AAUW International Fellowship 2026 in USA

The AAUW International Fellowship 2026 in USA offers a prestigious opportunity for women from around the world to pursue full-time master’s or doctoral degrees at accredited institutions in the United States. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), this fellowship is specifically designed for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, aiming to support their academic goals while promoting leadership and gender equity on a global scale.

Alongside the U.S.-based awards, five additional fellowships are available for members of Graduate Women International (GWI), allowing eligible women to pursue education in countries other than their own. The program begins in July 2026 and does not require an application fee. Selected candidates will receive financial support to cover educational and living expenses. Detailed information about the eligibility, funding benefits, and application steps can be found below.

Fellowship Summary

• Country: USA (Globally)
• Host: American Association of University Women
• Study Level: Master’s/first professional degree, Doctoral
• Benefits: Partially funded
• Deadline: 30th September 2025

Benefits

AAUW International Fellowship Funding Amounts:

• Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
• Doctoral Degree: $25,000
• Postdoctoral Research: $50,000

These funds can be used for:

• Educational Expenses
• Living Expenses
• Dependent Child Care
• Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars (not to exceed 10% of the total fellowship amount).

Eligibility

• Gender: Must be or identify as a woman.
• Academic Qualification: Must hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s with a minimum 3.5 GPA for their highest degree.
• Study Level: Must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, PhD, JD, MD).
• Location of Study: Full-time study in the U.S. at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
• International Study Exception: If studying in a country other than their own or the U.S., they must be a member of Graduate Women International and attend a school eligible for U.S. federal student aid.
  

Required Documents

• Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of Highest Degree Earned
• Official Academic Transcript
• Proof of Cumulative GPA Calculation (on a 4.0 scale)
• Proof of English Proficiency (test scores, statement, or academic transcript/diploma)
• Proof of Admission or Current Enrollment
• Proof of Graduate Women International Membership (if applicable)
• Certified English Translations (for non-English documents)
• Name Change Documentation (if applicable).

Study Level & Fields of Study

• Master’s: Intended at J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., or medical degrees such as M.D., D.D.S., etc. Certificates, associate degrees, and undergraduate degrees are ineligible.
• Doctoral Fellowships: Intended for Research degrees, such as Ph.D. or Ed.D.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Applicants must provide proof of their doctorate; hold a doctorate classified as a research degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., D.M.) or an M.F.A. by the application deadline; and indicate where they will conduct their research.

How to apply?

• Create an account and start your application through the AAUW online application portal.
• Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, including holding non-U.S. citizenship and having a strong academic record equivalent to a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Select your program level (master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral) and list up to five institutions where you intend to study or conduct research.
• Gather and upload required documents, including your academic transcripts, proof of highest degree earned, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.
• Confirm your recommenders have submitted their letters before the application deadline on November 15, 2025.
• Submit your completed application before the deadline and wait for the results, which are typically announced by April of the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The AAUW International Fellowship 2026 in USA fully funds eligible non‑U.S. women for full‑time master’s or doctoral study. Applicants need a strong academic record, must apply by September 30, 2025, submit required documents, and aim for study July 2026–June 2027.