The AAUW (American Association of University Women) International Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship opportunity available to women from all over the world, except U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This fellowship supports full-time graduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral study or research at accredited institutions in the United States.
About the AAUW Fellowship Program
Founded originally in 1917 to support Latin American women pursuing graduate studies in the U.S., the AAUW International Fellowship has evolved into a global program awarding scholarships to more than 3,600 women from over 150 countries. It aims to empower women through advanced education and research, enabling them to make a significant impact in their fields and communities.
This program is designed exclusively for women who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents, providing critical financial support and recognition to talented scholars pursuing graduate and postgraduate education in a wide variety of academic disciplines.
Scholarship Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Level of Study | Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral |
| Institution | Accredited institutions in the USA |
| Country of Study | United States |
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2024 (Applications open from Sept 3) |
| Fellowship Year | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 |
| Award Amount | $20,000 (Master’s), $25,000 (Doctoral), $50,000 (Postdoctoral) |
Eligible Fields of Study
AAUW supports women studying in virtually all academic disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Business and Finance
- Computer Science & IT
- Creative Arts and Design
- Social Studies and Media
- Environmental Sciences
- Medicine and Health Studies
- Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
- Applied and Pure Sciences
- Architecture and Construction
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Mining
- Law
- Travel and Hospitality
- Humanities, Anthropology, Archeology
- Economics and Politics
- Journalism and Gender Studies
- Film, Television, and Cultural Studies
This wide scope encourages applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
The AAUW International Fellowship provides:
- Educational Expenses: Tuition and fees for full-time graduate or postdoctoral study.
- Living Expenses: Support for room, board, and other living costs during the fellowship year.
- Dependent Child Care: Funds to support child care, recognizing the needs of applicants with families.
- Travel: Support for travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars related to the fellow’s field (up to 10% of the fellowship amount).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a woman who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Applicants residing in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas may apply.
- Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by November 15, 2022, for graduate/postgraduate applications.
- Be enrolled or have applied for enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution for full-time study or research during the fellowship year (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026).
- Intend to devote full-time to academic work during the fellowship period.
- Plan to return to their home country to pursue a professional career after the fellowship ends.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English:
- TOEFL scores must be official and meet minimum thresholds:
- Paper-Based Test: 550
- Internet-Based Test: 79
- Revised Paper-Delivered Test: 60
- Institutional TOEFL and other tests like IELTS are not accepted for this fellowship.
- Master’s and doctoral applicants must have applied by November 15, 2024, and indicate their U.S. institution in the application.
- Postdoctoral applicants must have completed a research doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., or M.F.A.) by November 15, 2024.
- The fellowship supports traditional in-person study only; online or distance learning programs are not eligible.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Three letters of recommendation from professors or professional colleagues familiar with the applicant’s academic work and professional achievements.
- Proof of highest academic degree earned (bachelor’s, doctorate, or M.F.A.).
- Proof of current enrollment (for currently enrolled students).
- Official TOEFL test scores or waiver request, if applicable.
- Letter of admission from the accredited U.S. institution.
- Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or résumé.
- Pass the eligibility quiz on the application portal.
- Complete and submit the online application form by the deadline.
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Carefully review all eligibility requirements, especially citizenship status and English proficiency.
- Gather Documents: Collect transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of degree, and English test scores.
- Apply for Admission: Ensure you have applied and been admitted (or will be admitted) to an eligible U.S. institution.
- Complete Application: Fill out the AAUW International Fellowship application online and upload all required documents.
- Submit before Deadline: Submit your application by November 15, 2024. Late applications are not accepted.
- Prepare for Review: Applications are reviewed by a selection panel considering academic merit, leadership, and professional potential.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | September 3, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2024 |
| Fellowship Year | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 |
Why Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?
- Financial Security: Receive substantial funding ($20,000 to $50,000) to support your academic journey in the U.S.
- Professional Growth: Access to professional meetings and conferences funded under the fellowship.
- Global Network: Join a vast community of accomplished women scholars worldwide.
- Empowerment: Designed to promote women’s education and leadership globally.
Additional Resources
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For detailed application instructions, eligibility verification, and FAQs, visit the AAUW International Fellowship Official Website.