AAUW International Fellowship 2027–2028: Overview
The AAUW International Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and long-standing scholarship programs available to women pursuing graduate and postdoctoral study in the United States. Established in 1917 by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), this fellowship has supported hundreds of women from across the globe in advancing their academic and professional careers — and it continues to do so more than a century later.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the AAUW International Fellowship is open to women from all over the world — including Africa, Asia, the Arab world, Latin America, and beyond — who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Whether you are applying for a Master’s degree, a Doctoral program, or postdoctoral research, this fellowship could be the transformative opportunity that brings your academic ambitions to life on American soil.
With awards ranging from $20,000 for Master’s students to $50,000 for postdoctoral researchers, the AAUW International Fellowship is among the most competitive and rewarding fellowships for international women scholars. The fellowship has a particularly strong emphasis on STEM disciplines, making it especially relevant for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
The AAUW International Fellowship is designed to cover the real costs of pursuing an education in the United States. Here is a breakdown of what recipients can expect:
- Master’s Degree: Up to $20,000
- Doctoral Degree: Up to $25,000
- Postdoctoral Research: Up to $50,000
- Funds may be used for tuition and fees, living expenses, dependent care costs, and limited professional travel
- Recipients also gain access to the AAUW’s powerful professional network, leadership development resources, and a global community of women scholars
Unlike many scholarships that restrict funding to tuition alone, the AAUW International Fellowship takes a holistic approach. It recognizes that international students — particularly women — often face costs beyond tuition, such as childcare, housing, and transportation, all of which can be barriers to completing a degree.
If you are also exploring fully funded doctoral opportunities in technology-focused fields, you may find the Women in AI/ML Doctoral Fellowship by the KAIA Network to be a compelling complement to your scholarship search.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the AAUW International Fellowship 2027–2028, ensure you meet all of the following requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a non-U.S. citizen and non-U.S. permanent resident at the time of application and throughout the fellowship period
- Gender: Open exclusively to women (including transgender women and nonbinary individuals who were assigned female at birth, as per AAUW’s inclusion policy)
- Degree Level: Pursuing a first Master’s degree, first Doctoral degree, or postdoctoral research at a U.S.-accredited institution
- Academic Performance: A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a U.S.-equivalent bachelor’s degree is required
- Field of Study: All disciplines are eligible, but STEM fields are prioritized
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Program Timeline: The academic program must begin by September 15, 2027 and must not end before April 30, 2028
- Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the lives of women and girls in their home countries
Women from Africa, Asia, the Arab world, Latin America, Eastern Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and all other regions are welcome to apply. There is no country-specific restriction — all nationalities are eligible as long as the citizenship requirement above is met.
Important Dates for the 2027–2028 Cycle
- Application Opens: August 17, 2026
- Application Deadline: September 17, 2026
- Award Notifications: Expected in March 2027
- Program Start: Must begin by September 15, 2027
- Program End: Must extend at least through April 30, 2028
Note that the application window is very short — just one month. It is critical to prepare all your materials well in advance so that you are ready to submit as soon as the portal opens on August 17, 2026.
How to Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship
The application process is entirely online through the AAUW’s official website. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet all citizenship, academic, and enrollment requirements listed above before beginning your application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following materials well ahead of the August 17, 2026 opening date:
- Official academic transcripts (with certified U.S.-equivalent GPA calculation if needed)
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance at a U.S.-accredited institution
- A detailed personal statement or statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- A professional curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Evidence of your commitment to women’s empowerment in your home country
- A copy of your passport or national identity document
Step 3: Write a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is arguably the most important element of your application. AAUW evaluators look for clarity of purpose, academic excellence, and a genuine, demonstrable commitment to improving the status of women and girls. Be specific about what you have done, what you plan to study, and how your work will benefit your community.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Log in to the AAUW Fellowship application portal and complete all sections before the September 17, 2026 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Tips for a Winning AAUW International Fellowship Application
Competition for the AAUW International Fellowship is intense. Here are some practical strategies to strengthen your application:
- Start early: One month is a very tight window. Begin preparing your documents, transcripts, and personal statement at least three months before the portal opens.
- Quantify your impact: When describing your community work or research, use numbers and outcomes wherever possible. “I trained 200 rural girls in basic coding” is far stronger than “I worked with girls in my community.”
- Choose referees wisely: Select recommenders who know your academic and leadership work intimately and can speak to your potential for impact.
- Tailor for STEM: If you are in a STEM field, clearly explain the societal significance of your research and how it connects to women’s advancement.
- Proofread rigorously: Have your personal statement reviewed by a mentor, professor, or writing center before submission.
- Secure your institutional letter early: Obtaining a letter from your U.S. institution can take time — start this process as soon as possible.
For women looking at other prestigious fully funded graduate opportunities abroad, the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027–2028 is another outstanding option worth exploring alongside this fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can women already enrolled in a U.S. university apply?
Yes. You do not need to be a new student. Women who are currently enrolled in a qualifying graduate or postdoctoral program at a U.S.-accredited institution are eligible to apply, provided their program will still be ongoing through April 30, 2028.
2. Is the AAUW International Fellowship renewable?
The fellowship is awarded for one academic year. However, AAUW does have a separate American Fellowships program for U.S. citizens. International fellows are encouraged to reapply in subsequent cycles if they remain eligible.
3. Are all academic disciplines eligible, or only STEM?
All accredited academic disciplines are eligible for the AAUW International Fellowship. However, AAUW has publicly stated a priority for STEM disciplines, so applicants in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics may have a competitive edge. Non-STEM applicants are still encouraged to apply with strong evidence of commitment to gender equity.
4. Can I hold the AAUW International Fellowship alongside another scholarship?
AAUW requires you to disclose any other fellowships or funding you hold. While it is generally possible to hold multiple awards, you must confirm this with AAUW directly. Some combinations may not be permitted if they exceed the total cost of attendance.
5. What happens after I receive the award notification in March 2027?
After the award notification in March 2027, selected fellows will receive detailed information about accepting the award, disbursement timelines, and participation in AAUW leadership and networking events. Fellows are expected to attend the AAUW National Conference and to remain active in the AAUW community during their fellowship year.
For those also considering postdoctoral research funding in North America, the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) Program offers another competitive avenue for early-career researchers.
Apply Now — Don’t Miss This Opportunity
The AAUW International Fellowship 2027–2028 is a life-changing opportunity for women around the world to pursue world-class graduate and postdoctoral education in the United States. With over 100 years of history, generous funding of up to $50,000, and a mission rooted in gender equity and academic excellence, this fellowship stands as one of the most respected awards available to international women scholars today.
If you are a woman from Africa, Asia, the Arab world, Latin America, or any other part of the world with the drive to pursue graduate studies in the USA — this is your moment. Applications open August 17, 2026 and close September 17, 2026. Start preparing today.
Visit the Official AAUW International Fellowship Page to Learn More and Apply