AAUW International Fellowships for Women in STEM

The AAUW International Fellowships support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who plan to pursue full-time graduate study in the United States. The program is designed for applicants with strong academic records, leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to supporting women and girls in their communities.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, fellowships are available for a first master’s degree or an academic or professional doctoral degree in a STEM discipline. Eligible areas include science, technology, engineering, mathematics and STEM-based medical and health programs. A limited number of awards may also be available for study in a country other than the applicant’s country of citizenship.

Funding

• $20,000 for master’s degree students

• $25,000 for doctoral degree students

• Payments made in two equal installments

• Funding may be used for tuition, academic fees, required course materials, housing, food and dependent care

The fellowship is a one-time award and cannot be renewed.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Identify as a woman

• Be a non-U.S. citizen without U.S. permanent resident status

• Be admitted to or currently enrolled in their first master’s or doctoral degree

• Pursue an eligible STEM program

• Study full-time at an accredited institution

• Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest completed degree

• Begin or continue their program by September 15, 2027

• Complete their program no earlier than April 30, 2028

• Reside in the United States or another approved country of study during the fellowship period

Applicants must already have admission to or be enrolled in an eligible academic program when submitting the application. Previous recipients of most AAUW national fellowships or grants are not eligible.

Selection criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

• Academic and scholarly excellence

• Quality and feasibility of their study or research plans

• Professional and leadership potential

• Commitment to applying their expertise in their home country or community

• Previous work supporting women and girls

• Long-term career objectives in STEM

• Demonstrated financial need and an existing funding gap

Preference may be given to applicants from countries that have historically been underrepresented among AAUW recipients, candidates undertaking their first international academic experience, applicants residing in their home country and parenting students or members of single-parent households.

Application requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Online application and personal statements

• Two professional or academic recommendation letters

• Copies of all completed degrees

• Official academic transcripts

• Proof of a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale

• Proof of admission or current enrollment

• Proof of English proficiency

• Certified English translations of required documents issued in another language

Accepted proof of English proficiency includes TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or Duolingo English Test results. The minimum scores include IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, Cambridge 176 and Duolingo 120. Certain applicants who are native English speakers or previously studied at an English-language institution may provide alternative evidence.

Timeline

• Applications open: August 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET

• Application deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Award notification: March 2027