Introduction
The AAUW (American Association of University Women) International Fellowships provide life-changing opportunities for women from around the world to pursue graduate or postgraduate education in the United States. Since 1917, this prestigious fellowship has supported women from more than 150 countries, empowering them to lead academic, professional, and community-driven change in their home countries. With generous funding, research support, and access to a powerful global network, the AAUW International Fellowships are among the most respected awards available to female scholars. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the AAUW International Fellowships for the 2025 academic year, including eligibility, benefits, application requirements, and how to stand out as an applicant
About AAUW
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is one of the leading nonprofit organizations in the United States committed to advancing equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, and research. Founded in 1881, AAUW has awarded over $135 million in fellowships, grants, and awards. Its mission is to break down barriers so that all women and girls can reach their full potential. The International Fellowships are a core part of AAUW’s global outreach, enabling exceptional women from outside the U.S. to study at accredited American institutions and return to make significant contributions to their societies
What Are AAUW International Fellowships?
AAUW International Fellowships are merit-based scholarships awarded to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program is designed for full-time graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions in the United States. The fellowship supports master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral research and includes a generous stipend for tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs. What sets the program apart is its emphasis on leadership, community impact, and a strong commitment to returning home to drive change
Key Features and Benefits
Covers tuition and fees for full-time graduate/postgraduate study at U.S. institutions
Provides a living stipend ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on academic level
Funds travel, books, supplies, and dependent care (if applicable)
Open to women from all countries outside the U.S.
Encourages scholars to return home to contribute to national development
Fellows join a global AAUW alumnae network for mentorship and support
No age restriction
Supports research, innovation, and leadership for community impact
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the AAUW International Fellowships 2025, applicants must: Be women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Hold an academic degree (at least a bachelor’s degree) by the application deadline
Be applying for full-time study or research at a U.S. accredited institution
Plan to return to their home country after completing the fellowship
Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of women and girls
Have strong academic records, leadership experience, and clarity of purpose
Proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS scores required unless exempt)
Types of Fellowships Available
Master’s/Professional Degree Fellowship
Award Amount: $20,000
Supports women pursuing a full-time master’s or professional degree at U.S. institutions
Doctoral Fellowship
Award Amount: $25,000
Supports full-time doctoral study (Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.) in the U.S.
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Award Amount: $50,000
Supports research projects at U.S. institutions. Applicants must have a doctoral degree by the deadline
Eligible Fields of Study
AAUW International Fellowships are open to all academic disciplines including: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Social Sciences and Humanities
Medicine and Public Health
Law and Legal Studies
Education and Public Policy
Arts and Culture
Sustainable Development and Environmental Studies
While all fields are considered, the AAUW gives special preference to research and projects that promote gender equity and community development
Selection Criteria
The selection process for the AAUW International Fellowships is highly competitive. The following factors are considered: Academic excellence and scholarly potential
Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls
Potential for leadership and community impact in the applicant’s home country
Quality and feasibility of proposed study or research project
Clarity of career objectives and post-fellowship plans
Quality of host institution and alignment with academic goals
Letters of recommendation and previous work experience
Proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS required unless waived)
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following: Completed online application form via the AAUW portal
Academic transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions
Three letters of recommendation
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent)
Admission letter or application to a U.S. institution (if not yet admitted)
A detailed plan of study or research project
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Budget and financial plan for the academic year
Proof of citizenship (passport or national ID)
For postdoctoral applicants: Copy of doctoral degree certificate
Application Timeline
Application Opens: August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: November 15, 2024
Results Announced: April 2025
Funding Period Begins: July 1, 2025
How to Apply
Visit the official AAUW website at https://www.aauw.org
Create an account and complete the online application form
Upload all supporting documents before the deadline
Ensure all letters of recommendation and language test scores are submitted on time
Regularly check the applicant portal for updates and communication from AAUW
Note: All application materials must be in English and submitted online. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Tips for a Successful Application
Start early and give yourself enough time to gather documents
Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic and leadership abilities
Clearly describe how your study/research will impact your home country
Make your essay personal, purposeful, and forward-looking
Align your goals with AAUW’s mission to empower women and girls
Use concrete examples to highlight leadership, achievements, and advocacy
Double-check for grammar, consistency, and completeness before submitting
Can I Apply Without Admission to a U.S. School?
Yes, you can apply for the AAUW Fellowship while awaiting admission. However, if selected, the award will only be finalized upon proof of admission to an accredited U.S. institution. Therefore, it’s recommended to apply simultaneously to your target schools while submitting the fellowship application
Is There an Age Limit?
No, the AAUW International Fellowships have no age restrictions. Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The program values maturity, career focus, and life experience as much as academic ability
Can the Fellowship Be Renewed?
No, the AAUW International Fellowship is non-renewable. It is awarded for one academic year only. However, recipients can apply for other AAUW funding opportunities or external fellowships for continued study or research in subsequent years
Where Can I Study?
You may study at any accredited institution in the United States, including: Harvard University
MIT
Stanford University
Columbia University
Yale University
University of California system
NYU, Duke, Princeton, and more
Both public and private institutions are eligible as long as they offer full-time graduate or research programs
Is There a Service Commitment?
Yes, AAUW strongly encourages fellows to return to their home countries after completing the program. This helps ensure the program’s objective of advancing women’s rights and development worldwide. Fellows are expected to use their knowledge, experience, and skills to improve education, health, policy, or equity in their communities
How Are Fellows Supported?
AAUW provides ongoing support to fellows through: Access to a global alumnae network
Mentorship opportunities with U.S. professionals and former fellows
Conference and travel allowances (on request)
Workshops, webinars, and training on leadership, research, and advocacy
Opportunities to speak, publish, and collaborate with other scholars
What Are the Limitations?
Not valid for undergraduate study or part-time programs
Cannot be used for non-academic pursuits, such as internships or job training
Recipients must be enrolled full-time
Funds may not cover dependents unless pre-approved
Applicants cannot simultaneously hold another major scholarship that fully covers their expenses
Life After the Fellowship
AAUW fellows have gone on to become: University professors and deans
Public health leaders and medical researchers
Human rights activists
Government policymakers and legal professionals
STEM innovators and inventors
NGO founders and education reformers
Their work has transformed the lives of women and girls in regions ranging from sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East
What Are the Risks?
The AAUW International Fellowship is a rigorous program that demands: Full-time commitment to academic success
Relocation to the U.S. and adaptation to a new culture
Strong time management and self-motivation
Commitment to return home after studies
For some, managing family, children, or financial pressure may also present challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply while still completing my current degree?
Yes, as long as you will have completed your current program before the AAUW fellowship begins in July 2025
Can I use the award for online or distance learning programs?
No. The fellowship is only for full-time, on-campus programs at accredited U.S. institutions
What if I have dual citizenship?
You are ineligible if one of your nationalities is U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Can I apply again if I wasn’t selected before?
Yes, applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent years, especially if they have strengthened their academic or leadership profiles
Final Thoughts
The AAUW International Fellowships 2025 provide a powerful platform for women from around the world to access world-class education in the United States and return home equipped to create lasting change. Whether you dream of becoming a medical researcher, an engineer, a professor, or a policymaker, this fellowship can open doors to global opportunity, mentorship, and impact. With full financial support, leadership development, and access to the prestigious AAUW alumnae network, recipients are positioned not just for academic success, but for a lifetime of influence. Start preparing early, tell your story boldly, and take the first step toward becoming a global change-maker.