AAUW International Fellowships 2027-28: Dates, Eligibility, Requirements and How to Apply

What Are the AAUW International Fellowships?

AAUW (formerly the American Association of University Women) is a US nonprofit that funds women’s education through fellowships and grants. The International Fellowships are for women from outside the US who come to the US to study. Awards go to full-time students at accredited US institutions in all fields, and the panel looks at your plans to use your education for women and girls in your home community.

Award Amounts (2027-28 Fellowship Year)

Payments are split into two equal instalments, at the start and midpoint of the fellowship term (Scholars4Dev). The fellowship year runs from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028. The award is a contribution, not a guaranteed full-cost scholarship, so plan the rest of your tuition and living costs separately. See education loan for studying in the USA.

Also Read: Types of scholarships for international students

AAUW International Fellowship Timeline (2026-27 Cycle)

Dates are from a third-party summary of AAUW’s page and a second guide lists the portal as open from mid-August to mid-September 2026 (Scholarships Central). AAUW has changed its deadline between cycles, so always check the official page. Our earlier version of this article showed a 2024 deadline of 15 November, which no longer applies.

Eligibility Criteria

• Gender and citizenship: women who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
• Level: admitted to or enrolled in a first master’s or a doctoral programme.
• Academic record: a degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale reported for the 2026-27 cycle (Scholars4Dev). Check how AAUW converts Indian marks.
• Programme: full-time, in person, at a US Department of Education-accredited institution. The programme must begin by 15 September 2027 and end on or after 30 April 2028 for this cycle. Distance, online and part-time study are not funded (guide).
• English: proof of proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic, unless you qualify for an exemption (Scholarships Central).
• Commitment: a demonstrated commitment to advancing women and girls, and a plan to return home for your career.
• Prior awards: applicants generally should not have received a previous national AAUW fellowship or grant.

These criteria are changed by AAUW from year to year. Read the official eligibility page for the cycle you apply in.

Also Read: What is the SEVIS fee for international students?

Documents You Will Need

• Proof of your highest degree and transcripts
• Proof of admission or current enrollment at a US institution, as the page requires for the cycle
• A proposal describing your study plan and how you will contribute to women and girls
• Recommendation letters
• English proficiency score report, TOEFL, IELTS or PTE
• Certified English translations of any foreign-language documents

See how to write a statement of purpose and SOP for the USA for your proposal.

How to Apply

• Step 1: read the official AAUW International Fellowships page and check that your cycle is open.
• Step 2: create an account on AAUW’s application portal.
• Step 3: complete the sections on your background, proposal, recommendations and documents.
• Step 4: submit before the deadline and wait for the spring decision.

Apply to your US universities first or at the same time, because you need to be admitted or enrolled for the programme you name.

Also Read: Motivation letter for scholarship: how to write a winning personal statement

What the Fellowship Covers

AAUW fellowships are intended to support your studies, such as tuition and living costs. Details of eligible and ineligible expenses, tax withholding and travel conditions are set in the fellowship terms, so read the contract terms for your cycle. Visas and travel documents are your own responsibility.

Other Scholarship Options

If AAUW does not fit, look at the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Rotary Global Grants and university-specific awards. See scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students and loan vs scholarship.

Related Articles

• Scholarships to Study in the USA for Indian Students
• Loan vs Scholarship: Best Option for Studying Abroad
• Education Loan for Studying in the USA
• SOP for the USA: Samples and Format

Need funding beyond the fellowship? Talk to a GradRight counsellor about an education loan to cover the rest of your US costs.