The AAUW International Fellowships

Name: The AAUW International Fellowships

Award Amount: $18,000 to $30,000

Information And Eligibility:

The AAUW International Fellowships are highly respected, competitive awards designed to support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents as they pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States. Administered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), this program has a long-standing mission of advancing gender equity through education and empowering women to become leaders, educators, researchers, and change-makers in their home countries.

These fellowships are intended for women pursuing master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, or postdoctoral research at accredited U.S. institutions. Award amounts vary based on the level of study, with funding typically used to support tuition, living expenses, books, research costs, and health insurance during the academic year. The program is particularly focused on supporting women whose academic and professional goals align with improving opportunities for women and girls, promoting social justice, advancing education, or addressing critical global challenges such as public health, economic development, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

Applicants must hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline and must demonstrate strong academic achievement and intellectual promise. English proficiency is required, as fellows must be able to successfully complete full-time coursework or research in an English-speaking academic environment. While applicants are not required to have final admission offers at the time of application, they must have applied to accredited U.S. institutions and intend to enroll full time if awarded the fellowship.

A key priority of the AAUW International Fellowships is long-term impact. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a clear intention to return to their home countries after completing their studies. Successful candidates typically present well-defined plans for applying their education to improve social conditions, expand educational access, strengthen institutions, or advance professional fields in their countries of origin. Applicants who already have demonstrated leadership, advocacy, or service related to women’s advancement are especially strong candidates.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must identify as a woman
• Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree
• Must be applying for or enrolled in a full-time graduate or postgraduate program in the United States
• Must demonstrate English proficiency
• Must intend to return to home country after completing studies

Application Requirements:

Applicants must complete the AAUW International Fellowship application and submit a comprehensive set of supporting materials. These materials are used to assess academic readiness, leadership potential, and long-term impact. Required components generally include:

• Official academic transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
• Proof of degree completion or degree equivalency
• A detailed personal statement outlining academic goals, career plans, and commitment to advancing women and girls
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of the application. Applicants should clearly explain their academic focus, why they chose to study in the United States, and how their education will be used to create meaningful change upon returning home. Strong applications connect past experiences, current study plans, and future leadership goals into a cohesive narrative.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic achievement and scholarly potential
• Quality and clarity of study or research goals
• Commitment to women’s empowerment and social impact
• Leadership ability and long-term contribution to home country
• Strength of recommendations and overall application quality

Deadline: November

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