AAUW International Fellowships Open for 2026, Supporting Women's Education Globally

Applications are being accepted for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships for the 2026 academic year. This prestigious program provides financial assistance to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enabling them to pursue full-time Master's, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral studies in the United States. In a unique offering, five awards are also available for members of Graduate Women International (GWI) to study in any country outside of their own.

The AAUW International Fellowship, with no application fee, aims to empower women through education and advance global gender equity. The fellowship year commences in July 2026. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2025.

Fellowship Details and Funding

The AAUW International Fellowship offers substantial financial support to assist fellows with their educational pursuits:

Master's/First Professional Degree: $20,000 Doctoral Degree: $25,000 Postdoctoral Research: $50,000

These funds can be allocated towards:

Educational Expenses Living Expenses Dependent Child Care Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars (up to 10% of the total fellowship amount)

A limited number of Master's fellowships are renewable for a second year, specifically for high-achieving first-year students enrolled in two-year programs.

Eligible Fields of Study

The fellowship supports a wide array of academic disciplines and degree types:

Master’s: J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., medical degrees (M.D., D.D.S., etc.). Certificates, associate degrees, and undergraduate degrees are not eligible. Doctoral: Research degrees such as Ph.D. or Ed.D. Postdoctoral: Applicants must hold a doctorate classified as a research degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., D.M.) or an M.F.A. by the application deadline.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the AAUW International Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Gender: Must be or identify as a woman. Academic Qualification: Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Study Level: Be admitted or enrolled in their first master's or an academic or professional doctorate (MA, MS, MBA, PhD, JD, MD). Location of Study: Full-time study in the U.S. at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution. International Study Exception: If studying in a country other than their own or the U.S., they must be a member of Graduate Women International and attend a school eligible for U.S. federal student aid.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:

Letters of Recommendation Proof of Highest Degree Earned Official Academic Transcript Proof of Cumulative GPA Calculation (on a 4.0 scale) Proof of English Proficiency (test scores, statement, or academic transcript/diploma) Proof of Admission or Current Enrollment Proof of Graduate Women International Membership (if applicable) Certified English Translations (for non-English documents) Name Change Documentation (if applicable)

Historical Context and the Importance of Women's Education

The AAUW has a long and distinguished history of supporting women's education, dating back to its founding in 1881. Initially focused on providing opportunities for women to attend college, the organization has evolved to address broader issues of gender equity in education and the workplace. "The AAUW International Fellowship program exemplifies the organization's commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering women to achieve their full potential through education," notes Dr. Eleanor Vance, a historian specializing in women's education. "By investing in women's education, the AAUW is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to global progress and development."

Expert Perspective on the Fellowship's Impact

Dr. Anya Sharma, an education policy analyst, emphasizes the significance of fellowships like the AAUW International Fellowship in addressing the global gender gap in higher education. "While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in many academic fields, particularly in STEM disciplines and leadership positions," Dr. Sharma explains. "Fellowships that provide financial support and create a supportive environment are crucial for enabling women to overcome systemic barriers and pursue advanced degrees. The AAUW fellowship's focus on international students is particularly important, as it fosters cross-cultural collaboration and promotes a more diverse and inclusive academic community."

How to Apply

Detailed application instructions are available on the AAUW website. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review these instructions carefully before beginning the application process.