Applications are now open for the AAUW International Fellowship 2026. This scholarship program, sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), is designed for women who are not U.S. citizens to pursue full-time Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the United States. In addition, the AAUW is offering five awards to women who are members of Graduate Women International (see the list of GWI affiliates) to complete their degree in any country other than their own. The program aims to educate women and promote global equity for women. There is no application fee, and the fellowship will begin in July 2026. More details about the AAUW International Fellowship requirements, financial benefits, and application process are provided below.
Financial Benefits
AAUW International Fellowship Funding Amounts:
Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
Doctoral Degree: $25,000
Postdoctoral Research: $50,000
Women’s leadership development programs
Fellowship programs
These funds can be used for:
Educational Expenses
Living Expenses
Dependent Child Care
Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars (not to exceed 10% of the total fellowship amount).
Study Level & Fields of Study
Master’s: Intended at J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., or medical degrees such as M.D., D.D.S., etc. Certificates, associate degrees, and undergraduate degrees are ineligible.
Doctoral Fellowships: Intended for Research degrees, such as Ph.D. or Ed.D.
Postdoctoral Fellowships: Applicants must provide proof of their doctorate; hold a doctorate classified as a research degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., D.M.) or an M.F.A. by the application deadline; and indicate where they will conduct their research.
Eligibility Criteria
Gender: Must be or identify as a woman.
Academic Qualification: Must hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s with a minimum 3.5 GPA for their highest degree.
Study Level: Must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, PhD, JD, MD).
Location of Study: Full-time study in the U.S. at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
International Study Exception: If studying in a country other than their own or the U.S., they must be a member of Graduate Women International and attend a school eligible for U.S. federal student aid.
Required Documents
Letters of Recommendation
Proof of Highest Degree Earned
Official Academic Transcript
Proof of Cumulative GPA Calculation (on a 4.0 scale)
Proof of English Proficiency (test scores, statement, or academic transcript/diploma)
Proof of Admission or Current Enrollment
Proof of Graduate Women International Membership (if applicable)
Certified English Translations (for non-English documents)
Name Change Documentation (if applicable).
