Applications are now open for the AAUW International Fellowships 2026, one of the most prestigious fully funded USA graduate scholarships for women. Offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), these USA scholarships for international women support exceptional candidates pursuing Master’s, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral programs at accredited U.S. institutions—empowering you to advance your career with full tuition coverage, a generous living stipend, and access to professional development resources.
Since 1917, the AAUW International Fellowship program has championed female leadership and academic excellence, awarding grants to women who demonstrate high potential and a commitment to empowering women and girls worldwide. Each year, a select cohort of AAUW USA fellowships for international scholars is chosen based on rigorous criteria, ensuring that recipients can focus on groundbreaking research and community impact.
To be eligible, applicants must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline and have applied to their chosen graduate or postdoctoral program by the time of application. Selection is based on academic achievement, professional promise, and a demonstrated dedication to women’s advancement—making this one of the top fully funded graduate scholarships in the USA for international women. Don’t miss your chance to join the legacy of AAUW fellows and transform your future—apply now for the AAUW International Fellowships 2026!
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AAUW Scholarship 2026
- Scholarship Country: United States of America
- Degree Level: Masters, PhD, Post Doc
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: September 30, 2025
Award Details
International Fellowships carry a stipend of $20,000 for a master’s degree and $25,000 for a doctorate degree. Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term.
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Eligibility
Applicants must be or identify as a woman.
Applicants must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate degree at the time of application. Examples of master’s degrees include but are not limited to M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch. Examples of academic and professional doctorate degrees include but are not limited to D.B.A., Ed.D., J.D., M.D., or Ph.D.
Applicants must begin their program on or before September 1, 2026, and complete it on or after April 30, 2027.
Applicants must possess at least one academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. While applicants may hold multiple degrees, they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned. Applicants may apply for only one degree type (either a Master’s or Doctoral program) and in a single specific field (e.g., Business, History, Physics, etc.). In the case of applicants pursuing a dual degree, they must select one of the fields.
Applicants must pursue their study in the U.S. on a full-time basis at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants must reside in the U.S. or country of their research for the duration of the fellowship period.
Applicants intending to study in another country other than their own or the U.S. must be members of Graduate Women International and pursue study at an international institution recognized as eligible to participate in U.S. federal student aid programs, as listed on the Federal Student Aid Participating Schools list.(Foreign branches of U.S. institutions are considered outside of the U.S.)
Applicants interested in pursuing postdoctoral research are encouraged to consider AAUW’s International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.
Timeline
AAUW strictly adheres to its application deadlines. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted or reviewed, without exception.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Application Submission Period | August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025 |
| Fellowship Award Status Notification | April 15, 2026 |
| First Stipend Disbursed | July-September 2026 |
| Fellowship Term | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 |
| Interim Report | December 15, 2026 |
| Second Stipend Disbursed | January 2027 |
| Grant Impact Reports Due | July 31, 2027 |
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How to Apply
AAUW is currently transitioning to a new awards management system to better serve our applicants. At this time, instructions for applying are not yet available.
What You Can Do Now
While the application portal is not yet open, here’s how you can prepare:
Stay Informed
We recommend regularly checking the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page for updates.
Review Program Information
In the meantime, review AAUW’s program eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and previous awardees. This will help you prepare a strong application when the time comes.
Prepare Materials in Advance
Review the Application Requirements Section for supplemental documentation that is required for submission along with your application.
Contact Us with Questions
If you have immediate questions or concerns, please contact our team at [email protected].
We are committed to delivering a fair, accessible, and streamlined process. Our new awards system is part of this commitment. While we finalize setup and instructions, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
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