AAUW International Fellowships Scholarship 2025-2026

Imagine receiving a prestigious award that not only covers your tuition but also provides a living stipend to pursue cutting-edge research in the United States! For over a century, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has empowered international women scholars through its International Fellowship program. As you prepare for the 2025-2026 cycle, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and award details to application strategies and FAQs—so you can maximize your chances of becoming an AAUW International Fellow.

Overview of AAUW International Fellowships

The AAUW International Fellowships program is one of the oldest and most respected awards for international women scholars AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881. It funds full-time master’s, first professional, and doctoral studies at accredited U.S. institutions, as well as postdoctoral research YSE External Funds Database. Each year, AAUW awards up to 60 master’s/professional degree fellowships, plus 70 doctoral fellowships, and 25 postdoctoral research fellowships, depending on funding availability AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881. The program’s mission is to empower recipients to apply their academic and leadership skills toward advancing equity for women and girls in their home countries AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

History and Purpose

Founded in 1917, the International Fellowship program has supported thousands of women scholars from around the globe AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881. It was created to address the underrepresentation of women in higher education and to foster global goodwill through academic exchange. Today, fellows return to their countries as leaders in academia, government, and civil society, amplifying women’s opportunities worldwide.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2025-2026 International Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Gender and Citizenship: Identify as women and hold citizenship in a country other than the U.S.; dual U.S. citizens/permanent residents are not eligible YSE External Funds Database.

• Academic Degree: Possess an academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s with a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Field of Study: Pursue a first master’s, first professional, academic doctorate (Ph.D./Ed.D.), or postdoctoral research in any discipline at a U.S.-accredited institution YSE External Funds Database.

• Full-Time Enrollment: Commit to full-time study or research for the entire fellowship term; part-time or distance-learning programs are ineligible YSE External Funds Database.

• Return Intent: Intend to return to their home country upon completion of the fellowship and contribute to professional or academic fields YSE External Funds Database.

Disqualifying Factors

The following are ineligible: AAUW board members, employees, consultants, interns, review panelists, immediate family of AAUW officials, and previous AAUW International Fellowship recipients AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Award Details

AAUW International Fellowship awards vary by degree level:

• Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000 stipend disbursed in two equal payments at the start and midpoint of the fellowship year AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Academic Doctorate (Ph.D./Ed.D.): $25,000 stipend in two installments over the fellowship term AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: $50,000 awarded in two equal payments to support postdoctoral research projects YSE External Funds Database.

Funds may be used for tuition, fees, course-required books and supplies, housing, food, and other living expenses (including childcare) incurred during the fellowship term; expenditures outside the term dates are not permitted AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Application Process and Key Dates

Knowing the timeline is critical to submitting a complete and competitive application:

1. Application Opens: September 3, 2024 YSE External Funds Database.

2. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time Scholarships for Development.

3. Notification of Decisions: April 15, 2025; no earlier notifications are provided upon request AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

4. Fellowship Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 for master’s/professional and doctoral awards; postdoctoral terms vary per proposal AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through AAUW’s technical service provider, ISTS AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881. Required materials include:

• Online application form with personal and academic details.

• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.

• Three recommendation letters (cannot be from dossier services) AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Research proposal or study plan articulating objectives and methodologies.

• Evidence of English proficiency via test scores, transcripts, or a native-language declaration YSE External Funds Database.

Applicants should upload certified translations for any non-English documents.

Selection Criteria and Review Process

AAUW uses a peer-review panel model to evaluate applications against weighted criteria:

• Scholarly Excellence (40%): Academic records, honors, awards, and recognition AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Research Originality & Impact (30%): Clarity, feasibility, and potential contribution of the proposed study AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Leadership & Commitment to Women’s Equity (20%): Track record of empowering women and plans to apply learning in home countries AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

• Quality of Supporting Materials (10%): Strength of recommendations and completeness of documentation AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Panels recommend fellows to AAUW staff, who make final funding decisions based on panel rankings and budget availability AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Renewal and Postdoctoral Options

Master’s and professional degree fellows in two-year programs may apply for renewal in Year 2; renewal is limited to the top five candidates in each field and contingent on meeting academic progress benchmarks AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are not renewable but offer substantial support for innovative projects.

Benefits and Use of Funds

Beyond financial support, fellows gain access to a vibrant alumnae network and professional development resources through AAUW and Graduate Women International AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881. Funds cover tuition, fees, books, living expenses, and approved research costs, allowing recipients to focus fully on academic and professional growth AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start Early: Collect transcripts, recommendations, and test scores at least three months before the deadline.

• Tailor Your Proposal: Highlight the global impact and alignment with AAUW’s mission to empower women.

• Showcase Leadership: Provide concrete examples of mentoring, community projects, or advocacy for women’s equity.

• Follow Guidelines Exactly: Adhere to page limits, formatting rules, and submission requirements to avoid disqualification.

• Seek Feedback: Have mentors or past AAUW fellows review your application for clarity and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can current U.S. residents on nonimmigrant visas apply?
A: Yes, women holding nonimmigrant visas and residing in the U.S. are eligible, provided they meet all other criteria YSE External Funds Database.

Q: Is acceptance at a U.S. institution required before applying?
A: No, you must apply for admission by the AAUW deadline but need only indicate the institution name; official acceptance is required upon award acceptance YSE External Funds Database.

Q: Can I apply for the fellowship more than once?
A: Yes, unsuccessful applicants and those who declined past awards without receiving stipends may reapply AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Q: What languages are accepted for application components?
A: All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Q: When will I know if I’ve been awarded?
A: Decisions are emailed on or around April 15, 2025, and AAUW cannot honor requests for earlier notification AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881.

Conclusion

The AAUW International Fellowships Scholarship 2025-2026 represents a transformative opportunity for talented women scholars worldwide. By covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs, it enables recipients to focus on academic excellence and leadership to advance equity in their home countries. Prepare diligently, craft a compelling application, and leverage AAUW’s extensive resources to secure this prestigious award—your journey toward global impact starts here!

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