors, including:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of the proposed study or research plan
- Leadership experience
- Professional achievements
- Community involvement
- Commitment to women’s empowerment
- Potential impact after returning to the applicant’s home country
Independent review panels assess applications across different academic disciplines to ensure a fair and competitive selection process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Create an account through the official AAUW Fellowship application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit personal essays and research or study plans.
- Provide the required recommendation letters.
- Review the application carefully before submission.
- Submit the completed application before the official deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the official AAUW website for the latest application dates, funding amounts, and eligibility requirements, as these may change each application cycle.
Why Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW International Fellowship offers much more than financial assistance. Fellows become part of a global network of accomplished women leaders committed to creating positive change through education, research, innovation, and public service.
Recipients gain access to world-class education, develop valuable leadership skills, expand their international networks, and return home equipped to make lasting contributions to their communities and professions.
Whether your goal is to become a researcher, educator, policymaker, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, or advocate for social change, the AAUW International Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to pursue advanced education while joining a century-long tradition of women making a difference around the world.
Application Deadline
Application deadlines vary each year. Interested applicants should regularly check the official AAUW Fellowship website for the latest application timeline and submission requirements.
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