For women pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, access to quality postgraduate education can be the difference between having expertise and having the opportunity to apply it on a much larger scale.
The AAUW International Fellowship Program 2027–2028 is offering international women the opportunity to pursue their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree in eligible STEM disciplines, primarily at accredited institutions in the United States.
Successful applicants will receive a $20,000 stipend for a master’s degree or $25,000 for a doctoral degree, providing financial support for eligible educational and living expenses during the fellowship period.
The programme is particularly focused on women who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls in their home countries or communities.
Application Deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Editor’s Note: The current application cycle is for the 2027–2028 fellowship year. Applicants should rely on the current AAUW programme information rather than older listings that may refer to previous fellowship cycles.
AAUW International Fellowship 2027–2028: Quick Overview
Programme: AAUW International Fellowships
Fellowship Year: 2027–2028
Organisation: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Study Location: United States, with limited exceptions for study elsewhere
Study Level: Master’s and academic/professional doctorate
Study Area: STEM disciplines
Master’s Award: $20,000
Doctoral Award: $25,000
Eligibility: International women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Applications Open: August 17, 2026
Application Deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Award Notification: March 2027
About the AAUW International Fellowship Program
The AAUW International Fellowship Program has supported international women pursuing postgraduate studies in the United States for more than a century.
The programme promotes education and equity for women by investing in international applicants pursuing graduate studies in STEM fields, with the expectation that fellows will apply their expertise, professional skills and leadership in service of their home countries or the communities in which they live.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, eligible applicants can pursue a master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree in a qualifying STEM discipline.
This makes the fellowship particularly relevant to women building careers in areas such as technology, engineering, scientific research, mathematics, medicine and other STEM-related fields.
What Does the AAUW International Fellowship Provide?
The fellowship provides a substantial financial award to selected candidates.
$20,000 for Master’s Degree
Women selected for an eligible master’s programme will receive a $20,000 fellowship stipend.
$25,000 for Doctoral Degree
Women pursuing an eligible academic or professional doctorate can receive a $25,000 fellowship stipend.
AAUW states that the stipend is paid directly to the fellow in two equal instalments, one at the beginning and one at the midpoint of the fellowship term.
The fellowship funds may be used for eligible expenses incurred during the official fellowship period, including tuition, fees, required course materials, housing, food and dependent care.
Applicants should note that tax withholding may apply to fellowship stipends depending on the fellow’s circumstances and applicable tax rules.
Who Can Apply?
The AAUW International Fellowship is specifically designed for international women who meet the programme’s academic, citizenship and study requirements.
Applicants must:
- Identify as a woman.
- Be a non-U.S. citizen.
- Not hold U.S. permanent resident status.
- Not be applying for U.S. permanent residency.
- Be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree at the time of application.
- Pursue an eligible STEM discipline.
- Hold at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest earned degree.
- Pursue full-time study at an accredited U.S. institution, subject to the programme’s limited exceptions.
- Meet the programme’s study-period requirements.
Applicants can apply for only one degree type and one specific field of study during the application cycle.
Citizenship and Immigration Requirements
One of the most important eligibility conditions concerns U.S. immigration status.
Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status.
Applicants who are currently applying for U.S. permanent residency, commonly referred to as a green card, are also not eligible.
This requirement is important for international applicants who may currently be studying or working in the United States.
What STEM Fields Are Eligible?
The AAUW International Fellowship covers a broad range of STEM disciplines.
Eligible areas include:
Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Marine Science
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Physics
- Nutrition Science
Technology and Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Information Technology
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Cloud Computing
- Computer Engineering
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
Mathematics and Quantitative Fields
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Mathematical Modelling
- Actuarial Science
- Probability
- Quantitative Analysis
- Financial Mathematics
The official AAUW list also includes eligible medicine and health-related STEM programmes. Applicants whose programme is not explicitly listed can consult the STEM classification resources referenced by AAUW.
What Academic Qualifications Are Required?
Applicants must have at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Academic excellence is also an important eligibility requirement.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest earned degree.
For applicants whose universities use different grading systems, it is important to provide the appropriate academic documentation and ensure that the qualification meets AAUW’s requirements.
When Must the Programme Begin?
Applicants must begin their programme on or before September 15, 2027 and complete it on or after April 30, 2028.
This means prospective applicants should carefully coordinate their university admission and programme dates with the fellowship timeline.
Where Can Fellows Study?
The primary destination for the AAUW International Fellowship is the United States.
Applicants must pursue full-time study at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and must reside in the United States or their approved country of study for the fellowship period.
A limited number of awards may be available for applicants who plan to study in countries other than their country of citizenship or the United States.
AAUW identifies specific circumstances under which this may be possible, including certain applicants affected by U.S. travel restrictions and eligible members of Graduate Women International who plan to study outside the United States.
What Does AAUW Look For in Applicants?
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an award.
AAUW evaluates applicants based on several factors.
