AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW)
AAUW International Fellowships
partial · masters, phd
- ~$20,000–$50,000Award (est., by level)
- Women onlyEligibility
- Study in the USAWhere
- Master's / Doctoral / PostdocLevel
- One yearDuration
- Founded 1881AAUW
At a glance
partial
Funding
€48k
Max amount
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (from any country)
Country
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Provider
AAUW International Fellowships support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to undertake full-time master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral study and research in the United States. They are awarded by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), founded in 1881, which has funded women's education for well over a century. The fellowship is a cash award the recipient applies toward tuition and living costs: recent amounts are around ~$20,000 for master's or first-professional study, ~$25,000 for doctoral study, and ~$50,000 for postdoctoral research (est.). It is granted for one year, and recipients are expected to return to their home countries to pursue careers after completing their studies. Applications usually close around 15 November (est.) for the following academic year. Treat the amounts and date here as estimates and confirm current figures on AAUW's official fellowship pages.
What's covered
- Master's/first-professional — An award of around ~$20,000 toward a master's or first-professional degree (est.).
- Doctoral — An award of around ~$25,000 toward doctoral study (est.).
- Postdoctoral — An award of around ~$50,000 for postdoctoral research (est.).
- Flexible use — The award can be applied to tuition, living costs, and study-related expenses.
- Duration — Granted for one academic year.
How to apply
Apply online to AAUW for the relevant level by the annual deadline, with supporting documents and references.
- Confirm eligibility — Check the gender, citizenship, and study-level criteria for International Fellowships.
- Prepare your application — Draft your study/research plan and statements, and gather transcripts.
- Arrange references — Secure recommenders who can speak to your work and goals.
- Submit by the deadline — Apply through AAUW's online system by around 15 November (est.).
- Review — Applications are reviewed by panels against the criteria.
- Award — If selected, accept the fellowship for the following academic year.
Eligibility
GenderOpen to women applicants only.
CitizenshipNot a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
LevelFull-time master's, first-professional, doctoral, or postdoctoral study/research in the U.S.
Intent to returnA commitment to return to your home country to pursue a career afterward.
English & admissionMeeting English requirements and (for degree study) being enrolled or applying to a U.S. institution.
Preference is often given to applicants who show a commitment to the advancement of women and girls. The award is a fixed sum, not full tuition coverage, so plan your overall budget.
Eligible countries
Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents (from any country)
Deadlines
2027–28 fellowship year2026-11-15
Selection
AAUW selects International Fellows on academic merit, the quality and feasibility of the study or research plan, and a demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls, alongside the intent to return home to build a career. Awards are made within the available funding at each level.
Verified sources
- AAUW — International Fellowshipsaauw.orgofficial
About the provider
The American Association of University Women (AAUW), founded in 1881, is a U.S. organisation that advances equity for women and girls through education and research. Its International Fellowships fund women from outside the U.S. for graduate and postdoctoral study in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are AAUW International Fellowships?
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Fellowships from the American Association of University Women for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, to pursue full-time graduate or postdoctoral study and research in the United States.
How much are they worth?
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Recent amounts are around ~$20,000 for master's/first-professional study, ~$25,000 for doctoral study, and ~$50,000 for postdoctoral research (est.). Confirm current figures with AAUW.
Who is eligible?
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Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, undertaking full-time study or research in the U.S., who intend to return home to pursue a career.
Is it only for women?
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Yes — AAUW International Fellowships are open to women applicants only.
Does it cover full tuition?
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No — it is a fixed cash award you apply toward tuition and living costs, not full tuition coverage, so plan your overall budget.
What levels are covered?
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Master's and first-professional degrees, doctoral study, and postdoctoral research.
Do I have to return to my home country?
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Yes — recipients are expected to return home to pursue careers after completing their studies.
How do I apply?
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Through AAUW's online application for International Fellowships, with transcripts, a study/research plan, statements, and references.
When is the deadline?
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Usually around 15 November for the following academic year; the 2026 date here is an estimate. Check AAUW's pages.
Does commitment to women and girls matter?
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Yes — preference is often given to applicants who show a commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
How long has AAUW funded women?
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AAUW was founded in 1881 and has supported women's education and fellowships for well over a century.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On AAUW's official International Fellowships pages, which list award amounts, eligibility, and the application deadline.