The AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28 support women from countries outside the United States who want to pursue graduate-level study in qualifying STEM fields at accredited U.S. institutions. The program is offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and provides $20,000 for a first master’s or professional degree and $25,000 for an academic or professional doctorate.
This is a competitive fellowship, and applicants need to meet specific requirements related to citizenship, academic qualifications, GPA, STEM field, English proficiency, and admission to a U.S. program.
Quick Highlights for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | AAUW International Fellowships |
| Organization | American Association of University Women (AAUW) |
| Study Country | United States |
| Eligible Applicants | International women |
| Degree Level | First master’s/professional degree or academic/professional doctorate |
| Field | Qualifying STEM disciplines |
| Master’s Award | $20,000 |
| Doctoral Award | $25,000 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Applications Open | August 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| Official Website | AAUW International Fellowships |
About the AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
AAUW International Fellowships are designed for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and want to pursue graduate study in the United States.
For the 2027-2028 fellowship year, applicants can seek funding for a first master’s or professional degree or an academic or professional doctorate in an eligible STEM discipline. The program is intended for women who want to develop their expertise and use their education to contribute to their communities and advance women and girls in their home countries.
You must apply for only one degree type and one specific field of study.
Financial Benefits for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
The fellowship provides:
- $20,000 for a first master’s or professional degree
- $25,000 for an academic or professional doctorate
- Funding that can be used for eligible educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies
- Support for eligible living expenses, including housing, food, and dependent care
- Up to 10% of the fellowship award for travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars
The award is a stipend rather than a guaranteed full-ride scholarship, so applicants should not assume that all university and living expenses will automatically be covered.
The fellowship is paid in two equal installments during the fellowship year.
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Eligibility Criteria for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
You should apply only if you meet the core requirements below.
Who Can Apply?
You must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be a citizen of a country other than the United States
- Not be a U.S. permanent resident or applying for U.S. permanent residency
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree
- Have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale for your highest degree earned
- Be admitted to or enrolled in your intended U.S. graduate program
- Plan to study full-time
- Study at an accredited U.S. higher education institution
- Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women and girls in your home country
STEM Field Requirement
Your proposed degree must fall within an eligible STEM discipline. This can include areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health or medical sciences, data science, artificial intelligence, and qualifying quantitative social sciences.
Because AAUW determines eligibility based on the specific field and program, applicants should check the official STEM field guidance before applying.
Study Timeline
Your program must begin no later than September 15, 2027, and must continue through at least April 30, 2028.
You must also be able to reside in the United States or your country of study for the full fellowship period.
English Language Requirements for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an AAUW-approved exemption.
Accepted evidence can include:
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 79
- TOEFL Essentials: minimum 8.5
- Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: minimum 60
- IELTS: minimum 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: minimum 120
- Cambridge Assessment: minimum 176
An exemption may apply if English is your native language or if you completed qualifying study at an English-speaking institution.
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Required Documents for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
Prepare your documents before starting the application. These generally include:
- Proof of your highest academic degree
- Official academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency or an approved exemption
- Proof of admission or current enrollment in your intended U.S. program
- GPA calculation on a 4.0 scale
- Two letters of recommendation, submitted electronically by your recommenders
- Certified English translations for documents issued in another language
Always follow the current application instructions because document requirements can vary according to your circumstances.
Application Process for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
The application is completed online through the AAUW fellowship application system.
- Create an account on the official application portal.
- Confirm that your degree, STEM field, citizenship status, and academic record meet the requirements.
- Enter your two recommenders and give them enough time to submit their letters.
- Gather your transcripts, degree documents, English-language evidence, and admission proof.
- Complete the required application and narrative sections.
- Upload the required documents and review your information carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Your application is not complete until the required recommendation letters have also been submitted.
Important Dates for AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET |
| Award Notifications | March 2027 |
| First Stipend Disbursement | July-September 2027 |
| Mid-Year Report | December 2027 |
| Second Stipend Disbursement | December 2027 / January 2028 |
| Final Report | July 31, 2028 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AAUW International Fellowship fully funded?
No. It provides a $20,000 or $25,000 fellowship award for eligible educational and living expenses. It should not be treated as an automatic full-ride scholarship covering every expense.
Can international women apply?
Yes. The fellowship is specifically intended for women who are citizens of countries outside the United States. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents are not eligible.
Can I apply for any master’s or doctoral program?
No. Your proposed program must meet AAUW’s STEM field requirements, and you can apply for only one degree type and one specific field.
What GPA is required?
You need a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for your highest degree earned.
Do I need an English test?
You must provide qualifying English-language evidence unless you meet an approved exemption. AAUW accepts several tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge Assessment, subject to the required scores.
Do I need admission to a U.S. university?
Yes. You must be admitted to or enrolled in your intended program at the time of application.
Can I apply for more than one fellowship field?
No. You may apply for only one degree type and one specific field of study.