AAUW International Fellowships 2025‑2026: USA Scholarships for Women

What Is AAUW International Fellowships?

The AAUW International Fellowships programme is designed to empower women from around the world (who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) to pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate degree programs in the U.S. The aim is not just academic growth, but also leadership development, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully—especially in the applicant’s home country—in fields including but not limited to sciences, arts, social sciences, education, business, etc. 

AAUW also offers International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (for holders of doctoral degrees). We’ll touch on those too. 

Key Benefits

Here’s what successful applicants receive under AAUW International Fellowships:

• Stipend:
    – For Master’s / First Professional Degrees: approx US$ 20,000
    – For Academic / Professional Doctoral Degrees: approx US$ 25,000 

• Postdoctoral awards are larger: around US$ 50,000 for eligible applicants holding doctoral degrees, doing research in approved fields. 

• Funding covers tuition, fees, required supplies, housing, food, other living expenses. Also available for child care, if specified. 

• The fellowship term typically runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. 

Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Gender & Citizenship

   • You must be a woman (or identify as one). 

   • You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Importantly, applicants for AAUW fellowships must not hold a green card. 

2. Academic Requirements

   • Hold at least a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. 

   • Have a strong academic record; typically a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 on your highest degree. Be starting your first master’s or doctorate (academic or professional), and enroll full-time.

3. Program Timing

   • Your program must begin on or before September 1, 2026 and you should complete it no earlier than April 30, 2027, so the fellowship spans that academic period. 

4. Residence & Return Intent

   • You must reside in your country of citizenship at the time of application (unless exceptions apply).

   • A demonstrated intent / plan to return and contribute to your home country after your studies is preferred. AAUW values leadership and commitment to advancing women and girls. 

5. Other

   • If applicable, proof of English language proficiency (if your prior degree was not in English). (Some sources mention this requirement, though AAUW’s main site focuses more on academic proof and transcripts.) 

   • Letters of recommendation (usually 2), academic transcripts, research / study proposal.

Timeline & Important Dates

Here are the important dates you need to keep in mind:

Make sure your application is submitted well before the deadline, and all documents are ready (transcripts, reference letters, etc.), so you don’t lose time.

Application Components & Selection Criteria

Your application will typically include:

• Academic transcripts & proof of degree(s) (translated if not in English) 

• Research / Study plan / Statement of Purpose: clearly articulating what you plan to study, why, how it benefits your home country / community, especially women/girls work. 

• Letters of recommendation (2) from professors or professionals who know your academic / professional work 

• Proof of admission (or conditional admission) to a U.S. institution (or for some GWI members, institutions abroad) depending on the fellowship variant. 

Selection Criteria

Review panels evaluate applications based on:

• Academic excellence (grades, achievements, awards)

• Clarity, feasibility, and originality of the proposed plan or research

• Potential for leadership and community impact, especially relating to empowering women and girls.

• The applicant’s position after fellowship: how they plan to use skills, return to their country and contribute

• Preference may be given to applicants from countries with fewer past recipients, or those pursuing their first international academic experience. 

What’s New / Key Updates for 2025-26

• The application deadline has been set as September 30, 2025. Fellowship term is confirmed for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. 

• Master’s stipend remains ~$20,000; doctoral ~$25,000. Postdoctoral research fellowships about ~$50,000. 

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Go to the AAUW Fellowship Portal
   Use AAUW’s official site to register / create an account.

2. Read the Official Instructions & Guidelines
   Download / review the Fellowship’s guide carefully to check eligibility, document requirements, format of essays, etc.

3. Secure Admission or Proof
   Admission letters (or proof of conditional acceptance) to the U.S. graduate or doctoral programme may be needed. If not yet admitted, check whether conditional offers are acceptable. 

4. Prepare Documents

   • Academic transcripts (highest degree)

   • Translation if not in English

   • Letters of recommendation

   • Research / study proposal / statement of purpose

   • Proof of citizenship (passport)

5. Submit Application Before Deadline
   Submit complete application by September 30, 2025. Ensure no missing parts. Late or incomplete applications are usually not considered. 

6. Await Notification
   Awardees will be notified around April 15, 2026 

Pros & Challenges: What to Keep in Mind

Pros

• High prestige, global recognition

• Generous stipend that helps cover living costs, tuition, etc.

• Great for building leadership & academic / professional profile

• Strong network of women scholars & AAUW community support

Challenges

• Very competitive: many applicants, high academic standards

• Full-time commitment required — you must be ready to relocate, focus entirely on studies.

• Visa, travel, living expenses can pose additional logistical needs.

• Return to home country is expected – you should have clear plan and intent.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Start early — get transcripts translated, referee letters ready.

• Write a compelling, clear study/research proposal showing impact. Not just “what you will study” but “why it matters”.

• Showcase leadership, service, previous community work especially for women/girls empowerment.

• Ensure your GPA conversion (if outside U.S.) is correct & verifiable.

• Proofread your essays, proposals; get feedback from mentors or people who’ve applied before.

• If possible, have conditional admission into U.S. programme prior to applying, so your plan is strong.

Final Thoughts

AAUW International Fellowships offer a rare chance for women from around the world to pursue advanced studies in the United States, backed by a solid stipend and with a focus on leadership and societal impact. If you meet the eligibility and are committed to academic growth plus returning value to your home country, this could be a career-changing opportunity.

The key is: don’t delay. The deadline is September 30, 2025, and once it’s gone, the window closes. Prepare well, apply with confidence, and aim to not just fulfill your ambitions but also uplift others in your community.