For many women across the world, the pursuit of higher education in the United States is more than an academic goal—it is a step toward freedom, empowerment, and long-term transformation.
But despite their talents and aspirations, financial constraints often keep this dream out of reach. That is precisely why the AAUW International Fellowships exist.
Founded in 1917, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) created the International Fellowships to support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
These fellowships provide full financial support for graduate and postgraduate study at accredited U.S. institutions, giving women the chance to grow academically and return home with the skills and credentials needed to lead change in their communities.
If you are a woman with a vision for leadership, service, or innovation, and you’re seeking a way to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the United States, this program could be your gateway.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the AAUW International Fellowships—from eligibility to fields of study, funding, and the application process.
What Is the AAUW International Fellowships Program?
The AAUW International Fellowships are exclusively awarded to women from countries outside the United States. These fellowships support full-time study or research at the graduate or postgraduate level in any field at accredited U.S. institutions.
For over a century, AAUW has been at the forefront of efforts to remove barriers and open doors for women in education and leadership. This particular fellowship reflects that mission by offering financial access to advanced education for women around the world—especially those who are committed to using their education to improve the lives of other women and girls.
What the Fellowship Covers
This is a fully funded opportunity designed to support one full academic year of study or research. Fellowship funds are paid directly to recipients and are intended to cover essential educational expenses.
What’s Included in the Fellowship Package
- Full Tuition and University Fees
AAUW covers all academic-related costs at your U.S. institution for one academic year. - Living Expenses
This includes funding for housing, meals, utilities, and transportation for the duration of your program. - Books and Educational Supplies
You’ll receive additional funds for textbooks, software, research materials, and other supplies. - Travel Support
Though airfare is not automatically covered, some fellowship funds may be applied to cover travel costs related to academic study or conferences. - Childcare Support (if applicable)
Women with dependent children may receive additional support to help cover childcare during their study period. - Discretionary Funding
Recipients may use part of the fellowship to cover other needs, including academic conferences, medical insurance, and technology essential for learning.
The level of support varies depending on your degree level but is sufficient to cover a full year of high-quality education and living expenses in the United States.
Who Is Eligible?
The AAUW International Fellowships are only available to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must be committed to returning to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to development efforts—particularly those related to advancing women and girls.
Eligibility Criteria
- Gender Requirement
Applicants must identify as women. This is a women-only opportunity. No male applicants are eligible. - Citizenship
Applicants must be citizens of countries other than the United States. U.S. dual citizens or permanent residents are not eligible. - Educational Background
You must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree before the start of the fellowship year. - University Admission
Applicants must have already applied to an accredited U.S. institution by the time of application submission. Final selection requires proof of admission. - English Language Proficiency
If your first language is not English and you did not earn your undergraduate degree from an English-language institution, you must provide valid TOEFL or IELTS scores. - Demonstrated Commitment to Women and Girls
Priority is given to applicants who show past or future commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls in their home country. - Post-Fellowship Plan to Return Home
The program is intended to benefit communities beyond the individual recipient. Fellows must plan to return to their home country after their studies to contribute to its development.
Fields of Study
There are no academic field restrictions for this fellowship. However, preference is often given to those whose studies will impact women’s empowerment, community development, and social progress.
Master’s Degree Programs Supported
AAUW supports a wide range of disciplines for master’s-level applicants, including:
- Education and Teaching
- International Development and Social Work
- Global Health and Public Policy
- Law and Human Rights
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Journalism and Media
- Economics and Public Administration
- Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Management
These degrees are expected to help women gain leadership in their communities and influence policy or innovation in their home countries.
Doctoral and Research-Based Programs
For those pursuing a PhD or equivalent terminal degree, AAUW funds study or research in the following areas:
- Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Engineering and Computing
- Political Science and Governance
- Environmental Policy
- Education Policy and Curriculum Development
- Women’s and Gender Studies
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- History, Philosophy, and Literature
Women at this level are expected to demonstrate strong research potential and a clear plan for how their work will contribute to both academic knowledge and social impact.
Fellowship Funding Amounts
The award amounts differ depending on the degree level.
- Master’s Degree Fellowship: $20,000
- Doctoral Fellowship: $25,000
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: $50,000
Each award supports one academic year of study or research. Funding can be renewed under certain conditions, but recipients must reapply for consideration.
Application Process
The application process is conducted entirely online. AAUW opens its fellowship portal once per year, typically between August and November. The review and selection process takes several months, with final decisions made by the following spring.
Application Steps
- Create an Account on the AAUW Application Portal
Begin by registering during the official application window. All submissions must be made through the portal. - Select Degree Type
Choose the appropriate track—Master’s, Doctorate, or Postdoctoral. - Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need to upload the following materials:
- Academic transcripts
- Official proof of degree (bachelor’s or higher)
- TOEFL or IELTS test scores (if applicable)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Proof of application to or admission into a U.S. institution
- Personal statement detailing goals and community impact
- Proposed budget for your study year
- Submit Application Before Deadline
Make sure every section is complete and accurate. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. - Await Notification
If selected, you’ll be notified between April and June of the following year.
What Makes a Strong Applicant?
Successful applicants often go beyond academic qualifications. AAUW looks for purpose-driven women who understand the power of education as a tool for community transformation.
- A clear vision of how the degree will impact their country or region
- A commitment to improving women’s rights, education, health, or justice
- Evidence of past service, advocacy, or leadership for women or girls
- Strong communication skills demonstrated through essays and interviews
- Realistic goals paired with actionable plans for post-graduate work
The most competitive applications are well-rounded, authentic, and aligned with AAUW’s mission of gender equity and global impact.
Life After the Fellowship
AAUW International Fellows join a worldwide network of women who are researchers, policymakers, health professionals, educators, and changemakers. Fellowship alumnae have gone on to shape policy, reform education systems, launch impactful nonprofits, and lead scientific breakthroughs.
The impact doesn’t end with graduation. As an AAUW fellow, you gain access to a powerful community of women across disciplines and countries who continue to support and uplift one another long after the final thesis or dissertation is completed.
Conclusion
The AAUW International Fellowships offer a unique and empowering opportunity for women outside the United States to pursue advanced degrees and return home equipped to transform their societies. It is more than just a scholarship—it is a springboard to leadership, advocacy, and global influence.
If you are a woman with the courage to dream, the strength to lead, and the heart to serve, this fellowship could be the key that unlocks your potential. The journey is rigorous, the process is competitive, but the outcome is powerful.
Start preparing today. The next chapter of your story might begin with a fellowship that believes in you as much as you believe in your future.