The AAUW International Fellowships is one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious funding programs dedicated to advancing women’s education and leadership. Established in 1917, this fellowship has empowered thousands of outstanding women from around the world to pursue graduate education while developing the expertise, leadership skills, and professional experience needed to create meaningful change in their home countries and communities.
The program is designed specifically for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies in the United States in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In addition, AAUW also offers a limited number of fellowships for women pursuing graduate study in countries other than their own.
By investing in talented women scholars, researchers, innovators, and future leaders, AAUW seeks to promote educational equity, gender equality, and sustainable global development.
About the AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) created the International Fellowships program to remove financial barriers that prevent talented women from pursuing advanced education.
For more than a century, the fellowship has supported international women committed to academic excellence and leadership. Fellows are expected not only to excel academically but also to use the knowledge and experience gained through their education to improve the lives of others, particularly women and girls, after completing their studies.
The fellowship reflects AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women through education, research, advocacy, and leadership development.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The AAUW International Fellowships aim to:
- Promote educational opportunities for women worldwide.
- Support international women pursuing graduate education.
- Increase women’s participation in STEM disciplines.
- Develop future women leaders.
- Encourage graduates to apply their expertise to benefit their home countries and communities.
- Strengthen global leadership among women scholars and professionals.
- Empower women to mentor and support future generations of girls and women.
Fields of Study
The fellowship primarily supports graduate programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine
Applicants whose academic programs are not explicitly listed may verify whether their degree qualifies by consulting the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which AAUW uses to determine STEM eligibility.
Degree Levels Supported
AAUW International Fellowships support women pursuing:
- Master’s degree programs
- Academic doctoral degree programs
- Professional doctoral degree programs
The fellowship supports full-time postgraduate study.
Limited Awards Outside the United States
While the majority of awards support graduate study in the United States, AAUW also provides a limited number of fellowships for women studying in countries other than their own.
This provides additional opportunities for exceptional applicants whose educational goals are better served through graduate education outside both the United States and their home country.
Who Should Apply?
AAUW seeks applicants who demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement.
- Strong leadership potential.
- Commitment to advancing women and girls.
- A desire to use their education to improve their communities.
- Dedication to creating positive social impact through their careers.
Applicants are expected to possess a clear vision of how their graduate education will contribute to development and progress within their home countries or communities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the AAUW International Fellowships, applicants must:
- Be women.
- Be non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents of the United States.
- Apply for full-time graduate study.
- Pursue eligible master’s or doctoral programs.
- Study within eligible STEM disciplines.
- Demonstrate academic excellence.
- Show commitment to empowering women and girls.
- Intend to apply the knowledge, leadership, and professional skills gained through their studies in service to their home countries or communities after completing their education.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Women remain underrepresented across many STEM fields worldwide. AAUW’s International Fellowships directly address this gap by investing in women researchers, scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, innovators, and future academic leaders.
Recipients gain opportunities to:
- Access world-class graduate education.
- Expand international professional networks.
- Conduct advanced research.
- Build leadership capacity.
- Strengthen technical expertise.
- Increase career opportunities.
- Contribute to solving global and local challenges.
The fellowship also creates a global community of accomplished women leaders dedicated to improving opportunities for future generations.
Fellowship Timeline
Visit HERE to learn more about the AAUW International Fellowships 2027–2028 for Women in STEM
Applicants should begin preparing their applications well before the submission deadline to ensure sufficient time to complete every required document.
Important Dates
Applications Open
- August 17, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Application Deadline
- September 17, 2026
- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
Award Notifications
- March 2027
First Stipend Distribution
- July–September 2027
Mid-Year Progress Report
- December 2027
Second Stipend Distribution
- December 2027 / January 2028
Final Report Deadline
- July 31, 2028
Applicants should pay close attention to Eastern Time (ET) when submitting their applications.
Application Process
AAUW encourages all applicants to begin their applications early through the online application portal.
The application process generally includes:
- Accessing the application portal once applications open.
- Completing all required application sections.
- Uploading all required supporting documents.
- Meeting every eligibility requirement.
- Submitting the application before the official deadline.
Applicants should carefully review all application requirements before submission to avoid disqualification.
Application Components
The fellowship application process includes information regarding:
- Application requirements
- Selection process
- Award management
- Fellowship policies
- Program resources
- Final award confirmation
- Changes of institution or field of study
- Use of fellowship funds
- Program start and end dates
- Visa information
Applicants should ensure they understand all fellowship policies before accepting an award.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated separately for:
- Master’s degree applicants
- Doctoral degree applicants
Selection focuses on identifying women with exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and demonstrated commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls.
Successful candidates are expected to become influential professionals capable of creating lasting impact within their respective countries and communities.
Tips for a Strong Application
To maximize competitiveness, applicants should:
- Begin the application well before the deadline.
- Clearly explain their academic and professional goals.
- Demonstrate leadership experience.
- Highlight achievements in STEM.
- Showcase commitment to supporting women and girls.
- Present a compelling vision for contributing to their home country after graduation.
- Ensure every required document is complete and submitted on time.
Why You Should Apply
The AAUW International Fellowships provide much more than financial assistance. They offer access to one of the world’s most respected networks of women scholars, researchers, and leaders. Fellows become part of a global community committed to advancing education, innovation, and gender equity while making lasting contributions in STEM fields.
If you are an ambitious international woman planning to pursue graduate education in STEM and aspire to use your expertise to create positive change, this fellowship represents an outstanding opportunity to invest in your future and the future of your community.
Conclusion
For over a century, the AAUW International Fellowships have transformed the educational and professional journeys of women from around the world. By supporting master’s and doctoral studies in STEM disciplines, the program equips women with the knowledge, leadership skills, and global exposure needed to become catalysts for innovation and development.
Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their applications early, gather all required documentation, and submit their applications before the September 17, 2026 deadline. This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for women committed to academic excellence, leadership, and empowering future generations.
For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.
