AAUW International Fellowship Program 2025. Take the first step in your undergraduate study adventure in the USA. There’s good news! There are currently openings in the AAUW Fellowship Program. This article provides an overview of the AAUW fellowship program, its application benefits, and the steps required to apply for the fellowship.
There is a fully funded scholarship available under the AAUW Fellowship Program 2025-2026. A scholarship is being offered by The American Association of University Women, USA. International students from all countries are welcome to apply. This scholarship is available only to students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in any subject offered by the university. The AAUW Fellowship Program offers financial assistance of $20,000 to $50,000 per year, subject to meeting academic standards.
AAUW (the American Association of University Women) provides full-time fellowships for women who are not citizens of the United States or permanent residents of the United States to pursue full-time studies or research in the United States. The program supports graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited institutions.
In 1917, the first International Fellowship was awarded as part of the program’s original purpose to provide Latin American women with opportunities for graduate and postgraduate study in the United States. More than 3,600 international women from more than 150 countries have received International Fellowships through the program.
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Masters, Doctoral, Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): American Association of University Women
- Study at: USA
- Deadline: June 30, 2026 (Application opens on 3rd September)
- Program duration : Fellowship year: July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026
- Courses Offered:
- Agriculture and Veterinary
- Anthropology
- Applied and Pure Sciences
- Archeology
- Architecture & Construction
- Business and Finance Studies
- Computer Science & IT
- Creative Arts and Design
- Cultural and Critical Studies
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education and Training
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Film & Television
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- General Sciences
- Global Studies
- Health Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Journalism
- Languages
- Law
- Literature
- Medicine
- Mining and Oil & Gas Operations
- Nursery
- Politics
- Regional Studies
- Religious Studies
- Social Studies and Media
- Travel and Hospitality
Coverage of scholarships
The following benefits are provided to AAUW Fellowship recipients:
Award Amounts:
- Master’s or first professional degree: $20,000
- Doctoral: $25,000
- Postdoctoral: $50,000
Funds for international fellowships are available for:-
- Dependent child care.
- Living expenses.
- Educational expenses.
- Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars is allowed, as long as it does not exceed 10 percent of the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria for AAUW Fellowship
To apply for the AAUW International Fellowship, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Language Requirement: All applicants must be proficient in English.
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries except the United States.
- Citizenship Status: Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens or hold a non-immigrant visa if currently living in the United States. Those who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or hold dual citizenship with the U.S. are not eligible.
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold an academic degree (earned either in the U.S. or abroad) that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, completed by November 15, 2022.
- Study Commitment: Applicants must plan to dedicate full-time effort to their proposed academic project during the fellowship year.
- Return to Home Country: Applicants should intend to return to their home country after the fellowship to continue their professional careers.
- English Proficiency:
Unless the applicant meets one of the following conditions:- English is their native language (must submit a written statement)They completed secondary school or a university degree in English (transcript required)They will complete at least one semester of full-time study in English between November 2025 and November 2026 (transcript required)
They must upload a valid TOEFL score. Other English tests like IELTS are not accepted.
- English is their native language (must submit a written statement)They completed secondary school or a university degree in English (transcript required)They will complete at least one semester of full-time study in English between November 2025 and November 2026 (transcript required)
- Degree Program Applications:
- Master’s/First Professional Degree and Doctoral Applicants must have applied to a recognized U.S. institution by November 15, 2022, and mention the institution’s name in their application.
- Eligible programs include degrees like J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., M.D., D.D.S., etc., for professional programs, and Ph.D., Ed.D., etc., for doctoral studies.
- Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S.-accredited university within the U.S. during the fellowship year.
- Postdoctoral Applicants:
- Must hold a doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M., D.B.A., or M.F.A.) by November 15, 2025.
- Must indicate the institution where they will carry out their research.
- GWI Members: A small number of awards are available to Graduate Women International (GWI) members for study or research outside their home countries. Note: U.S. university branches located abroad are considered outside the U.S..
- Study Duration: The fellowship only supports projects that span a full academic year. Programs that end before April of the fellowship year or short-term/partial-year studies are not eligible.
- Learning Format: Funding is available only for in-person, classroom-based programs. Online or distance-learning programs, or those with major online components, do not qualify for this fellowship. The final decision regarding eligibility of programs is made by AAUW.
How to Apply for the AAUW Fellowship?
To apply for the AAUW Fellowship, follow these important steps:
- Get Your Documents Ready:
- Three references from professors or professional contacts who know you and your academic work well.
- A copy of your highest academic degree.
- Proof of current enrollment (for applicants who are currently studying).
- A copy of your bachelor’s degree.
- Proof of a doctoral or M.F.A. degree (only for postdoctoral applicants).
- Official TOEFL test scores or a request for a waiver.
- Admission letter from your academic institution.
- An updated CV or résumé.
- Take the Eligibility Quiz: You must complete the eligibility quiz to move forward in the selection process.
- Fill Out and Submit Your Application: Once all documents are ready and you’ve passed the quiz, complete the application form and submit it.
FAQs About AAUW International Fellowship Program 2025
Can I apply for the AAUW Fellowship if I’m currently studying in the U.S. on a student visa?
Yes, you can apply as long as you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you hold a non-immigrant visa (such as a student visa).
Are online or hybrid programs eligible for funding under the AAUW Fellowship?
No, only full-time, in-person, classroom-based programs are eligible. Online, distance-learning, or hybrid programs with significant online components do not qualify for AAUW Fellowship funding.
What types of academic fields are covered by the AAUW Fellowship?
The AAUW Fellowship supports a wide range of fields, including but not limited to education, health, engineering, law, business, environmental sciences, gender studies, arts, and humanities. The key requirement is that the program be offered at an accredited U.S. institution.
Conclusion
The AAUW Fellowship Program 2025-2026 offers a powerful opportunity for international women to pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in the U.S. With generous funding and a strong support network, this fellowship aims to uplift global female leaders. Don’t miss your chance prepare your documents, meet the criteria, and apply by November 15, 2025. Your academic journey in the U.S. awaits!