Academic and Scholarly Excellence
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic or scholarly performance through evidence such as:
- Academic achievements.
- Awards and honours.
- Research.
- Publications.
- Presentations.
- Professional accomplishments.
- Recognition from academic or professional institutions.
A Strong Academic or Professional Plan
Applicants should present a clear and achievable plan for their proposed programme.
The plan should demonstrate how the proposed study aligns with their academic background and long-term professional goals.
Applicants do not necessarily need a formal research proposal unless research is part of their degree programme or intended course of study.
Commitment to Women and Girls
This is an important part of the AAUW International Fellowship.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to advancing opportunities or equity for women and girls in their home country or community.
This can include:
- Leadership.
- Mentorship.
- Advocacy.
- Community service.
- Professional engagement.
- Research.
- Education initiatives.
AAUW encourages applicants to support these claims with specific examples from their experiences.
Why This Fellowship Could Be Valuable for African Women in STEM
For women across Africa pursuing careers in technology, engineering, scientific research, healthcare and mathematics, international postgraduate education can provide access to advanced training, research environments and professional networks.
The AAUW International Fellowship is particularly relevant because it combines financial support with an emphasis on leadership and the applicant’s potential contribution to women and girls.
A strong candidate should therefore think beyond simply obtaining a degree.
The bigger question is:
What will you do with the expertise after completing your programme?
An applicant might plan to:
- Develop new technologies.
- Conduct research relevant to local challenges.
- Build STEM-focused organisations.
- Mentor young women entering technology.
- Improve healthcare systems.
- Advance climate or environmental solutions.
- Strengthen scientific research capacity.
- Create opportunities for girls in STEM.
The strongest applications should make this connection clear.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
1. Start With Your Career Story
Your application should tell a coherent story.
Explain where you started, what you have achieved, what problem you want to address and why the proposed programme is the logical next step.
2. Connect Your STEM Programme to a Real Problem
Don’t simply explain why you want another degree.
Show how your proposed field can help you address a challenge affecting your community, country or professional sector.
3. Demonstrate Your Impact on Women and Girls
If you have mentored young women, supported girls’ education, conducted relevant research or created STEM initiatives, provide specific examples.
Explain what you did and what changed as a result.
4. Choose Your Programme Carefully
Make sure the degree, institution and STEM field align with the AAUW requirements.
Applicants should also verify that their intended institution is appropriately accredited.
5. Prepare Early
AAUW strongly encourages applicants to begin their applications well before the deadline so there is sufficient time to complete the application and submit all required materials.
Can Applicants Use AI When Preparing Their Application?
AAUW allows applicants to use generative AI tools as an assistive resource when preparing application narratives.
However, AI should not replace the applicant’s own ideas, experiences, analysis or writing.
The final application should reflect the applicant’s authentic voice and original work.
This is important for applicants who use AI tools for editing, brainstorming or improving clarity.
The experiences and arguments presented in the application should remain genuinely theirs.
Application Timeline
Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:
| Application Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET |
| Applications Close | September 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET |
| Award Notification | March 2027 |
| First Stipend Disbursed | July–September 2027 |
| Mid-Year Report Due | December 2027 |
| Second Stipend Disbursed | December 2027–January 2028 |
| Final Report Due | July 31, 2028 |
All application deadlines follow Eastern Time (ET).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the AAUW International Fellowship worth?
Master’s recipients receive $20,000, while doctoral recipients receive $25,000.
Is the AAUW International Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a substantial stipend that can be used for eligible educational and living expenses. However, applicants should not automatically assume that it covers every cost associated with studying abroad. The award is subject to AAUW’s eligible-use rules and applicable tax requirements.
Can Nigerian women apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?
Yes, Nigerian women can apply provided they meet all applicable AAUW eligibility requirements, including the citizenship, academic, STEM and degree requirements.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
The programme is designed for applicants pursuing their first master’s or academic/professional doctoral degree. Applicants should carefully review their individual circumstances against the current eligibility requirements.
What GPA is required?
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest earned degree.
Can I study any course?
No. The current International Fellowship is focused on eligible STEM disciplines, including technology, engineering, science, mathematics and specified medical fields.
Can U.S. permanent residents apply?
No. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status or be applicants for U.S. permanent residency.
When does the application close?
Applications close on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Final Thoughts
The AAUW International Fellowship 2027–2028 offers more than financial assistance for postgraduate study.
For women pursuing careers in STEM, it can provide an opportunity to deepen their expertise, gain international academic experience and develop the skills needed to contribute to their communities and professional fields.
But a strong application needs more than academic qualifications.
It needs a clear purpose.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate what they have accomplished, what they want to learn, why the proposed programme matters and how they intend to use their expertise to create impact.
If you are an international woman pursuing your first master’s or doctoral degree in an eligible STEM field, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Applications opened on August 17, 2026, and close on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Interested applicants should review the official requirements and begin their applications early.
Official Application Information: AAUW International Fellowships official webpage
