The AAUW International Fellowships 2027–2028 support women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are pursuing their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate in a STEM discipline. The programme primarily supports full-time graduate study in the United States. Master’s fellows receive a $20,000 stipend, while doctoral fellows receive $25,000. Applications close on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: AAUW International Fellowships
Category: Graduate Fellowship
Host: AAUW
Primary Study Country: United States
Academic Level: First Master’s Degree or Academic/Professional Doctorate
Fields: STEM disciplines
Award: $20,000 for Master’s; $25,000 for Doctorate
Application Deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
About the AAUW International Fellowships
AAUW International Fellowships promote education and equity for women by supporting international applicants pursuing graduate-level STEM education. The programme is intended for women who plan to use their education, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries or communities.
The fellowships primarily support full-time postgraduate study in the United States. A limited number of awards may also support study in another country under the specific conditions established by AAUW.
Fellowship Amount and Eligible Expenses
AAUW provides different stipend amounts according to the degree level.
✓ $20,000 stipend for a master’s degree
✓ $25,000 stipend for a doctorate degree
The stipend is paid directly to the fellow in two equal instalments. The first payment is made at the beginning of the fellowship term, while the second is distributed at the midpoint.
Fellowship funds may be used for eligible costs incurred during the official fellowship term, including:
✓ Tuition and fees
✓ Required books and course materials
✓ Housing
✓ Food
✓ Dependent care, including childcare
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy AAUW’s International Fellowship eligibility criteria.
• Applicants must identify as a woman.
• Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens.
• Applicants must not hold U.S. permanent resident status or be applicants for U.S. permanent residency.
• Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s degree or an academic or professional doctorate at the time of application.
• The degree must be in an eligible STEM discipline.
• Applicants must possess at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
• The highest degree earned must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must normally undertake full-time study at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
• Applicants must reside in the United States or the country where they are studying during the fellowship period.
• The programme must begin on or before September 15, 2027.
• The programme must be completed on or after April 30, 2028.
Applicants may apply for only one degree type and one specific field through the International Fellowship application.
Eligible STEM Fields
AAUW International Fellowships cover master’s and doctoral programmes across STEM disciplines.
The official programme page identifies eligible areas across:
✓ Science
✓ Technology
✓ Engineering
✓ Mathematics and quantitative fields
✓ STEM-based health and medical sciences
Examples listed by AAUW include computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, engineering disciplines, mathematics, statistics, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, public health in qualifying scientific tracks, and professional medical degrees. Applicants should review AAUW’s official list to confirm that their specific programme qualifies.
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Required Application Documents
In addition to the narrative application, AAUW requires supporting academic and professional documentation.
Applicants must prepare:
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of all degrees earned
• Official academic transcripts for completed degrees
• Required English translations of academic documents issued in another language
• Proof that the cumulative GPA for the highest degree meets the 3.5/4.0 minimum
• Proof of English proficiency
• Proof of admission or current enrolment in the programme the applicant intends to pursue
Applicants planning to study outside the United States in circumstances requiring Graduate Women International membership must also provide appropriate proof of membership.
Incomplete applications are not considered.
English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must provide acceptable evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify through another form of proof listed by AAUW.
The official page lists the following minimum test scores:
• TOEFL iBT: 79
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: 60
• IELTS: 6.5
• Cambridge Assessment: 176
• Duolingo English Test: 120
Alternatively, applicants may meet this requirement through qualifying evidence such as a written statement confirming English as their native language or specified academic study completed at an English-speaking institution.
Selection Process
AAUW awards International Fellowships competitively. Its Fellowships & Grants Team first reviews applications for completeness and compliance with the eligibility requirements. Eligible applications are then evaluated by independent panels of scholars and STEM experts.
The selection framework considers factors including academic or scholarly excellence, the feasibility and potential contribution of the applicant’s academic or research plans, demonstrated commitment to women and girls, long-term STEM career objectives, intended impact, and the strength of the applicant’s financial plan.
Final funding recommendations remain subject to AAUW approval and available funds.
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Key Dates
The official AAUW timeline lists the following dates:
• Applications open: August 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET
• Applications close: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
• Award notification: March 2027
• First stipend disbursement: July–September 2027
• Mid-year report: December 2027
• Second stipend disbursement: December 2027/January 2028
• Final report: July 31, 2028
Application Deadline
Applications for the AAUW International Fellowships must be completed by:
• September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
All application deadlines follow Eastern Time.
Apply Here
Review the official fellowship details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official AAUW International Fellowships Page View the Official AAUW International Fellowships Page
