If you’re a woman from outside the U.S. (non-citizen, non-permanent resident) and want to pursue a Master’s, first professional degree, or Doctorate at an accredited U.S. institution without financial burden, the AAUW International Fellowships 2025-26 are one of the best opportunities out there. These fellowships emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and return to the home country to help drive positive change, especially for women and girls.
What is the AAUW International Fellowship?
The International Fellowships are part of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) Fellowships & Grants program. They offer financial support to women who:
- Are not U.S. citizens and do not hold U.S. permanent residency. Dual U.S./other citizenship also disqualifies.
- Have earned at least one academic degree (in the U.S. or abroad) that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, by the time of the application deadline.
- Are admitted to or already enrolled in their first Master’s / professional degree or doctoral degree program. They must choose one field of study.
This fellowship supports full-time study or research in the U.S., with institutions that are accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
Rewards & Coverage
If selected, fellows receive:
- Stipend amounts:
• US $20,000 for Master’s / first professional degree programs.
• US $25,000 for Doctoral degree programs. - What is covered: Tuition and fees, books, supplies, living expenses, etc. There may also be partial travel funds related to the academic program (if approved by AAUW).
- Term: Fellowship term runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The selected fellow’s program must cover this period.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria (What they check carefully)
To apply successfully, you must meet a number of requirements. AAUW is strict about some of these, so pay attention:
| Requirement | What It Means / Tips for You |
|---|---|
| Non-U.S. Citizenship / Immigration Status | Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Cannot be applying for permanent residency. Dual citizenship with U.S. is disqualifying. |
| Degree Requirement | You need at least a bachelor’s-equivalent academic degree by the deadline (earned in U.S. or abroad) and transcripts. If your degree is from another country, you should provide credential evaluations or proof of equivalency. |
| GPA Minimum | For your highest earned degree, AAUW requires a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent. Make sure you can provide proof. |
| Field & Program Type | Must be first Master’s / professional degree or doctoral degree. Pick one field of study. Certificates, associate degrees, undergraduate degrees are not eligible. |
| Institution Accreditation & Residency | The institution must be U.S.-based and accredited. Studies must be full-time. Applicants may need to reside in U.S. or country of research for the fellowship period. |
| Return to Home Country | You should be able to show intention of returning home and contributing there after studies. Leadership, service, or engagement in women/girls issues helps your case. |
Important Dates: 2025-26 Cycle
Since dates matter, these are the confirmed deadlines and milestones for this cycle. Keep them clearly in your calendar:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM Pacific Time |
| Notifications Sent | By April 15, 2026 |
| Fellowship Term Starts | July 1, 2026 |
| Fellowship Term Ends | June 30, 2027 |
Selection Criteria – How AAUW Picks Fellows
To improve your chances, know what AAUW values and how applications are evaluated:
- Academic excellence: grades/transcripts, honors, awards. Strong academic record is essential.
- Proposed plan / research project: clarity, feasibility, timeline, how you will use the funds and where research/study will be conducted.
- Leadership & Impact: evidence of leadership, service, or voluntary work especially in advancing women & girls. What will you do after your studies to apply your learning.
- Geographical or Institutional Underrepresentation: Applicants from countries underrepresented in AAUW, or those living in their home country (especially during application), may be given preference.
Application Documents & Checklist
Make sure you have all required documents. Missing anything could disqualify you.
- Official academic transcripts (highest degree earned). If not in English, certified translations.
- Proof of equivalent bachelor’s degree if your academic system is different; possibly credential evaluation (from services like WES, ECE, or others) to show equivalency.
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2 or 3) from academic or professional referees who know your work. Personal or generic letters are less strong.
- A detailed study or research plan including field of study, intended outcomes, timelines.
- Proof of institution admission or acceptance (if available) or at least confirmation you are enrolled/admitted in a qualifying program by the deadline.
- English proficiency proof: test scores like TOEFL, IELTS etc., or transcripts/diplomas from institutions where English was the medium.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must upload scores from an approved English test unless they have studied extensively in English.
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| TOEFL Paper Revised | 60 |
You can also qualify if your degree was from an English-language institution or you’ve completed at least one semester of full-time study in English.
If you have not studied extensively in English, upload scores from one of the approved tests. If your education was fully in English, you may be exempt — provide evidence (transcripts or a letter from your institution) to confirm.
How to Apply / Application Tips
Here’s how to make your application strong and on time:
- Go to the AAUW International Fellowships page on the AAUW website: AAUW Fellowships & Grants → International Fellowships to read the most current instructions and access the online portal.
- Start gathering documents early — transcripts, translations, recommendation letters — some referees may need reminders.
- Draft your study plan or research proposal clearly — explain field, methodologies, how your work will benefit your home country and especially women/girls.
- Make sure your GPA documentation is unambiguous; if needed, provide conversion or credential evaluation.
- Submit the complete application before September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
- After sending, keep copies of everything, and track any required follow-ups (letters, transcripts, etc.).
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