The AAUW International Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for women from around the world to pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in the United States. This fellowship, administered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), provides substantial financial support to enable international scholars to advance their academic and professional goals at accredited U.S. institutions.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a leading organization promoting equity and education for women and girls. Founded in 1881, AAUW has a long history of supporting women’s education through fellowships, grants, and advocacy. The International Fellowships program, established in 1917, has awarded over 3,600 fellowships to women from more than 150 countries.
AAUW International Fellowship Benefits
- Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000
- Doctoral: $25,000
- Postdoctoral: $50,000
- Funds available for educational expenses
- Funds available for living expenses
- Funds available for dependent child care
- Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars (up to 10% of fellowship)
AAUW International Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be or identify as a woman
- Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate at the time of application
- Applicants must begin their program on or before September 1, 2026, and complete it on or after April 30, 2027
- Applicants must possess at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Applicants must pursue full-time studies in the U.S. at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education
- Applicants must reside in the U.S. or the country of their research for the duration of the fellowship period
- Eligible to women from all countries except the USA
How to Apply for AAUW International Fellowship
- Prepare required documents including three recommendations, proof of highest degree, proof of current enrollment (if applicable), proof of bachelor’s degree, proof of doctorate or M.F.A. degree (postdoctoral applicants only), official TOEFL scores or waiver, letter of admission, and C.V./Résumé
- Pass the eligibility quiz to be reviewed by the selection panel
- Complete and submit the application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the AAUW International Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility requirements, benefits, application deadlines, and the step-by-step application process for this fully funded opportunity for women scholars.
What is the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW International Fellowship is a fully funded program that supports women from outside the United States who are pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions. The fellowship provides financial awards ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the degree level.
Who is eligible to apply for the AAUW Fellowship?
Women from all countries except the United States are eligible. Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral program at a U.S. institution, have a bachelor’s degree equivalent with a minimum 3.5 GPA, and plan to begin their program by September 1, 2026.
What study levels does the AAUW Fellowship support?
The fellowship supports Master’s/first professional degrees ($20,000), Doctoral studies ($25,000), and Postdoctoral research ($50,000). Applicants can pursue studies in a wide range of fields including business, sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 AAUW Fellowship?
The application period runs from August 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026. Applications will open in August 2026 for the fellowship year covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
What documents are required for the AAUW Fellowship application?
Required documents include three recommendations, proof of highest degree, proof of current enrollment (if applicable), proof of bachelor’s degree, proof of doctorate (for postdoctoral applicants), TOEFL scores or waiver, letter of admission, and a C.V./Résumé.
What expenses does the AAUW Fellowship cover?
The fellowship funds cover educational expenses, living expenses, dependent child care, and travel to professional meetings or conferences (up to 10% of the fellowship amount). The awards are $20,000 for master’s, $25,000 for doctoral, and $50,000 for postdoctoral studies.
Can I apply if I’m already enrolled in a U.S. program?
Yes, applicants can be currently enrolled in their program at the time of application. However, they must begin their program on or before September 1, 2026, and complete it on or after April 30, 2027.
What is the GPA requirement for the AAUW Fellowship?
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest degree earned. This applies to degrees earned both in the U.S. and internationally that are equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
How do I apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?
Applicants must first prepare all required documents, then pass an eligibility quiz to be reviewed by the selection panel, and finally complete and submit the online application through the official AAUW website during the application period.
Where can I find more information about the AAUW Fellowship?
Complete information about the AAUW International Fellowship, including detailed eligibility criteria, application instructions, and the official application portal, can be found on the AAUW website at https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/international-fellowships/.
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