AAUW International Fellowships

AAUW International Fellowships support women who are not US citizens or permanent residents to pursue graduate study. Applicants are evaluated on how they plan to serve their home country or community.

A fellowship is USD 20,000 for a master's degree and USD 25,000 for a doctorate, paid to you in two equal instalments. It is a fixed grant: you can spend it on tuition, fees, course materials and living costs such as housing, food and dependent care, but not on prior expenses or loan repayment. The page does not say whether travel is covered.

You must identify as a woman, hold a degree equivalent to a US bachelor's with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and not be a US citizen or permanent resident. The fellowship covers a first master's or a first doctorate in a STEM discipline, and you must study full-time in the US, with narrow exceptions. You also need proof of English (TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent test, or transcripts from an English-language institution) and two recommendation letters.

AAUW's independent review panels make the recommendations, and awards depend on funds available in a fiscal year. Panels look at academic excellence, how feasible your plan is, your commitment to women and girls, your long-term career impact and the strength of your financial plan. Preference may go to applicants from underrepresented countries, first-time international students, first-generation graduates and caregivers.

The 2027-28 cycle ran from 17 August to 17 September 2026 and is closed. Changing your discipline, programme type or institution after applying disqualifies you.

Documents

• Online applicationRequired
• Narrative applicationRequired
• Two recommendation letters, sent through the portal from professional email addressesRequired
• Proof of admission or enrolmentRequired
• Official transcripts and proof of all degrees, with conferral datesRequired
• GPA on a 4.0 scale, with a credential evaluation if your university uses another scaleRequired
• English proof (TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)Required
• Certified English translations of foreign-language documentsRequired