AAUW International Fellowships 2027-2028 in USA

The AAUW International Fellowship Program is the flagship funding initiative of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. The fellowship supports women who are pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States and who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Fellowship recipients are expected to return to their home countries to become leaders in their fields, contributing to positive change in their communities and beyond. The program emphasizes academic excellence, professional potential, and demonstrated commitment to women and girls.

AAUW awards fellowships for the following academic levels:

• Master's/Professional Fellowship — For women pursuing their first master's degree or professional degree

• Doctoral Fellowship — For women pursuing their first doctoral degree

• Postdoctoral Fellowship — For women holding a doctorate degree who wish to conduct postdoctoral research

Related: Learn more about AAUW fellowships and grants and the AAUW organization.

Successful AAUW International Fellows receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Master's/Professional Fellowship: $25,000 for one academic year

• Doctoral Fellowship: $25,000 for one academic year

• Postdoctoral Fellowship: $50,000 for one academic year

• Funding for tuition, living expenses, dependent child care, and travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars

• Access to the AAUW alumnae network — Over 13,000 fellows worldwide

• Professional development opportunities — Leadership training, networking events, and career resources

• Recognition as an AAUW International Fellow — Prestigious credential for academic and professional advancement

• Support for returning to home country — Fellows are expected to return to their home countries to become leaders in their fields

Note: Fellowship amounts are subject to federal tax regulations. Recipients are responsible for reporting fellowship income and paying applicable taxes.

All applicants must submit the following documents through the AAUW online application portal:

• Online application form — Completed through the AAUW application system

• Three recommendation letters — From professors, employers, or professional colleagues who can attest to your academic ability, professional competence, and leadership potential

• Academic transcripts — Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, showing grades and CGPA

• Proof of admission or enrollment — Official letter from the proposed U.S. institution confirming admission or current enrollment

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Full academic and professional CV

• Personal statement — Describing your academic and professional goals, commitment to women and girls, and how the fellowship will support your career

• English language proficiency test score — Valid TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or PTE Academic score

• Proof of citizenship — Passport or other official documentation

• CGPA conversion documentation — If your institution does not use a 4.0 scale, provide official conversion documentation

Important: All documents must be submitted in English. Transcripts and other documents in other languages must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for an AAUW International Fellowship:

General Requirements

• Citizenship — Must be a citizen of a country other than the United States or possess a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the U.S. Not eligible if a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or dual citizen with the U.S.

• Academic qualification — Must hold an academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree completed by the application deadline

• Enrollment status — Must intend to devote herself full-time to the proposed academic plan during the fellowship year

• Program admission — Must be admitted to or currently enrolled in the proposed study institution by the application deadline

• Return commitment — Must intend to return to her home country to pursue a professional career upon completion of studies

• English proficiency — Must demonstrate adequate English proficiency by submitting a valid English language test score (TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or PTE Academic)

Master's/Professional Fellowship Specific Requirements

• Must be pursuing her first master's degree or first professional degree

• Must not already hold a master's degree or be enrolled in a doctoral program

• The CGPA must be based on the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree

Doctoral Fellowship Specific Requirements

• Must be pursuing her first doctoral degree

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree

• The CGPA must be based on the highest degree earned at the time of application

• Must have completed all coursework except the dissertation by the fellowship start date

Postdoctoral Fellowship Specific Requirements

• Must hold a doctorate degree at the time of application

• Must provide proof of doctorate degree with the application

• Must indicate where the research will be conducted

Academic Performance Requirement

• Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) on the highest degree earned at the time of application

Follow these steps to complete your application for the AAUW International Fellowship:

1. Review eligibility criteria — Carefully read all requirements to ensure you meet citizenship, academic, and enrollment criteria.

2. Identify your target program — Research and apply to accredited U.S. graduate or postdoctoral programs. You must be admitted or enrolled by the application deadline.

3. Prepare your documents — Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of admission, CV, personal statement, and English test scores.

4. Convert your CGPA — If your institution does not use a 4.0 scale, obtain official conversion documentation.

5. Create an AAUW account — Register on the AAUW online application portal.

6. Complete the online application — Fill in all required fields and upload all supporting documents.

7. Request recommendation letters — Contact your recommenders early and provide them with the AAUW recommendation form and deadline.

8. Review and submit — Double-check all information for accuracy before final submission.

9. Await notification — Selection results are announced in April 2027.

Important: Applications must be submitted through the AAUW online portal by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.