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Masters, PhD, PostdocPartial

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships

Last verified 15 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The AAUW International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Provider
AAUW
Host country
Multiple
Region
Multiple

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.
Funding
Partial
Study level
Masters, PhD, Postdoc
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.

Recorded funding information

  • Partial

About the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships (2026)

## Overview The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships are prestigious awards designed to support women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. These fellowships are exclusively for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Since 1888, AAUW has been a significant funder of women's graduate education, empowering women globally to achieve their academic and professional goals and contribute to positive change in their home countries. ## Benefits The AAUW International Fellowships provide financial support to help recipients cover their educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S. While the exact amount of funding can vary, these are partial fellowships, intended to supplement other funding sources that the recipient may have. The fellowship allows recipients to focus on their studies or research without undue financial burden, fostering academic excellence and leadership development. Beyond financial aid, fellows become part of a global network of accomplished women, offering opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. ## Eligibility To be eligible for an AAUW International Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Identifies as a woman. * Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. * Must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent. * Must have applied to an accredited U.S. institution for a master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral program, or already be enrolled in such a program. * Must be pursuing full-time study or research. * Must intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career after completing their studies. * Proficiency in English is required; applicants may need to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores. ## Required Documents While specific documentation may vary slightly each application cycle, generally, applicants are required to submit: * Official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions. * Proof of admission or enrollment in a qualified program at an accredited U.S. institution. * Letters of recommendation, typically from professors or professional supervisors. * A personal statement outlining academic and career goals, and how the fellowship will contribute to their return to their home country. * Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS scores), if applicable. * Detailed resume or curriculum vitae. * Financial need statement. ## How to Apply The application process for the AAUW International Fellowships is conducted online through the AAUW website. Typically, applicants will need to: 1. Review the detailed fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements on the AAUW website. 2. Create an online application account. 3. Complete all sections of the application form accurately and thoroughly. 4. Upload all required supporting documents, ensuring they meet the specified format and guidelines. 5. Arrange for letters of recommendation and official transcripts to be submitted directly to AAUW by the specified deadline. 6. Submit the completed application by the deadline. It is highly recommended to start the application process well in advance of the deadline to gather all necessary documents and to allow time for recommendation writers to submit their letters. ## Key Dates While applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are currently closed, AAUW generally opens applications annually for future academic years. Specific dates, including the opening and closing of the application window, are published on the official AAUW fellowships and grants page. Prospective applicants should regularly check the AAUW website for the most up-to-date information regarding application cycles. ## Selection Criteria AAUW International Fellowships are highly competitive. Selection committees evaluate applicants based on a holistic review of their application, considering: * **Academic excellence:** Demonstrated through transcripts, academic achievements, and research potential. * **Commitment to women's issues and leadership potential:** Evidence of leadership, community involvement, and dedication to advancing women in their home countries. * **Relevance of proposed study or research:** How the chosen program aligns with their career goals and potential impact. * **Financial need:** While not the sole factor, financial need is considered. * **Intent to return home:** A clear and strong commitment to returning to their home country to apply their acquired knowledge and skills. ## Tips * **Start early:** Begin preparing your application and gathering documents well in advance of the deadline. * **Craft a compelling personal statement:** Clearly articulate your academic and professional goals, and emphasize your commitment to returning to your home country and making an impact. * **Choose strong recommenders:** Select individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, leadership potential, and character. * **Proofread meticulously:** Ensure your application is free of any grammatical errors or typos. * **Review FAQs:** Consult the AAUW Frequently Asked Questions section on their website for additional guidance. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official AAUW Fellowships and Grants page: [https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/](https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Partial

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

    American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships deadline & application timeline

    No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; this does not imply rolling applications. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline

      No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source for dates and any cutoff or time zone.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships?+

    Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.

    What funding does the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships offer?+

    Listed funding: Partial. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; a missing date does not mean applications are rolling.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

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