International Fellowships

About the opportunity

AAUW’s International Fellowships promote education and equity for women by investing in international applicants 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. A limited number of awards are also available for study in any country other than their own under specific conditions. The program is designed specifically for women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a track record of academic excellence and empowering other women and girls, supporting full-time postgraduate studies since 1917.

Funding and benefits

• Stipend of $20,000 for master’s degree students
• Stipend of $25,000 for doctorate degree students
• Disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term

Who can apply?

• Applicants must identify as a woman.
• Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status or be applicants for U.S. permanent residency (green card).
• Applicants must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate degree in a STEM discipline at the time of application.
• 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 for the highest degree earned.
• Applicants must pursue their 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. are considered only if their country of citizenship is subject to a U.S. travel ban preventing a U.S. student visa, or if they plan to study outside the U.S. as members of Graduate Women International.

Required documents

• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
• Proof of degree: copies of all diplomas, degree certificates, or official transcripts showing degree conferral and dates, with certified English translations if applicable
• Official academic transcripts confirming conferral of all degrees received, including course lists and grades
• Proof of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) calculation on a 4.0 grading scale showing at least a 3.5 GPA
• Proof of English proficiency (acceptable scores for TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo, or a statement/transcript affirming English native language or education)
• Proof of admission or current enrollment (official admission letter with anticipated start date, deferral approval if applicable, or enrollment verification letter)
• Proof of Graduate Women International membership (if studying outside the U.S. and home country is not under a 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 upload the required narrative materials and supporting documentation.
• Register recommenders through the online portal so they can submit their letters of recommendation directly via a personalized link before the deadline.

Additional information

• Fellows must begin their programs on or before September 15, 2027, and complete them on or after April 30, 2028.
• Current AAUW employees, board members, review panelists, immediate family members, and previous AAUW fellowship or grant recipients are ineligible.
• Stipends are subject to a tax rate of 14% in most instances.