Deadline
2025-09-30
Value of Scholarship
$50,000
Country Tenable
United States
Renewable
No
AAUW International Fellowships 2026 for Graduate and Postgraduate Study in the U.S.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for its prestigious International Fellowships program for the 2026 academic year. This fellowship supports outstanding women from around the world who are pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the United States.
Since its establishment in 1917, the AAUW International Fellowship has helped women become leaders in fields such as business, government, academia, community advocacy, the arts, and the sciences.
Fellowship Overview
The AAUW International Fellowships are awarded to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who plan to return to their home countries to advance their careers and contribute to the development of their communities.
A limited number of fellowships are also available for women who are members of Graduate Women International (GWI) for study outside the United States.
Fellowship Values:
- Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
- Doctoral Degree: $25,000
- Postdoctoral Research: $50,000
- Fellowship funds may be used for:
- Tuition and education-related expenses
- Living costs
- Dependent child care
- Travel to professional conferences (up to 10% of the total fellowship award)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of a country other than the United States or hold a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the U.S.
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, completed by September 30, 2025
- Commit to full-time study or research during the fellowship year
- Plan to return to their home country after the fellowship to pursue a professional career
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (required components must be submitted)
- Have applied to an accredited U.S. institution (for Master’s or Doctoral applicants) by September 30, 2025, and provide the institution’s name in the application
Note:
- Undergraduate, associate, or certificate programs are not eligible
- Doctoral fellowships are for research-based degrees (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D.)
- Postdoctoral applicants must provide proof of a qualifying research degree and specify where research will be conducted
Application Materials
AAUW requires the following documentation:
- Completed online application
- Proof of academic degrees
- Proof of English proficiency
- Research or study plan
- Letters of recommendation
- CV or résumé
Note: Applications and supporting documents become the sole property of AAUW and will not be returned. No reconsideration of applications or feedback is provided.
Selection Criteria
Special consideration is given to applicants who:
- Reside in their home country at the time of application
- Are from developing or emerging nations
- Belong to underrepresented groups in their field or region
- Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Commitment to the advancement of women and girls in their home country
- Feasibility and quality of the proposed study or research plan
- Civic and community involvement
- Demonstrated financial need
- Motivation and clarity of career goals
- Relevance of the proposed study to the home country’s development
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the AAUW online application portal.
Application Deadline: (To be announced—typically falls in mid-late fall of the year prior)
For technical assistance, contact ISTS at aauw@applyists.com. If prompted for a program key, enter AAUW-IF.
Ensure you use a valid email and do not opt out of communications from ISTS to receive essential updates.
Scholarships are not only for the smart students. Anyone can get scholarships
Have a Question about this Scholarship?