AAUW International Fellowships for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in the U.S.

Since its inception in 1917, the AAUW (American Association of University Women) International Fellowship Program has been at the forefront of promoting education for women worldwide. Offering generous financial support, these fellowships provide opportunities for women from around the globe to pursue full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the United States. This program supports women who are committed to advancing their education, driving change, and contributing to the betterment of women and girls in their home countries.

Fellowship Overview

The AAUW International Fellowship is designed for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who plan to return to their home countries after completing their studies. A limited number of awards are also available for study outside of the U.S. (excluding the applicant’s home country) for members of Graduate Women International (GWI). The fellowship program supports both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions, opening the door for scholars to further their academic goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Funding Amounts

The AAUW International Fellowship offers substantial financial support depending on the level of study:

Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
Doctoral Degree: $25,000
Postdoctoral Research: $50,000

This funding ensures that scholars can focus on their studies and research, free from financial concerns, while benefiting from the academic and professional opportunities the U.S. offers.

Key Dates and Timeline

The application process for the 2024-2025 fellowship year follows this timeline:

September 3, 2024: Application opens.
November 15, 2024: Deadline for submission of the application, recommendations, and supporting documents (by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time).
April 15, 2025: Notification of decisions emailed to all applicants.
July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026: Fellowship year.

It’s essential for applicants to keep these dates in mind and submit all materials on time. Late submissions will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the AAUW International Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Non-U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of a country other than the U.S. and must not be U.S. permanent residents or dual citizens with the U.S.
Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold an academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline.
Full-Time Study Commitment: Applicants must be dedicated to full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the U.S. during the fellowship year.
Return to Home Country: Candidates are expected to return to their home country after completing their studies to contribute to local professional, academic, or civic advancements.
English Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English and provide verification through English proficiency exams, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or written confirmation of English as their native language.

Additionally, applicants should have applied to an accredited U.S. institution for the fellowship period by the time of the application. Although acceptance to the institution is not required at the time of applying for the fellowship, official confirmation must be provided upon acceptance of the fellowship award.

Fields of Study Supported

The AAUW International Fellowship supports a wide range of academic fields. Eligible programs include master’s or professional degrees (e.g., J.D., M.F.A., M.D., D.D.S.), doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D.), and postdoctoral research. The fellowship is designed to support traditional, classroom-based courses of study at accredited U.S. institutions and does not cover distance-learning or online programs.

A limited number of fellowships are also available for GWI members for study or research outside their home country, excluding the U.S.

Selection Criteria

The selection process for the AAUW International Fellowship is competitive, and applicants are evaluated based on several criteria, including:

Academic and Professional Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement and the potential for success in their field.
Commitment to Women and Girls: Recipients are expected to show a dedication to advancing the status of women and girls in their home countries.
Plan of Study: The proposed study or research plan must be feasible, well-structured, and aligned with the applicant’s academic and professional goals.
Community Service and Civic Involvement: Candidates with a history of service to their home communities will receive special consideration.
Financial Need: The fellowship program gives preference to applicants with demonstrated financial need, particularly those from developing or emerging countries.

Additionally, applicants from underrepresented groups or those residing in their home country at the time of application will receive special consideration during the selection process.

Fellowship Benefits and Impact

The AAUW International Fellowship is more than just financial support; it is an opportunity for women to gain a world-class education, establish professional networks, and make a significant impact upon returning to their home countries. Many fellowship recipients go on to become leaders in fields such as business, government, academia, community activism, the arts, and scientific research.

By supporting talented women from diverse backgrounds, the AAUW International Fellowship program contributes to global progress in gender equality and fosters the development of future leaders who will advocate for the advancement of women and girls in their respective countries.

Application Process

To apply for the AAUW International Fellowship, candidates must submit the following:

Completed online application
Recommendations and supporting documents
Proof of academic achievement
Proof of English proficiency
Evidence of application to an accredited U.S. institution

Applicants should ensure all materials are submitted online by the November 15, 2024, deadline.

Conclusion

The AAUW International Fellowship program represents a powerful opportunity for women from around the world to further their education and career aspirations in the United States. By supporting women’s academic and professional growth, the program enables scholars to return to their home countries with the tools and knowledge needed to make a lasting difference in their communities.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of women and girls, and you meet the eligibility criteria, the AAUW International Fellowship could be the stepping stone to achieving your goals.

Useful Links

By exploring these resources, you can learn more about the AAUW International Fellowship and begin your application for this prestigious and impactful program.