2026 Open Call for International Fellowships for Women Offered by American Association of University Women (AAUW), The AAUW International Fellowships support women from around the world who are pursuing postgraduate education and are committed to using their knowledge and leadership skills to create positive change in their home countries or communities.

The programme primarily supports international applicants undertaking graduate studies in STEM fields in the United States, with a limited number of awards also available for study in countries other than the applicant’s own. The fellowship is intended for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who have demonstrated strong academic achievement along with a history of supporting and empowering women and girls.

Established in 1917, the programme has a long-standing history of helping international women access full-time postgraduate education. Through its financial support, AAUW aims to advance education, gender equity, professional development and women’s leadership while encouraging fellows to apply their expertise for the benefit of their communities.

If you’re interested in this prestigious fellowship program, we encourage you to read the article carefully and follow the application guidelines closely. Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and submit your application within the specified timeline.

Last Date of Application: 31^st December 2026

2026 Open Call for International Fellowships for Women Offered by American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Eligibility Criteria

The AAUW International Fellowships are open to women pursuing their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree in a STEM discipline. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must identify as women.
• They must be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral programme in an eligible STEM field at the time of application.
• The programme must begin on or before 15 September 2027 and end on or after 30 April 2028.
• Applicants must hold at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, earned either in the U.S. or another country.
• The highest degree earned must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants can apply for only one degree type and one specific field of study. Those pursuing dual degrees must select one field for their application.
• Applicants must study full-time in the United States at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Fellows must reside in the U.S. or the country where they are undertaking their approved studies throughout the fellowship period.
• Foreign branches of U.S. universities are considered to be outside the United States.

Study Outside the United States

A limited number of applicants may receive funding to study in a country other than their country of citizenship or the U.S. This applies to:

• Applicants whose country of citizenship is subject to a U.S. travel ban, preventing them from obtaining a U.S. student visa; or
• Applicants from countries not subject to a U.S. travel ban who intend to study outside the U.S. and are members of Graduate Women International.

Citizenship and Immigration Requirements

Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status. Individuals who are currently applying for U.S. permanent residency, including a green card, are also not eligible.

2026 Open Call for International Fellowships for Women Offered by American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Who Cannot Apply?

The following individuals are excluded from consideration:

• Current members of the AAUW Board of Directors
• Current AAUW employees, including paid or unpaid, temporary, part-time, contract and consulting staff, interns and similar personnel
• Current AAUW Review Panelists
• Spouses and dependent children of individuals listed above
• Previous recipients of an AAUW fellowship or grant, except recipients of Community Action Grants or branch/local AAUW awards

2026 Open Call for International Fellowships for Women Offered by American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Fellowship Award

Selected fellows receive financial support based on their degree programme:

• Master’s degree: $20,000
• Doctoral degree: $25,000

The stipend is paid directly to the fellow in two equal instalments, with one payment made at the beginning and the second at the midpoint of the fellowship period.

AAUW Guidelines on Generative AI

Applicants may use generative AI tools to assist with preparing their application narratives. However, AI should only serve as a supporting tool and must not replace the applicant’s own ideas, experiences, analysis or writing.

The submitted application should represent the applicant’s authentic voice and original work.

Fields of Study

The AAUW International Fellowships support master’s and academic or professional doctoral programmes in STEM disciplines, including:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Medicine

If a programme’s STEM classification is unclear and it is not included in the fields above, applicants can refer to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which AAUW uses when determining STEM eligibility.

2026 Open Call for International Fellowships for Women Offered by American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Selection Criteria

Master’s Degree Applications

Applicants for master’s programmes are assessed on several key factors:

• Academic and Scholarly Excellence: Strong academic performance demonstrated through GPA, awards, publications, presentations, research, professional achievements or other relevant recognition.
• Feasibility of the Study Plan: A clear and realistic academic, professional or research plan that aligns with the applicant’s programme and long-term career goals.
• Commitment to Women and Girls: Evidence of efforts to advance opportunities or equity for women and girls through leadership, mentoring, advocacy, community service, professional work or research.
• Career Goals and Potential Impact: Clearly defined STEM career objectives and a practical plan for applying acquired knowledge and expertise to benefit the applicant’s field, home country or community.
• Financial Plan: A realistic overview of expected educational and research expenses, available funding, pending financial support and any remaining funding gap.

Doctoral Degree Applications

Doctoral applicants are evaluated using similar criteria, with additional emphasis on the proposed area of work:

• Academic and Scholarly Excellence: Evidence of strong academic and research achievement.
• Originality and Potential Contribution: A clearly defined research, clinical or applied-practice focus that addresses an important need or gap and could contribute meaningfully to the field.
• Feasibility of the Proposed Plan: A practical academic or research plan suited to the applicant’s stage of doctoral study, including relevant training, methods, milestones and timelines.
• Commitment to Women and Girls: Demonstrated efforts to promote opportunities and equity for women and girls.
• Career Goals and Impact: Clear long-term STEM objectives and a plan to use education, research or professional expertise to create meaningful impact.
• Financial Plan: A well-developed and realistic plan covering expected expenses, available resources and any remaining funding needs.

Preferential Criteria

When applicants demonstrate similar overall merit, preference may be given to candidates who meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Underrepresented Country: Applicants from countries with historically low representation among AAUW fellowship recipients.
• First International Academic Experience: Applicants pursuing education outside their home country for the first time.
• Home-Country Resident: Applicants residing in their home country when they apply.
• First-Generation Graduate: Applicants who are the first person in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Single-Parent Household: Applicants who were raised by a single parent or currently head a single-parent household.
• Caregiving Responsibilities: Applicants who are pregnant or responsible for caring for a minor child or an adult who cannot care for themselves.
• Institutional Context: Preference may be considered for applicants studying at R2 institutions or institutions with limited research resources, taking into account the opportunities and resources available within their academic environment.

Learn more about the Fellowship Program

FAQs – AAUW International Fellowships

1. Which fields of study are eligible for the AAUW International Fellowship?

The fellowship supports master’s and academic or professional doctoral programmes in STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

2. What factors are considered when selecting master’s applicants?

Selection considers academic excellence, feasibility of the proposed study plan, commitment to women and girls, long-term career goals, potential impact and the strength of the applicant’s financial plan.

3. What additional factors are considered for doctoral applicants?

Doctoral applications are also assessed on the originality and potential contribution of the proposed research or professional work, along with academic achievement, feasibility, commitment to women and girls, career objectives and financial planning.

4. Who may receive preference when applicants have similar qualifications?

Preference may be given to applicants from underrepresented countries, first-generation college graduates, first-time international students, home-country residents, single-parent households and applicants with caregiving responsibilities. Institutional context may also be considered.

5. Do applicants need to submit a fully developed research proposal for a master’s programme?

Not necessarily. Master’s applicants are expected to present a clear, realistic and well-considered academic, professional or research plan. A formal research proposal is required only when research forms part of the degree programme or intended course of study.

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