The American Association of University Women International Fellowships

Brief History

Since 1917, International Fellowships have been supporting women who aspire to undertake full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the United States. This program specifically aids those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have plans to return to their home countries to advance their professional careers after their studies. A few select fellowships are also available for studies outside of the U.S. (except in the applicant’s home country), available exclusively to members of Graduate Women International (refer to the GWI affiliate list).

The program embraces both graduate and postgraduate levels at accredited U.S. institutions. Prospective fellows must hold a qualification equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline and should have already secured admission to their chosen U.S. institutions at the time they apply.

Fellows are chosen based on their academic excellence and a proven commitment to empowering women and girls. Upon completing their studies, these women return to their home countries, where they often take on pivotal roles in business, government, academia, community activism, as well as in the arts, sciences, and other fields.

Key Dates for Fellowship Applications

August 1, 2023
The application period opens. Interested candidates can start submitting their applications.

November 15, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
This is the deadline for the online submission of applications, recommendations, and all required supporting documents.

April 15, 2024
All applicants will receive an email notification of the fellowship decisions. Please note that AAUW cannot accommodate requests for earlier notifications.

Fellowship Year: July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025
This period marks the official duration of the fellowship.

Additional Note:
If any of the key dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, the observance will shift to the next business day.

Overview of the Fellowship Application Review Process:

Annual Review Meeting:
The panel convenes once a year to evaluate applications based on specific funding criteria. While the panel’s recommendations are crucial, final approval rests with AAUW. Fellowships are granted competitively, depending on the available funds for the fiscal year.

Review Process Integrity:
AAUW upholds a strict policy of non-disclosure regarding the discussions and decisions of its award panels. Furthermore, the organization does not offer evaluations of individual applications, and there are no provisions for the reconsideration of fellowship proposals once decided. All submitted applications and supporting documents become the exclusive property of AAUW and will not be returned or reserved for future consideration.

Criteria for Special Consideration

• Residence: Applicants living in their home country at the time of application, particularly from developing or emerging countries, or those from underrepresented groups, are given special consideration.
• Intent to Return: Applicants must intend to return to their home country after their studies.
• Qualifications: Academic and professional qualifications are thoroughly reviewed.
• Commitment: A demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights and education of women and girls in the applicant’s home country.
• Plan of Study or Research: The quality and feasibility of the proposed plan of study or research.
• Community Service: Evidence of prior community and/or civic service in the applicant’s home country.
• Specialized Knowledge: The need for specialized knowledge or skills in the applicant’s country.
• Financial Need: The financial need of the applicant.
• Motivation: The motivation behind pursuing graduate study or research.

These factors are carefully considered to ensure that fellowships are awarded to candidates who are not only academically and professionally qualified but who also demonstrate a strong potential to contribute positively to their communities and fields of study.

Visit the official website for more information.