AAUW International Fellowships Selection Process 2026
How Candidates are Selected
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.
Verification Flow
Institute Nodal Officer Verification
Your college/school checks your bonafide status, fees paid, and marks cards against the database.
District Welfare Officer / State Board Sanction
The state/central department approves the budget release for verified records based on category quotas.
Fund Disbursement via DBT
The bank issues direct fund credits to Aadhaar-seeded accounts using treasury payment systems.
FAQs for AAUW International Fellowships
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.