AAUW International Fellowships for Women 2026-2027 (MS and PHD)

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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships empower women worldwide to pursue postgraduate studies or research in the United States, with the goal of applying their expertise and leadership in their home countries. Since 1917, this program has supported international women who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to empowering women and girls. Up to five awards are also available for Graduate Women International (GWI) members to study in any country other than their own. Here’s everything you need to know to apply!

What Are AAUW International Fellowships?

The AAUW International Fellowships provide financial support for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to pursue full-time postgraduate studies or research. The program supports:

Master’s/First Professional Degree: Programs like M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., J.D., M.D., or D.D.S.
Doctoral Degrees: Academic or professional degrees like Ph.D., Ed.D., or D.B.A.
Postdoctoral Research: Applicants interested in postdoctoral research should apply for the AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.

Recipients are expected to return to their home countries to apply their skills, promoting gender equity and community development.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowships offer stipends to support your studies:

Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
Doctoral Degree: $25,000

Stipends are paid directly to fellows in two equal payments: at the start and midpoint of the fellowship term (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Up to five master’s degree fellowships may be renewable for a second year, provided recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and submit required renewal documents by May 30, 2027.

More PhD Positions:

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Gender: Identify as a woman.
Citizenship: Be a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Academic Background:
- Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- For master’s or doctoral applicants, be admitted or enrolled in a program at an accredited U.S. institution by the application deadline.
- For postdoctoral applicants, apply through the AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.
Program Details:
- Pursue full-time study at a U.S. institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, starting on or before September 1, 2026, and ending on or after April 30, 2027.
- Apply for one degree type (master’s or doctoral) in a single field (e.g., Business, History, Physics). For dual degrees, select one field.
- GWI members may study in a country other than their own or the U.S. at an institution eligible for U.S. federal student aid.
Residency: Reside in the U.S. or the country of research during the fellowship period (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
Commitment: Demonstrate a track record of supporting women and girls through community or professional work and plan to return to your home country to apply your expertise.

Ineligible Applicants:

AAUW Board members, employees, consultants, interns, or their immediate families (spouses, dependent children).
Previous AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (except Community Action Grants or branch/local awards).
Applicants pursuing programs ending before April 30, 2027.

Preferred Applicants:

From countries with low representation among AAUW awardees.
Pursuing their first international academic experience.
Residing in their home country at the time of application.

Application Requirements

Prepare the following documents for your application:

Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from professors, advisors, or colleagues familiar with your academic or professional qualifications. Use professional email addresses for recommenders. Dossier services (e.g., Parchment, Interfolio) and form-letter recommendations are not accepted.
Proof of Degree: Copies of all degree certificates/diplomas, including a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s. If not in English, include a certified translation. For non-standard degrees, provide an official explanation or credential evaluation (e.g., WES, ECE) confirming equivalency.
Transcripts: Official transcripts showing all degrees earned, including courses, grades, and degree conferral. Include transfer course transcripts if applicable. If not in English, provide a certified translation. If no transcript is available, submit an institutional letter confirming degree completion.
Proof of GPA: Documentation showing a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for your highest degree. If your institution uses a different scale, provide an official conversion or use a tool like Scholaro’s GPA Calculator or a WES/ECE evaluation.
Proof of English Proficiency (one of the following):
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
- Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: 60
- IELTS: 6.5
- Cambridge Assessment: 176
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 120
- Written statement confirming English as your native language
- Academic transcript/diploma from an English-speaking institution
- Proof of one semester of full-time study in your discipline at an English-speaking institution
Proof of Admission/Enrollment: Official admission letter with the program’s start date or transcripts/enrollment verification from your current institution.
GWI Membership Proof (if applicable): For study outside the U.S. or home country, provide an official letter, membership certificate, or documentation confirming GWI membership.
Name Change Documentation (if applicable): Marriage certificate or court letter if your name differs from documents.

Note: All non-English documents require certified translations with an official signature verifying accuracy.

Application Process

AAUW is transitioning to a new awards management system, and application instructions are not yet available. Here’s how to prepare:

Stay Informed: Regularly check the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page (https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/international/) for updates on the application portal.
Review Eligibility: Confirm you meet all criteria and understand funding priorities.
Prepare Documents: Gather all required materials listed above.
Contact AAUW: For questions, email awards@aauw.org.

Applications must be submitted online between August 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Key Dates

Application Period: August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025
Award Notification: April 15, 2026
First Stipend Disbursed: July–September 2026
Fellowship Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Interim Report Due: December 15, 2026
Second Stipend Disbursed: January 2027
Grant Impact Reports Due: July 31, 2027
Renewal Application (Master’s Only): May 30, 2027 (for second-year funding)

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by panels of scholars in Arts, Humanities, Natural/Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences based on:

Master’s Applicants:
- Academic excellence (GPA, awards, peer recognition).
- Commitment to supporting women and girls and applying skills in your home country.
- Clear, actionable study plan with a feasible timeline and funding strategy.
- Position upon returning to your home country.
Doctoral Applicants:
- Scholarly excellence and recognition.
- Original research with potential for significant contributions to the field.
- Commitment to supporting women and girls and applying skills in your home country.
- Feasible research plan with a clear timeline and funding strategy.
- Position upon returning to your home country.

Preferences: Applicants from underrepresented countries, those pursuing their first international academic experience, or those residing in their home country during application.

Selection Process

Initial Review: AAUW’s Fellowships & Grants Team checks applications for completeness and eligibility.
Panel Review: Independent panels evaluate applications based on selection criteria. Only complete applications with all required documents are considered.
Final Approval: Awards are granted competitively based on panel recommendations and available funds, subject to AAUW approval.
Key Notes:
- Incomplete or incorrect applications are not reviewed.
- No feedback is provided on applications.
- Applications cannot be edited after submission, and additional materials are not accepted post-deadline.

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Applicants interested in postdoctoral research should apply for the AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, a separate program. Specific details (e.g., stipend amount, eligibility) are not provided here but are available on the AAUW website. Eligible applicants must hold a research-based doctorate (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., D.M.) or M.F.A. and pursue full-time research.

Tips for a Strong Application

Start Early: Gather documents and request recommendation letters well in advance of September 30, 2025.
Highlight Impact: Emphasize your academic achievements and commitment to women’s empowerment in your narrative.
Choose Recommenders Wisely: Select individuals who can speak to your qualifications and your country’s need for your skills.
Verify Documents: Ensure all materials are complete, accurate, and translated if needed.
Check for Updates: Monitor the AAUW website for application portal details and the Applicant Guide.

For more details or assistance, contact AAUW at awards@aauw.org. Start preparing now to apply by September 30, 2025!