AAUW International Fellowships for Women in STEM

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

The AAUW International Fellowships support women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who are pursuing full-time graduate study in STEM fields at accredited U.S. institutions. Awards provide $20,000 for master’s degree candidates and $25,000 for doctoral candidates, with preference given to applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to improving opportunities for women and girls in their home countries or communities. What Are AAUW International Fellowships? The AAUW International Fellowships are designed to support women from outside the United States who want to pursue advanced graduate education and use their knowledge and leadership skills to create positive change. The program places particular emphasis on STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. The fellowship is intended for women who demonstrate strong academic achievement and have a clear commitment to applying their education to benefit their communities or countries. What Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship supports full-time graduate study in eligible STEM disciplines.

Applicants may pursue:

A first master’s degree. An academic doctorate. A professional doctorate. Other eligible graduate-level STEM study covered by the programme. Study must take place primarily at an accredited U.S. institution meeting the fellowship’s eligibility requirements. How Much Funding Is Available? AAUW International Fellowship awards provide:

Master’s degree: $20,000.

Doctoral degree: $25,000.

The award is paid in two equal installments: The first payment is made at the beginning of the fellowship term. The second payment is made at the midpoint of the fellowship term. The fellowship therefore provides substantial financial support toward graduate study, although applicants should ensure that they understand which educational and living expenses are covered under the official fellowship conditions. Why Does the Fellowship Matter? The programme is designed not only to support advanced education but also to develop women leaders who can apply their expertise to broader social and economic challenges. AAUW particularly values applicants who demonstrate: Plans to apply their education after completing their studies. Potential to contribute to positive change in their home countries or communities. STEM education can provide applicants with advanced technical knowledge while strengthening their ability to contribute to research, innovation, policy, education, technology, healthcare, engineering, and other development priorities. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must meet several important eligibility requirements.

Eligible candidates must:

Identify as women. Be non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents. Not be applicants for U.S. permanent residency through a green card application. Hold an academic degree equivalent to at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Meet the required academic performance standard. Be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree in an eligible STEM field. Study full-time. Attend an eligible accredited U.S. institution. Meet the programme’s residency and study-period requirements. Academic Requirements Applicants must have at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. The highest degree earned must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants should ensure that their academic records clearly demonstrate the required level of achievement. STEM Field Eligibility The fellowship prioritizes graduate studies in STEM disciplines.

Relevant areas can include:

Science. Technology. Engineering. Mathematics. Medicine. Other qualifying STEM-related disciplines covered by the fellowship. Applicants should carefully select the specific field that best corresponds with their proposed graduate programme. Study Requirements

Study must be:

Full-time. At an eligible accredited institution. At the graduate level. In an eligible STEM field. Within the fellowship’s specified study period. The programme must begin on or before September 15, 2027, and must be completed on or after April 30, 2028. Applicants are also required to reside in the United States or the relevant country of study during the fellowship period, subject to the programme’s specific rules. Can the Fellowship Be Used Outside the United States? The primary focus is graduate study at accredited institutions in the United States. However, a limited number of fellowships may be available for study outside both the applicant’s country of citizenship and the United States under specific circumstances.

Such circumstances may include:

Certain travel restrictions or bans.

Eligibility connected with Graduate Women International membership

Other circumstances specifically recognized by the fellowship programme. Applicants considering study outside the United States should verify the specific conditions before applying. How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Your Citizenship Status

First, verify that you meet the fellowship’s international applicant requirements.

Applicants must not be:

U.S. citizens. U.S. permanent residents. Applicants seeking U.S. permanent residency through a green card application.

Step 2: Confirm Your Academic Qualification

Check that you hold a degree equivalent to at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree and that your highest earned degree meets the required 3.5/4.0 minimum GPA.

Step 3: Select an Eligible STEM Programme

Identify the graduate programme you intend to pursue. The application requires applicants to select one degree type and one specific field. Applicants pursuing dual degrees must therefore select a single field for fellowship consideration.

Step 4: Secure Admission or Confirm Enrollment

Applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in the eligible graduate programme according to the fellowship’s requirements. Confirm that the institution is appropriately accredited and th