American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships 2026

If you're an international woman pursuing postgraduate studies in the United States, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships 2026 are designed just for you. These prestigious awards empower women’s academic excellence and leadership, supporting Master’s and Doctoral study—or even study abroad—for candidates committed to making an impact back home. 

📚 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Primarily the United States (full-time study); selected opportunities exist for study in other countries for GWI members.

• Host Institution: Accredited higher education institutions in the U.S., or eligible institutions abroad (for GWI-affiliated applicants).

• Level: Master’s / First Professional Degrees and Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., etc.)

• Target Group: Women who are non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents with a strong academic record and commitment to advancing women and girls. Up to five awards are available for GWI members studying outside the U.S.

• Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines; applicants must select one field for their application.

• Value & Coverage:

  • Master’s: US $20,000

  • Doctoral: US $25,000

  • Postdoctoral (for context—not part of this fellowship): US $50,000 (via separate AAUW program)

• Award Duration: One academic year, with limited two-year renewal for Master’s candidates (≤ 5 recipients), contingent on high performance (GPA ≥ 3.5) and renewal procedures.

🎓 Fellowship Overview

Established in 1917, AAUW’s International Fellowships have a long-standing legacy of supporting women’s postgraduate education and leadership. The awards are merit-based and designed to empower women from around the globe to return home as leaders and advocates.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Stipend: Paid in two equal installments—half at the beginning of the fellowship term and half mid-year.

• Financial Flexibility: Covers tuition, fees, living expenses (including childcare), books, supplies, and up to 10% of the total for professional travel.

• Network & Visibility: Associates fellows with AAUW’s global alumnae community and builds a foundation for leadership and gender equity.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Gender & Citizenship: Identify as a woman; must be non-U.S. citizen and non-permanent resident.

2. Academic Status: Admitted or enrolled in the first Master’s or Doctoral program at application time. Must begin by September 1, 2026, and complete no earlier than April 30, 2027.

3. Academic Qualification: Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0.

4. Residence & Study Requirements: Full-time study in the U.S. for U.S.-based candidates; GWI membership and attendance at a U.S.-eligible institution required for non-U.S. study.

5. Community Impact: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to using their expertise to benefit their home country and a record of supporting women and girls.

6. Exceptions: Board members, AAUW employees, review panelists, their immediate family, and previous AAUW fellowship recipients (with some exceptions) are disqualified.

🔍 Selection & Renewal Process

• Selection Factors:

  • Academic excellence and distinction

  • Commitment to advancing women and communities

  • Clear and feasible study plans and timeline

  • Intention to return to home country

  • Preferential consideration for first-time international students, those from underrepresented countries, or residents in their home countries at application time.

• Renewal (Master’s only): Up to 5 Master’s fellows may renew for a second year. Conditions: GPA ≥ 3.5 and submission of renewal form, transcript, and certification by May 30, 2027.

📆 Timeline

• Application Window August 1 – September 30, 2025

• Fellowship Notification By April 15, 2026

• Fellowship Term July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

• First Stipend Payment July–September 2026

• Interim Report Deadline December 15, 2026

• Second Stipend Payment January 2027

• Impact Report Deadline July 31, 2027

📝 Application Procedure

• Application Portal: Apply via the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal.

• Guidance: For step-by-step guidance on completing your application, refer to the Application Instructions.

• Documents Needed:

  • Two letters of recommendation (no dossier services; professional emails encouraged)

  • Proof of highest degree and official transcripts

  • GPA calculation or official confirmation of ≥ 3.5/4.0

  • Proof of admission/enrollment or acceptance

  • English proficiency documentation (if applicable)

  • GWI membership proof (if studying outside the U.S.)

  • Certified translations and name-change documents (as needed)

ℹ️ Applications are final upon submission; incomplete or late applications are not reviewed.

💡 Why Apply?

• Be part of a historic, globally respected fellowship supporting women since 1917.

• Receive generous financial support for full-time study in the U.S. (or select international institutions).

• Gain access to AAUW’s vast alumnae network and support system.

• Contribute to gender equity and leadership in your field and community.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Link

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