The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has opened applications for its 2026–2027 International Fellowships, providing financial support to women pursuing graduate-level studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The fellowship is designed for international women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to using their education and professional expertise to contribute to their home countries or communities.
The programme has supported international women pursuing full-time postgraduate education in the United States since 1917. For the 2026–2027 cycle, fellowships are available for eligible women undertaking their first master’s degree or an academic or professional doctoral degree in an eligible STEM discipline.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a fellowship stipend based on their level of study:
- Master’s degree: $20,000
- Doctoral degree: $25,000
The stipend is paid directly to fellows in two equal instalments, with payments scheduled at the beginning and midpoint of the fellowship period.
The funding can provide valuable financial support to international women undertaking advanced STEM education while preparing for professional and leadership roles.
Eligible Fields of Study
AAUW International Fellowships support master’s and academic or professional doctoral programmes in STEM disciplines. Eligible fields broadly cover:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine
Applicants whose intended programme is not clearly identified as STEM are encouraged to consult the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which AAUW uses when determining whether a programme qualifies.
Applicants may apply for only one degree type and one specific field of study. Candidates pursuing dual-degree programmes must select one eligible field for their application.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is specifically intended for women who are international students and meet AAUW’s academic and residency requirements.
Applicants must:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be a non-U.S. citizen.
- Not hold U.S. permanent resident status or be an applicant for U.S. permanent residency.
- Be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s degree or an academic or professional doctoral degree at the time of application.
- Pursue a qualifying STEM programme.
- Hold at least one academic 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 degree earned.
- Begin their academic programme on or before September 15, 2027.
- Complete the programme on or after April 30, 2028.
- Study full time at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education when studying in the United States.
- Reside in the United States or the country where the fellowship-supported study takes place for the duration of the fellowship.
Study Outside the United States
Although the fellowship primarily supports graduate study in the United States, a limited number of awards may be available for eligible applicants studying in another country.
Applicants may be considered for study outside both the United States and their country of citizenship under specific circumstances. This includes applicants whose country of citizenship is subject to a U.S. travel ban and therefore prevents them from obtaining a U.S. student visa.
Applicants whose countries are not subject to a U.S. travel ban may also be considered if they intend to study outside the United States and are members of Graduate Women International.
Foreign branches of U.S. institutions are considered to be outside the United States for the purposes of the fellowship.
Applicants Who Are Not Eligible
Certain individuals are excluded from the competition. These include current AAUW Board members, current AAUW employees, consultants, interns and contract employees, as well as current AAUW Review Panelists.
Immediate family members, including spouses and dependent children, of individuals in these categories are also ineligible.
Previous recipients of AAUW fellowships or grants are generally not eligible, although recipients of Community Action Grants and branch or local AAUW awards are excluded from this restriction.
Application Timeline
The application period for the 2026–2027 International Fellowships follows a defined schedule:
- 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
- First stipend payment: July–September 2027
- Mid-year report: December 2027
- Second stipend payment: December 2027–January 2028
- Final report: July 31, 2028
All application deadlines are based on Eastern Time (ET). Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application well before the deadline to allow sufficient time to prepare and submit all required materials.
Generative AI Guidance
AAUW permits applicants to use generative artificial intelligence tools to assist with preparing their application narratives. However, AI should only be used as an assistive resource.
Application materials must represent the applicant’s own ideas, experiences, analysis and authentic writing. Applicants should therefore ensure that their submissions accurately reflect their personal academic and professional backgrounds.
Why the Fellowship Matters
The AAUW International Fellowship provides an important opportunity for talented women from outside the United States to advance their education in STEM fields. Beyond financial support, the programme seeks to support women with strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to empowering other women and girls.
The fellowship can help successful candidates strengthen their technical expertise, professional capabilities and leadership potential while preparing to contribute to scientific, technological and social development in their communities.
Eligible women interested in pursuing advanced STEM education should review the full requirements and begin preparing their applications before the September 17, 2026 deadline.
