AAUW International Fellowships

About the opportunity

AAUW’s International Fellowships promote education and equity for women by investing in international applicants who will be pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines, with the intention of applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and/or the communities in which they reside. In addition, a limited number of awards are available for study in any country other than their own. International Fellowships are specifically designed for women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a track record of academic excellence and empowering other women and girls. The Program has been supporting international women pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in the United States since 1917.

Funding and benefits

• Stipend of $20,000 for a master's degree
• Stipend of $25,000 for a doctorate degree
• Funds disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and midpoint of the fellowship term

Who can apply?

• Applicants must identify as a woman.
• Must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status, nor be applicants for U.S. permanent residency (green card).
• Must be admitted or enrolled in their first master's or an academic or professional doctorate degree at the time of application, and the degree must be in a STEM discipline.
• Must begin their program on or before September 15, 2027, and complete it on or after April 30, 2028.
• 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 for the highest degree earned.
• Must pursue study in the U.S. on a full-time basis at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, and reside in the U.S. or country of study for the duration of the fellowship.
• Applicants intending to study in a country other than their country of citizenship or the U.S. must either have a country of citizenship subject to a U.S. travel ban, or be members of Graduate Women International.

Required documents

• Two letters of recommendation from advisors, professors, or colleagues
• Proof of degree: copy of all degrees earned to date, including diplomas or official transcripts confirming conferral and date, with certified English translations if applicable
• Official academic transcripts covering all programs from which degrees were received, listing courses and grades
• Proof of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) calculation on a 4.0 grading scale (or equivalent conversion/evaluation report)
• Proof of English proficiency (official TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo score, native language statement, or transcript confirming English-speaking institutional study)
• Proof of admission or current enrollment (official admission letter, deferral approval, or enrollment verification letter)
• Proof of Graduate Women International Membership (if studying outside the U.S. and home country, unless subject to a U.S. travel ban)

When to apply

• Applications Open: August 17, 2026, at 9:00 am ET
• Applications Close: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET
• Award Notification: March 2027
• First Stipend Dispersed: July – September 2027
• Mid-Year Report Due: December 2027
• Second Stipend Dispersed: December 2027 / January 2028
• Final Report Due: July 31, 2028

How to apply

• Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal to create an account or log in.
• Complete the online application form and narrative sections.
• Register recommenders through the online application early so they can submit their letters directly.
• Upload all required supporting documents including transcripts, English proficiency scores, proof of admission, and GPA calculations.
• Submit the completed application before the closing deadline.

Additional information

• Applicants may use generative AI tools as an assistive resource for application narratives, but they must reflect the applicant's authentic voice and original work.
• Fellowship stipends may be subject to a U.S. tax rate of 14% or 30% depending on relevant tax statuses and treaties, and AAUW withholds necessary taxes from stipends.