Study Abroad ScholarshipVerified for 2026

AAUW International Fellowships

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

All India

Deadline: 17 Sept 2026

About the Program

Comprehensive guide for AAUW International Fellowships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.

Benefits & Financial Support

Total scholarship amount

$20,000 (approx. ₹47.8 Lakh+)

The fellowship provides a stipend ranging from $20,000 USD to $50,000 USD for one academic year. Master's/first professional degree recipients receive $20,000 USD (~1,910,000 INR), doctoral degree recipients receive $25,000 USD (~2,387,500 INR), and postdoctoral researchers receive $50,000 USD (~4,775,000 INR). Funds are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and midpoint of the fellowship term. The funds can be used for educational costs such as tuition, fees, required course materials (books and supplies), living expenses (housing, food), dependent care (childcare), and travel. The approximate conversion used is 1 USD = 95.5 INR.

Inclusions

Gender:Applicants must identify as a woman.
Citizenship:Must be a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Dual citizens (including the U.S.) are ineligible.
Academic Level:Must be admitted or enrolled in their first master's, academic or professional doctorate degree, or first postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. Certificates, associate, and undergraduate degrees are ineligible.
Academic Degree Equivalence:Must hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
GPA:Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for the highest degree earned.
English Proficiency:Must be proficient in English and confirm proficiency through exams (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a written statement of native proficiency. Minimum scores typically required are IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79.
Study Location & Full-Time Status:Must pursue study or research in the U.S. on a full-time basis at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Distance-learning or online programs are not funded.
Program Dates (for 2026-2027 cycle):For Master's/Doctoral applicants, the program must begin on or before September 1, 2026, and be completed on or after April 30, 2027. For Postdoctoral applicants, the program must begin on or before September 1, 2026, and be completed on or after May 30, 2027.
Residency:Must reside in the U.S. (or the country of their research if a Graduate Women International member) for the duration of the fellowship period.
Field of Study:International Fellowships for master's and academic/professional doctorate degrees are specifically for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. Postdoctoral fellowships are also focused on Natural and Physical Science disciplines.
Commitment to Home Country:Must show intentions to return to their home country to pursue a career upon completion of studies, applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and/or communities.
Previous Recipients:Not open to previous recipients of any AAUW International Fellowship or grant (excluding branch/local awards or Community Action Grants).
AAUW Affiliation:Members of AAUW's board, committees, panels, task forces, staff, and interns are not eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Masters, PhD

Must be enrolled in Masters, PhD. Minimum 88% marks required in previous exam.

Financial & Category

Income LimitNo Income Bar

Applicable CategoryGeneral, OBC, SC, ST

Selection Process

Selection is highly competitive and based on a holistic evaluation of several factors:
Academic Excellence:Demonstrated through academic records, achievements, strong GPA, and research potential.
Research Originality & Impact:For doctoral and postdoctoral applicants, the quality, feasibility, originality, and potential impact of the proposed research or study plan.
Commitment to Women's Advancement:Demonstrated commitment to advancing women and girls in their home country through prior civic, community, or professional work, and leadership roles in gender equality initiatives.
Feasibility & Career Plan:A clear vision for how their education will contribute to development in their home countries and a feasible career plan.
Financial Need:Demonstrated financial need.
Preference Factors:Preference is often given to applicants who have received academic acceptance by the application deadline (though conditional offers are accepted), demonstrate leadership potential, represent countries with historically low AAUW award presence, and are currently residing in their home country at the time of application.

Renewal Policy

The AAUW International Fellowship typically funds one academic year (July 1 - June 30)
While some sources suggest renewal may be contingent upon meeting academic standards, the official AAUW International Fellowships page indicates funds are for expenses incurred during the official fellowship term, implying a non-renewable, single-year award
Applicants should consult AAUW directly for specific renewal policies.

Application Process

1
Create an Online Account
Register on the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Portal and select the 'International Fellowships' program. Carefully review all eligibility instructions before beginning.
2
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary application materials, including your personal narrative, official academic transcripts (with certified translations if not in English), CV/Résumé, degree verifications, proof of enrollment or admission to your target U.S. institution, and English proficiency scores.
3
Secure Recommendation Letters
Identify two professional or academic recommenders who know you well and can speak to your abilities. Ensure they are prepared to upload their letters directly to the portal by the deadline; AAUW does not accept letters from dossier services.
4
Complete the Application
Fill out the online application form with your personal details and academic information, and upload all required documents.
5
Submit Application
Review your entire application thoroughly for accuracy and completeness before submitting it by the specified deadline.

Documents Required

Completed online application form

Personal Narrative/Statement of Study/Research Plan

Academic Transcripts (official, with certified English translations if applicable)

Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Résumé

Degree Verification (copies of all diplomas/degree certificates for programs from which a degree has been received)

Proof of current enrollment (if currently enrolled)

Proof of admission or application to a U.S. accredited institution

Official English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) or waiver request

Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic referees, uploaded directly by the recommenders (AAUW does not accept references from dossier services).

Important Dates

Application Deadline

17 September 2026

Applications for the AAUW International Fellowships 2027 are scheduled to open on August 17, 2026, and close on September 17, 2026.

Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.

Scholarship Quick Facts

Provider TypeStudy Abroad

Education LevelMasters, PhD

Application Mode

State/RegionAll India

Income LimitNo Limit

Last Verified2026

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q.When is the application deadline for the AAUW International Fellowships?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the application deadline has already passed (September 30, 2025, with an extended deadline of October 7, 2025). Applications for the upcoming 2027-2028 academic year are generally expected to open on August 17, 2026, and close on September 17, 2026.

Q.Am I eligible to apply if I hold dual citizenship, including U.S. citizenship?

No, applicants must be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Individuals holding permanent residency status of the United States or applicants for permanent residency are not eligible, even if they are citizens of another country.

Q.What expenses does the fellowship cover?

The fellowship stipend can be used to cover various expenses incurred during the official fellowship term, including educational costs such as tuition, fees, and required course materials (e.g., books and supplies), as well as living expenses like housing and food, dependent child care, and travel.

Q.Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in the U.S.?

Yes, you are eligible to apply if you are admitted or currently enrolled in your *first* master's, academic, or professional doctorate degree program at an accredited U.S. institution at the time of application.

Help & Contact Support

Official Support

WebsiteVisit Official Portal

HelplineCheck portal for email/phone support

Need Application Help?

If you have trouble applying, you can check your eligibility or browse our step-by-step application guides.

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Legal Disclaimer

IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official American Association of University Women (AAUW) website before final submission.