The AAUW International Fellowship supports women pursuing graduate-level study in the United States, including master’s and doctoral study in STEM fields under the 2027–2028 program.
For African women considering graduate study in the United States, the fellowship can be relevant because applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, the program has detailed academic, residency, degree and immigration requirements that applicants should understand before preparing an application.
The 2027–2028 application period opened on August 17, 2026 and closed on September 17, 2026.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | AAUW International Fellowship |
| Study location | United States |
| Target group | Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents |
| Study level | Master’s or doctoral |
| Field focus | STEM |
| 2027–2028 application status | Closed |
| Application opened | August 17, 2026 |
| Application closed | September 17, 2026 |
| Award notification | March 2027 |
| Programme start | By September 15, 2027 |
What Is the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW International Fellowship is designed for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who are pursuing graduate study in the United States.
For the current programme, eligible applicants must be admitted to or enrolled in their first master’s degree or an academic/professional doctorate in a STEM discipline.
The fellowship is not a general scholarship for every postgraduate course. Applicants must meet the programme’s specific field and degree requirements.
Who Can Apply?
AAUW’s current eligibility requirements include:
- Identifying as a woman
- Being a non-U.S. citizen
- Not holding U.S. permanent resident status
- Being admitted to or enrolled in a first master’s or academic/professional doctorate degree
- Studying in an eligible STEM discipline
- Holding at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree
- Meeting the required GPA threshold
- Studying full-time at an accredited U.S. institution
- Meeting the programme’s start and completion date requirements
Applicants should read the current AAUW requirements carefully because eligibility can depend on the exact degree and programme.
What Does “STEM” Mean for This Fellowship?
Applicants should not assume that every programme with a technology-related title automatically qualifies.
AAUW requires applicants to identify a specific degree type and field, such as:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Physics
- Other eligible STEM disciplines
The applicant should confirm that the proposed programme meets AAUW’s current definition and eligibility requirements before applying.
Academic Requirement
AAUW currently requires applicants to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned.
Applicants with international qualifications should pay attention to how their academic credentials compare with the programme’s requirements.
Do not assume that simply having a bachelor’s degree automatically satisfies every academic condition.
English-Language Requirement
AAUW accepts several forms of evidence for English proficiency, including specified scores from tests such as:
- TOEFL iBT
- TOEFL Essentials
- IELTS
- Cambridge Assessment
- Duolingo English Test
AAUW also provides an alternative route in certain circumstances for applicants whose native language is English or who meet specified English-language education conditions.
Applicants should use the exact current test requirements published by AAUW rather than relying on old score requirements found on other scholarship websites.
Where Must You Study?
The current fellowship requires applicants to pursue full-time study at an accredited institution in the United States.
AAUW also has specific rules for applicants studying outside the United States or their country of citizenship under certain circumstances.
Applicants should therefore not assume that admission to a university outside the United States automatically makes them eligible.
What Happens After the Fellowship?
The programme has specific requirements concerning where fellows reside during the fellowship period.
Visa and immigration responsibilities also remain with the fellow.
Applicants should therefore consider the fellowship together with the practical requirements of studying in the United States, including securing the appropriate visa.
Application Timeline
For the 2027–2028 cycle:
August 17, 2026: Applications opened.
September 17, 2026: Applications closed.
March 2027: Award notification.
July–September 2027: First stipend distribution period.
September 15, 2027: Applicants must begin their programme by the applicable deadline.
Current Application Status
The 2027–2028 application period is now closed.
Applicants who missed this cycle should monitor AAUW’s official International Fellowship page for future application announcements.
What Should Prospective Applicants Prepare?
If you are planning for a future cycle, begin preparing:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of admission or current enrollment
- CV
- English-language evidence where required
- Academic references
- Personal statements
- Programme information
- Evidence of your academic and professional background
Because some documents may take time to obtain, early preparation can make the next application period easier to manage.
A Note for African Applicants
An applicant’s country of citizenship alone does not determine eligibility.
For example, AAUW requires recipients to be non-U.S. citizens and not U.S. permanent residents.
Applicants should therefore examine their citizenship, immigration status, study location and programme carefully before applying.
AAUW also has specific rules affecting applicants from certain countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions. Applicants affected by those rules should consult AAUW’s current guidance directly.
Who Is This Fellowship Most Relevant To?
The programme may be relevant to women who:
- Are pursuing graduate study in STEM
- Want to study in the United States
- Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Have strong academic records
- Have secured or are securing admission to an eligible programme
- Can meet the programme’s English-language and documentation requirements
Verification Note
Opportunities With Igbinovia reviewed the eligibility and timeline information against AAUW’s official International Fellowship information on September 28, 2026. The 2027–2028 application period has closed. Future applicants should verify requirements, eligible fields, deadlines and award details directly with AAUW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AAUW International Fellowship open to African women?
African women may be eligible if they satisfy AAUW’s citizenship, academic, programme, residency and other requirements.
Is it only for master’s students?
No. The programme can cover eligible first master’s and academic or professional doctoral study.
Can U.S. permanent residents apply?
No. AAUW’s International Fellowship requires recipients to be non-U.S. citizens and not hold U.S. permanent resident status.
Is every STEM course eligible?
Applicants should confirm that their specific degree and field meet AAUW’s current STEM requirements.
Is the 2027–2028 application still open?
No. The application closed on September 17, 2026.
Final Takeaway
The AAUW International Fellowship should not be treated as a general “study in America” scholarship. It has specific requirements concerning gender identity, citizenship, immigration status, academic qualifications, STEM fields, study location and degree level.
Applicants interested in a future cycle should begin preparing their academic documents, admission evidence and supporting materials well before the application window opens.
