The AAUW International Fellowship Program has been available since 1917. The program offers assistance to women who pursue full-time postdoctoral or graduate studies in the United States to women who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States and who plan for a return trip to the country of origin to pursue a career in the field.
A limited number of awards are open to studies outside the United States (excluding the applicant’s home country) to women who are part of Graduate Women International. Both Postgraduate and graduate studies at accredited United States institutions are supported.
Candidates must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the deadline for application, and have submitted an application to their chosen schools of study at the date of application. They are chosen for their academic accomplishment and commitment to girls and women. The recipients return to their country of origin to establish themselves as leaders in government, business, academia, community activism, or sciences.
Scholarship Summary
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Doctoral, Postdoctoral
- Funding: $20,000–$50,000
- Opens: August 1 every year
- Deadline: November 15 every year
What you need to know
- International Fellowships are not available to previous recipients of an AAUW national grant or fellowship (not including local or branch awards or Community Action Grants).
- AAUW members on AAUW’s board of directors, committees, panels, task forces, and staff, including current interns, are not eligible for fellowships or grants from AAUW. Anyone currently awarded is qualified for appointment or election to committees, boards, panels, and task forces.
- International Fellowships are available to women and those who identify as female in all fields of study in an accredited university for higher education, postdoctoral fellows, and research. AAUW makes the final determination on what qualifies as an eligible institution.
- Unsuccessful applicants may reapply.
- Distance learning and online programs: Master’s/first professional degrees and doctoral fellowships complement traditional courses taught in classrooms at universities or colleges. The fellowship program doesn’t offer funding for distance learning, online programs, or degrees heavily dependent on distance-learning elements. AAUW will determine the final decisions on what constitutes distance learning within the fellowship. AAUW will consider applications from those who are temporarily studying remotely as a result of COVID-19-related restrictions at their institution.
AAUW International Fellowship Program Eligibility Requirements
- Have citizenship in another country other than the United States or possess a nonimmigrant visa when living within the U.S. Women who are currently or are expected to be in the fellowship year, a U.S. resident, U.S. permanent resident, or dual citizen of both the U.S. and other countries are not qualified.
- Have the academic qualification (earned either in or outside of the U.S.) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree completed on or before November 15, 2022.
- They will commit full-time to the academic plan during the fellowship year.
- They plan to go back to their home country to pursue a career in the field after completing their studies.
- Be fluent in English and demonstrate proficiency by providing one of the mandatory Components, such as specific English proficiency tests or transcripts from English-speaking institutions or a written declaration that proves English is the person’s primary language. Anyone who plans to sit for one of these recognized English proficiency exams should prepare for the exam and be ready to take it as soon as possible.
- Master’s/first professional degree and Doctoral applicants must apply before November 15 to an accredited educational institution for the fellowship year. They must mention their institution’s name on the International Fellowship application. Although acceptance is not mandatory when applying, fellows must submit official confirmation from their institution in their acceptance forms.
- First professional fellowships and master’s degrees are designed for master’s or professional degree programs, such as J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch. or medical degrees like M.D., D.D.S., and others. Associate degrees, certificates as well as undergraduate degrees are not eligible.
- Doctoral fellowships are for doctoral degrees, considered research degrees, like Ph.D. or Ed.D.
- Postdoctoral candidates must present evidence of their doctorate or hold a doctorate classified as a research degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., D.M.) or an M.F.A. by November 15 and specify where they plan to conduct their research.
- Master’s/first professional degree and Doctoral candidates must enroll in a United States accredited institution located in the U.S. during the fellowship year.
- A few awards are offered to Graduate Women International members for studies or research conducted in any country other than their home country. It is important to note that foreign branches of U.S. institutions are considered outside the United States.
- The applicants may submit an application for the fellowship in any year in their program, but they must be pursuing an entire year of research or study. International Fellowships don’t grant funding for a partial year of research or study. Programs that end before April 1st of the year in which you are a fellow are not considered eligible.
How to Appy for AAUW International Fellowship Program
1. Prepare the following documents:
- Three recommended individuals who are academic or professional colleagues who are well-versed with you, your work, and your academic background. They will help you work to improve your dossier of scholarly pursuits services.
- Proof of highest degree.
- Proof of current enrollment (currently-enrolled applications only).
- Proof of bachelor’s degree.
- Proof of doctorate or M.F.A. degree (postdoctoral applicants only).
- Official report of TOEFL test scores or waiver request.
- Letter of admission.
- C.V./Résumé
2. Pass the eligibility quiz to be reviewed by the selection panel.
3. Complete the application then submit it.
