The AAUW International Fellowships 2027 offer an outstanding opportunity for talented women from around the world to pursue graduate studies in the United States through a fully funded financial award. Established in 1917, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has supported more than 3,600 women from over 150 countries, helping them gain advanced education and become leaders in their home countries.

The fellowship is designed for women pursuing full-time Master's or Doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines at accredited universities in the United States. Beyond financial support, the program encourages recipients to develop leadership skills, contribute to scientific advancement, and return home to create meaningful social and economic impact.

If you are an academically accomplished woman with a passion for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, this fellowship could provide the resources you need to achieve your educational and professional goals.

Why Apply for the AAUW International Fellowships?

Studying abroad can be financially challenging, especially for international students pursuing graduate education in STEM fields. The AAUW International Fellowship helps remove these barriers by providing generous financial support that covers major educational expenses.

Recipients benefit from:

• Financial assistance for tuition and university fees
• Support for books and academic supplies
• Living expenses during study
• Dependent care assistance where applicable
• Access to a global network of women scholars and professionals
• Leadership development opportunities
• Recognition from one of the world's most respected organizations supporting women's education

Unlike many scholarships, AAUW focuses on applicants who demonstrate both academic excellence and a genuine commitment to improving opportunities for women and girls after completing their studies.

AAUW International Fellowships 2027 Award Details

The fellowship provides financial support according to the level of study.

Master's Degree

Successful Master's students receive:

• $20,000 stipend
• Paid in two equal installments

Doctoral Degree

Doctoral candidates receive:

• $25,000 stipend
• Paid in two equal installments

The funding may be used for:

• Tuition fees
• Academic books
• Research supplies
• Living expenses
• Dependent care costs

The fellowship is intended to reduce financial burdens, allowing scholars to focus fully on their graduate education.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible if you:

• Identify as a woman.
• Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for your highest earned degree.
• Are admitted to or currently enrolled in a full-time Master's or Doctoral STEM program.
• Begin your program on or before September 15, 2027.
• Complete your program on or after April 30, 2028.
• Study at a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution.
• Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Plan to return home and use your STEM education to benefit your community while supporting women and girls.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection, as the fellowship is highly competitive.

STEM Fields Supported

One of the biggest advantages of the AAUW International Fellowship is the extensive range of eligible STEM disciplines.

Science

Eligible scientific fields include:

• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cell Biology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Botany
• Agricultural Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Astronomy
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Earth Sciences
• Geology
• Oceanography
• Public Health (quantitative programs)
• Pharmacology
• Epidemiology
• Food Science

Technology

Technology-related programs include:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Robotics
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing
• Data Science
• Information Technology
• Information Systems
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Bioinformatics
• Health Informatics
• Geographic Information Systems
• Digital Forensics

Engineering

Eligible engineering programs include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Nanotechnology Engineering

Mathematics and Quantitative Sciences

Applicants may also study:

• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Statistics
• Biostatistics
• Operations Research
• Financial Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics
• Actuarial Science
• Probability
• Quantitative Analysis

Medicine

Professional medical degrees are also eligible, including:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)

Applicants whose programs are not specifically listed should verify eligibility using the U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List.

Application Timeline

Applicants should carefully observe every deadline.

Submitting your application well before the deadline is strongly recommended.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following individuals cannot apply:

• Current AAUW Board members
• Current AAUW employees
• Current AAUW review panelists
• Immediate family members of AAUW officials
• Previous AAUW International Fellowship or grant recipients, except Community Action Grants or local branch awards

Required Application Documents

Applicants must upload complete documentation during the online application process.

Required Documents

Prepare the following:

• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Copies of all earned degrees
• Official academic transcripts
• Proof of cumulative GPA (minimum 3.5)
• English language proficiency results:
  • TOEFL iBT (79)
  • IELTS (6.5)
  • Cambridge English (176)
  • Duolingo English Test (120)
  • Or proof that English is your native language
• University admission or enrollment letter
• Graduate Women International (GWI) membership proof if required
• Certified English translations for documents not originally written in English

Preparing these documents early helps avoid last-minute issues.

Selection Criteria

AAUW evaluates applicants through a comprehensive review process.

Review panels consider:

Academic Excellence

Strong academic performance and research achievements remain one of the most important evaluation factors.

Quality of Study Plan

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Academic objectives
• Research interests
• Career plans
• Timeline for completing the degree

Leadership Potential

Reviewers want candidates who will become leaders in STEM and contribute to advancing opportunities for women and girls.

Community Impact

Applicants should demonstrate how they intend to return home and apply their knowledge to solve real challenges.

Financial Need

Applicants should explain existing funding sources and clearly identify remaining financial needs.

Additional Preferences

Preference may be given to applicants who:

• Are applying for their first international academic experience.
• Live in their home country during application.
• Come from countries with lower representation among previous fellowship recipients.
• Are single parents or parenting students.
• Study at institutions with limited research resources.

How to Apply for AAUW International Fellowships 2027

The application process is completed online.

Step 1

Visit the official AAUW Fellowships application portal.

Step 2

Create an account or sign in if you already have one.

Step 3

Complete the online narrative application carefully.

Step 4

Upload every required supporting document.

Step 5

Register your two recommenders early so they receive the recommendation request link before the deadline.

Step 6

Review every section thoroughly before submitting your application.

Important Information for Applicants

Before applying, remember the following important conditions:

• You may list up to five eligible study programs.
• If selected, you must enroll in one of the listed programs.
• The fellowship is not renewable.
• AAUW does not provide visa sponsorship or J-1 waiver assistance.
• Fellowship funds cannot be used for:
  • Research assistants
  • Publication costs
  • Institutional overhead
  • Tuition for dependents

Understanding these conditions will help you prepare a realistic financial plan.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Competition for AAUW International Fellowships is intense. These strategies can improve your chances.

Start Early

Begin gathering documents several months before applications open.

Develop a Clear Career Vision

Explain how your graduate education will solve challenges in your country and benefit women and girls.

Write a Strong Personal Narrative

Your statement should connect your academic achievements, leadership experience, and long-term goals into one compelling story.

Choose Strong Recommenders

Select professors or supervisors who know your academic abilities well and can write detailed recommendation letters.

Demonstrate Leadership

Highlight volunteer work, research projects, mentoring, entrepreneurship, or community initiatives that demonstrate leadership potential.

Proofread Carefully

Small mistakes can weaken an otherwise excellent application. Review your application several times before submission.

Why the AAUW Fellowship Stands Out

Unlike many international scholarships that focus solely on academic performance, the AAUW International Fellowship rewards women who combine scholarly excellence with a strong commitment to creating positive social impact.

Recipients become part of an international network of professionals who are making significant contributions in science, engineering, technology, medicine, and mathematics. The fellowship encourages scholars to return home after graduation and use their education to improve research, innovation, education, healthcare, public policy, and opportunities for future generations of women.

For ambitious women seeking graduate education in the United States, this fellowship represents far more than financial support—it is an investment in future global leaders.

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