AAUW International Fellowship Scholarship For Women
AAUW’s International Fellowships (AAUW = American Association of University Women) are designed to support women from around the world (non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who wish to pursue graduate or postgraduate academic work in the United States. The aim is not just academic excellence, but empowering women to contribute in their home countries and communities, especially around gender equity, leadership, research, service etc.
Eligibility & Criteria
To apply and be considered, you’ll need to meet a number of criteria. Below are the main ones:
| Eligibility / Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender / citizenship status | Must be a woman (or identify as a woman). Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Dual U.S. citizenship or permanent residency disqualifies. |
| Academic degree | At least one degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. For Master’s applicants, you should not already have a master’s (in general, this is for your first master’s); for doctorate applicants, you must not already hold a doctoral degree. |
| GPA requirement | Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) in your highest degree earned. If your institution uses different grading scales, you may need credential evaluation or supplementary documentation. |
| Program specifics | The study must be full-time, at a U.S. accredited institution (for the Master’s or Doctoral fellowship). The Master’s or Doctoral program must begin by a certain date (for the 2025-26 cycle: by September 1, 2026), and the program must finish no earlier than a specified date (April 30, 2027). |
| Commitment and leadership | You should show a record of academic excellence and commitment to leadership and service — especially in helping women and girls or contributing in your home country. The plan for how you will use the fellowship (study plans, proposed timeline) is also judged. |
| Other preferences | Some preferences are given to applicants from countries under‐represented among AAUW recipients; those who are pursuing their first international academic experience; or those residing in their home country at the time of application. |
What the Fellowship Provides
- Stipend: ~$20,000 USD if you are doing a Master’s degree; ~$25,000 USD for a Doctoral degree.
- Disbursement: Paid in two parts (e.g. half at start, half at midpoint) during the fellowship period.
- Renewal: For Master’s candidates in certain two-year programs, up to five may receive a two-year fellowship, but must meet renewal criteria including maintaining a minimum GPA.
- Use of Funds: The stipend can cover tuition, fees, course-required expenses like books and supplies, housing, food, and other living expenses (including sometimes childcare). But you can’t use the funds for costs incurred before the start date or after the end of the fellowship.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying for AAUW International Fellowships:
- Check eligibility carefully
Make sure you meet all the required criteria: gender, citizenship/residency, academic background, GPA, full-time program etc. The eligibility rules are strict. - Find the program and prepare your materials
- Identify the U.S. institution and degree program you plan to join (Master’s or Doctoral).
- Prepare transcripts, diplomas, or certified translations if needed. If your grading system is different, prepare credential evaluation or an official translation.
- Have two strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who know your academic/work experience well.
- Prepare your statement of purpose or project plan: detail what you want to study, timeline, how you’ll use the knowledge, how this will impact your home country or benefit women/girls etc.
- English proficiency
If your previous education is not in English or does not clearly demonstrate proficiency, you will likely need to provide test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) or other proof. - Submit via the official portal during application window
- For the 2025-2026 cycle, the submission window is August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025.
- Use the AAUW Fellowships & Grants portal to create or log in to your account. Upload all required documents. Double check everything is complete before submitting, because once submitted you typically cannot make changes.
- After submission
- Keep track of notification dates. For example for this cycle, award notifications are expected by April 15, 2026.
- If selected, follow instructions to accept the award, finalize institution enrollment etc.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are typical mistakes applicants make, and how to avoid them:
- Missing or late application — AAUW is strict about deadlines. Submissions after the deadline are not accepted.
- Incomplete applications — missing transcripts, missing recommendation letters, failing to have translated or evaluated documents. AAUW will simply reject incomplete ones.
- Overlooking eligibility rules — e.g. already having a master’s (if applying for first master’s fellowship), or being permanent resident in U.S. or dual citizen. These can disqualify.
- Weak statement of purpose or vague study plan — not describing clearly how the study will help in home country; not showing leadership or commitment to women/girls or community service.
- Poor recommendations — generic, uninformed letters, not well connected to your academic/professional profile. Also, using dossier services or standard letters that don’t add value (AAUW discourages standardized or form-letter recommendations).
- Neglecting return plan — AAUW wants to see that you intend to apply your learning (leadership, skills) in your home country or contribute in some meaningful way. If you don’t address that, your application could be weaker.
Deadline & Timeline (2025-2026 Cycle)
Here are the important dates for the AAUW International Fellowships 2025-2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application window open | August 1, 2025 |
| Application deadline (to submit by) | September 30, 2025 |
| Award notification | Approximately April 15, 2026 |
| Fellowship term start | No later than September 1, 2026 |
| Must complete by | At least April 30, 2027 for certain degree levels etc. |
Final Thought
The AAUW International Fellowships are highly competitive, but also among the more generous and prestigious opportunities for international women who want to pursue graduate or doctoral studies in the U.S. If you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s well worth investing the effort. Key takeaways:
- Start early. Getting everything ready (credentials, translations, letters, test scores) takes time.
- Make your application stand out by showing not only excellent academics, but also leadership, service, and a clear vision of how your studies will contribute back to your country or community.
- Be precise: ensure your documentation is in order; ensure you meet the deadlines; ensure all parts of the application are complete. In these fellowships, small mistakes can cost you.
