The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering an incredible opportunity for talented women worldwide through its AAUW International Fellowships 2026-2027. This partially funded fellowship supports graduate and postgraduate studies in any field at accredited universities in the USA.
With funding between $20,000 and $50,000 per year (based on study level), this program is designed to help women advance their academic and professional goals while fostering leadership and global impact. If youโve dreamed of studying in the USA, this fellowship could be your gateway.
About the AAUW International Fellowship Program
AAUWโs International Fellowships have been supporting womenโs education since 1917, when they were first introduced to provide opportunities for Latin American women. Today, the program has expanded globally, awarding more than 3,600 fellowships to women from over 150 countries.
The fellowship funds full-time study or research in the United States for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have the equivalent of a US bachelorโs degree and must apply to their chosen US institution before submitting their fellowship application.
Beyond academic merit, AAUW places strong emphasis on applicantsโ commitment to the advancement of women and girls. The fellowship also encourages scholars to return to their home countries to become leaders in academia, government, business, community work, arts, or science.
Fellowship Details
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Host Country: USA
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Funding Type: Partially Funded
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Duration: July 1, 2026 โ June 30, 2027
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Deadline: September 30, 2025
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Funding Amount: $20,000 โ $50,000 (depending on study level)
Eligibility Criteria for AAUW International Fellowships 2026
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Gender & Field: Open to women in all academic fields.
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Nationality: Must hold citizenship in a country other than the USA or have a non-immigrant visa if living in the USA.
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Education: Must possess an academic degree equivalent to a US bachelorโs degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0.
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Study Commitment: Must commit to full-time study or research during the fellowship year.
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Return Plan: Must plan to return to their home country after the fellowship.
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Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL).
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Eligible Programs:
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Masterโs or professional degrees (JD, MFA, LLM, M.Arch, MD, DDS) โ $20,000 funding
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Doctoral programs (PhD, Ed.D) โ $25,000 funding
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Postdoctoral research โ $50,000 funding (must hold a doctorate or MFA)
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Enrollment Requirement: Must be enrolled in a US-accredited institution during the fellowship period.
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Special Consideration: Women from developing countries or underrepresented groups are given priority.
Benefits of the AAUW International Fellowships
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Financial Support:
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Masterโs/Professional Degree: $20,000
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Doctoral: $25,000
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Postdoctoral: $50,000
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Funding Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, dependent child care, and travel costs.
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Networking Opportunities: International exposure and connections with global scholars.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
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Proof of highest degree earned
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Proof of current enrollment (if applicable)
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Bachelorโs degree certificate
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Doctorate or MFA certificate (for postdoctoral applicants)
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IELTS/TOEFL score report
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Admission letter from a US university
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CV/Resume
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Three recommendation letters from academic/professional contacts
How to Apply
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Visit the official AAUW website and create an account.
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Complete the eligibility quiz.
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Fill out the application form with all required details.
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Upload all necessary documents.
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Submit the application before the deadline.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Notification of Results: April 15, 2026
Apply Here AAUW International Fellowships 2026
The AAUW International Fellowships 2026 offer more than just financial assistanceโthey open doors to leadership, academic excellence, and meaningful global change. If you are a dedicated woman scholar with a vision to contribute to your community and the world, this could be your next big step.