The AAUW International Fellowship is a graduate funding opportunity offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for international women pursuing higher education in the United States. Established in 1917, the program supports academically talented women who want to advance their education, develop professional skills and contribute to their communities. It provides financial assistance to students admitted to eligible STEM master’s and doctoral programs. Through this fellowship, international students can receive funding to support their educational and living expenses while studying at an accredited institution.
For international women interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the AAUW International Fellowship offers more than financial assistance. The program aims to support women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to improving opportunities for other women and girls. Applicants are expected to explain how their education will contribute to their professional development and benefit their communities. With awards of $20,000 for master’s students and $25,000 for doctoral students, the fellowship provides valuable support for women pursuing advanced education in the United States.
AAUW International Fellowship Program Summary
The AAUW International Fellowship supports international women pursuing full-time graduate education in STEM disciplines. The program primarily funds study in the United States, although limited opportunities are available for eligible applicants studying in other countries.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States (with limited exceptions for study elsewhere) |
| Funded By | American Association of University Women (AAUW) |
| Study Levels | Master’s, Academic Doctorate and Professional Doctorate |
| Scholarship Type | Competitive fellowship with a fixed financial stipend |
| Eligible Students | International applicants who identify as women and meet the citizenship and academic requirements |
| Language of Study | Not separately specified as a scholarship requirement; English proficiency must be demonstrated |
| Financial Support | $20,000 for master’s and $25,000 for doctoral degrees |
Eligibility for the AAUW International Fellowship
Applicants must meet the academic, citizenship and program requirements established by AAUW. The fellowship is competitive, so candidates should carefully review the eligibility conditions before preparing an application.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must identify as women.
- Applicants must be non-US citizens. Individuals holding US permanent residency or applying for permanent residency are not eligible.
- Applicants must hold at least one academic degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s degree or an academic or professional doctorate.
- The proposed degree must be formally classified as a STEM discipline.
- Applicants pursuing studies in the United States must be enrolled full-time at an institution accredited by the US Department of Education.
- Fellows must reside in the United States or their approved country of study throughout the fellowship period.
- Previous AAUW fellowship or grant recipients are generally ineligible, except recipients of Community Action Grants and branch or local AAUW awards.
Age and Academic Requirements
- AAUW does not specify a general minimum or maximum age requirement for the International Fellowship.
- However, academic performance is an important eligibility condition. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest earned degree.
- For master’s applicants, the GPA requirement is based on the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree. For doctoral applicants, it is based on their highest earned degree at the time of application.
- AAUW accepts the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
- Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: 60
- IELTS: 6.5
- Cambridge Assessment: 176
- Duolingo English Test: 120
Benefits of the AAUW International Fellowship
The AAUW International Fellowship provides financial support to women pursuing advanced education in STEM fields. Its funding is intended to help recipients manage educational expenses and continue their academic development.
Financial Benefits
The fellowship provides the following financial awards:
- Master’s Degree: $20,000.
- Doctoral Degree: $25,000.
The stipend is paid directly to the selected fellow in two equal installments. The first payment is made at the beginning of the fellowship term, while the second is distributed around its midpoint.
Academic and Personal Benefits
- Recipients can pursue eligible graduate programs at accredited US institutions and develop advanced knowledge in their chosen disciplines.
- The fellowship supports women who want to strengthen their academic and professional skills and establish long-term careers in STEM fields.
- Studying in the United States provides opportunities to engage with different academic environments, research activities and professional communities.
- AAUW values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to improving opportunities for women and girls. The fellowship encourages recipients to continue contributing through mentorship, research, advocacy and professional activities.
- Recipients are expected to explain how they intend to use their education and expertise to contribute to their home countries or the communities in which they reside.
Documents Required for the AAUW International Fellowship
Applicants must prepare several supporting documents alongside their online application. All documents should be accurate, complete and consistent with the information entered in the application form.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Academic Degree Certificates
- Official Academic Transcripts
- GPA Conversion or Calculation
- English Language Proficiency Evidence
- Proof of University Admission or Enrollment
- Graduate Women International Membership (If Applicable)
- Certified English Translations
How to Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship
The application process is completed online through the official AAUW Fellowships and Grants Application Portal. Applicants must complete the application form, provide supporting documents and arrange for recommendation letters before the submission deadline.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official AAUW International Fellowship page and carefully review the eligibility criteria, award details and application requirements. Make sure your proposed degree is eligible before proceeding.
- Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in an eligible STEM master’s or doctoral program. For study in the United States, the institution must be accredited by the US Department of Education, and the program must be full-time.
- Open the AAUW Fellowships and Grants Application Portal and create an account. Applicants who already have an account can log in. Use an active email address because important application communications and updates may be sent electronically.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational and professional information.
- Applicants must also respond to the narrative questions. These responses should explain their academic background, proposed study plans, career objectives and commitment to supporting women and girls.
- Register two recommenders through the online application system.
- The portal sends each recommender a personalized submission link. Contact your recommenders early and give them enough time to prepare meaningful recommendations.
- Upload the required academic and supporting documents. Check that all documents are readable and contain the correct information.
- Complete the application and submit it through the official portal before the stated deadline.
- After submission, AAUW first checks applications for eligibility and completeness. Eligible applications are then reviewed by independent panels of scholars and experts in STEM fields.
- Award recommendations are subject to final approval by AAUW. The official application timeline should be followed for notification updates.
Application Tips
- Explain your academic interests, achievements and reasons for pursuing the proposed degree. Use specific examples instead of general statements.
- Include relevant examples of mentoring, leadership, community service, advocacy or research that supports women’s opportunities.
- Explain how the proposed education will contribute to your professional development and future work.
- Identify expected tuition, living and academic expenses. Explain other available financial resources and any remaining funding gap.
- Confirm that your degree program is formally classified as STEM. Eligibility depends on the degree program, not simply the research topic.
- Give your recommenders sufficient time to prepare detailed and relevant letters.
- Make sure transcripts, degree certificates and GPA calculations meet AAUW’s requirements.
Deadline for the AAUW International Fellowship
AAUW follows a specific annual application schedule. Applicants should monitor the official website for updates about future application rounds. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the official schedule was:
| Application Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 17, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Award Notification | March 2027 |
| First Stipend Payment | July–September 2027 |
| Mid-Year Report | December 2027 |
| Second Stipend Payment | December 2027–January 2028 |
| Final Report | July 31, 2028 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW International Fellowship is a funding opportunity offered by the American Association of University Women for international women pursuing eligible graduate education. It supports master’s and doctoral studies in STEM disciplines, primarily at accredited institutions in the United States.
Is the AAUW International Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides $20,000 for master’s students and $25,000 for doctoral students. This funding can be used for eligible educational and living expenses, but it is not a guaranteed full tuition waiver. Applicants should consider their total study costs before applying.
Is IELTS required for the AAUW International Fellowship?
IELTS is one accepted way to demonstrate English proficiency, with a minimum required score of 6.5. However, AAUW also accepts TOEFL, Cambridge and Duolingo scores, along with certain approved alternatives for demonstrating English proficiency.
What fields of study are available for the AAUW International Fellowship?
The fellowship supports programs formally classified as STEM disciplines. These include computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, biological sciences and eligible medical disciplines. The degree program’s classification determines eligibility.
Can students work during the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW fellowship page does not establish a general employment entitlement for recipients. Any employment during the fellowship must comply with the relevant university, immigration and visa regulations. Applicants should consult their institution’s international student office for guidance.
