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

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Masters, PhD, Postdoc level, with partial funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters, PhD, Postdoc · applicants for Multiple
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.

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/)

American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships eligibility for Multiple applicants

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.

Documents required for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

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

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "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.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many AAUW awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit at least one week before the deadline
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, AAUW will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

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

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

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

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

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

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, PhD, Postdoc level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by AAUW, and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships fully funded?+

Funding model: Partial. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is . Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.