AAUW International Fellowships 2027-2028: Up to $50,000 for Women in STEM in the USA
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | AAUW International Fellowships |
| Funded by | American Association of University Women (AAUW) |
| Coverage | $20,000 – $50,000 depending on level (Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral) |
| Level | Master’s, professional doctorate, academic doctorate, postdoctoral research |
| Fields | STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) |
| Eligibility | Women who are NOT US citizens or permanent residents |
| Applications open | August 17, 2026, 9:00 AM ET |
| Applications close | September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET — ⚠️ URGENT |
| Results | March 2027 |
The AAUW International Fellowships have supported international women pursuing full-time graduate study in the United States since 1917 — more than a century of funding women who go on to lead in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For the 2027-2028 cycle, the program is focused on STEM disciplines, and applications open August 17, 2026 and close September 17, 2026. If you’re a woman from outside the US targeting a STEM degree in America, this is one of the most prestigious awards you can win.
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What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Master’s / first professional degree | ~$20,000 |
| Doctoral degree | ~$25,000 |
| Postdoctoral research | ~$50,000 |
| Purpose | Full-time graduate study or research at a US-accredited institution |
| Use of funds | Tuition, fees, living expenses, and research costs (per AAUW policies) |
| Stipend schedule | First disbursement July-September 2027; second December 2027 / January 2028 |
Awards are disbursed in two stipends across the fellowship year. The program expects recipients to complete their program in the US and apply their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and communities after completion.
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Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be a non-US citizen and NOT a US permanent resident (green card holder)
- Hold a degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree (for graduate applicants) or a completed doctorate (for postdoctoral applicants)
- Be admitted to or currently enrolled in a full-time Master’s or doctoral program in a STEM field at a US Department of Education-accredited institution (for postdoctoral fellowships, hold a doctorate and secure a research affiliation)
- Begin your program on or before September 15, 2027 and complete it on or after April 30, 2028
- Demonstrate a commitment to advancing the lives of women and girls in your home country
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are a US citizen or permanent resident (this program is for international women only)
- Your program does not qualify as STEM under the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
- You plan part-time study (full-time enrollment is required)
- Your program ends before April 30, 2028 or starts after September 15, 2027
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How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm Your Program Is STEM
Check that your field appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List — AAUW uses this list to determine eligibility. If you’re unsure, email the AAUW awards team before applying.
Step 2: Secure Your US Admission (or Current Enrollment)
You must already be admitted to, or currently enrolled in, a full-time STEM graduate program at an accredited US institution. Current students are eligible if their program runs through April 30, 2028.
Step 3: Open the Application Early
The portal opens August 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET. AAUW strongly recommends starting well in advance of the deadline — the application is detailed and requires supporting documents.
Step 4: Submit Before September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
All application deadlines follow Eastern Time (ET). Late or incomplete applications are not considered — submit several days early to avoid portal congestion.
Step 5: Await Results
Award notifications go out in March 2027. If selected, your first stipend is disbursed between July and September 2027.
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Insider Tips
1. Start Your Application on Opening Day
With only one month between the August 17 opening and the September 17 close, you don’t have time to procrastinate. Begin on day one and submit at least 3-5 days before the deadline.
2. Get Your Transcripts and References Ready Now
The application window is short, so collect transcripts, reference letters, and proof of admission before August 17. Waiting until the portal opens to chase documents is the #1 reason applications go incomplete.
3. Tell a “Women and Girls” Story
Selection emphasizes your commitment to empowering women and girls in your home country. Your personal statement should connect your STEM research to concrete change for women — not just your academic achievements.
4. Watch the ET Clock
AAUW deadlines are strict Eastern Time cutoffs. If you’re in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, that means submitting by late afternoon/evening US time — don’t assume midnight local time.
5. Double-Check the STEM List
If your program isn’t obviously STEM (e.g., some data-science-adjacent social sciences), verify it against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before investing hours in the application.
6. Pair AAUW with Other Women’s Funding
AAUW is an excellent anchor award. Combine it with the British Council Women in STEM scholarships and other women-focused awards to build a complete funding package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be admitted to a US university before applying?
Yes — you must be admitted to, or currently enrolled in, a full-time STEM graduate program at an accredited US institution.
Is the AAUW fellowship for all fields?
For the current cycle, the program prioritizes STEM disciplines at US institutions. A limited number of awards are available for study in any country other than your own — check the official page for details.
How much is the award?
Approximately $20,000 for Master’s/first professional degrees, $25,000 for doctoral degrees, and $50,000 for postdoctoral research. Verify the exact figures in the official award details.
Can I be a US permanent resident?
No — International Fellowships are specifically for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents.
When is the deadline?
September 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Applications open August 17, 2026.
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Timeline Table
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | August 17, 2026, 9:00 AM ET |
| Applications close | September 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Award notification | March 2027 |
| First stipend disbursed | July – September 2027 |
| Program start (latest) | September 15, 2027 |
| Mid-year report due | December 2027 |
| Second stipend disbursed | December 2027 / January 2028 |
| Program end (earliest) | April 30, 2028 |
| Final report due | July 31, 2028 |
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Your Action Plan
1. By August 10: Confirm your program is on the STEM list; gather transcripts and references.
2. August 17: Open your application the moment the portal launches.
3. By September 5: Draft your personal statement focused on impact for women and girls; complete all sections.
4. By September 12: Submit — don’t wait for the final days.
5. March 2027: Check results; if selected, accept and plan your US arrival for fall 2027. For more US study options, see our Fulbright guide.
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This is a one-month application window — mark August 17 on your calendar today. Share this with a woman in STEM who dreams of studying in the USA.