International AAUW Fellowships (MS and PhD Degrees) 2026 Available
Women aiming to lead and empower through education now have a transformative opportunity to study in the U.S.—thanks to the 2026 International Fellowships Program by AAUW (American Association of University Women). Since 1917, AAUW has been supporting international women in graduate and doctoral studies to help them bring change to their communities through advanced education and leadership.
For the upcoming 2026 academic cycle, AAUW is again inviting highly qualified non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply for fully funded fellowships to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in accredited U.S. institutions.
AAUW MS/PhD Fellowship Funding Plan
- $20,000 for a Master’s Degree Program
- $25,000 for a Doctorate Degree Program
The fellowship funds are disbursed in two equal installments—at the beginning and midpoint of the academic year. While primarily for study in the U.S., up to five (05) awards are also reserved for Graduate Women International (GWI) members for programs in countries other than their own.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the International AAUW Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Identify as a woman and be a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or doctoral degree program at an accredited U.S. institution
- Must begin their program on or before September 1, 2026, and complete it after April 30, 2027
- Must study full-time during the fellowship year and reside in the U.S. (or country of research)
- English proficiency proof required (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Duolingo scores)
- Not eligible if previously awarded an AAUW Fellowship (excluding certain exceptions).
What Makes a Strong Application?
AAUW evaluates applications based on:
- Proven academic excellence and leadership potential
- Clear intention to return to home country and contribute to women’s advancement
- Realistic and impactful study/research plans
- First-time international study experience and home-country residence at the time of application (preferred)
- Membership with GWI (required if studying outside the U.S.)
Application Timeline
The application period for the 2026 AAUW International Fellowships will open on August 1, 2025, and close on September 30, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the award decision by April 15, 2026. The fellowship term will officially run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
The first stipend will be disbursed between July and September 2026, while the second installment will be released in January 2027. All fellows are required to submit their final grant impact reports by July 31, 2027.
What do you need to apply for AAUW Fellowship?
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Letters of Recommendation (2 professional/academic references)
- Copy of highest degree earned and official transcript
- CGPA proof on a 4.0 scale (via transcript or credential evaluation)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Proof of admission or enrollment for the intended program
- GWI membership verification (if applying to study outside the U.S.)
- Certified translations of non-English document
- SOP, research proposal, and motivation letter as addon.
Apply: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/international-fellowships/.
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