AAUW International Fellowships: $20,000-$25,000 for Women’s Graduate Studies in America

Grant Overview

Funding for Non-US Women Pursuing Master’s or Doctoral Degrees in the United States

Donor: AAUW (American Association of University Women)

About: If you’re a brilliant woman from outside the United States with big academic dreams, but the financial hurdles feel insurmountable. Since 1917, AAUW has been throwing lifelines to women just like you- women who’ve got the brains and ambition but need that crucial financial boost to study in America.

I’ve worked with dozens of international students over the years, and I’ll tell you something straight up: finding funding as a non-citizen woman in the US is tough. Really tough. That’s exactly why this fellowship exists. It’s not just another scholarship it’s been a century-long mission to level the playing field.

What AAUW Actually Does

Let’s get real about who AAUW is. They’re not some faceless organization doling out checks. Founded way back in 1881, these folks have been fighting for women’s education before most countries even let women vote. Their international fellowship program started in 1917, which means they’ve been at this for over a century. Think about that—they’ve supported women through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and countless global changes. They’re in it for the long haul.

The fellowship offers two paths: $20,000 if you’re going for your master’s degree, or $25,000 if you’re diving into a doctoral program. And here’s something most people don’t know they also have a special provision for up to five members of Graduate Women International who can study in countries outside the US. That’s pretty rare flexibility in the funding world.

The Money Stuff

Let’s talk dollars because that’s probably why you’re here. The fellowship pays out in two installments one when you start and another halfway through your academic year. Smart move, really. It helps you budget instead of blowing through everything at once.

And get this up to five master’s degree candidates in two-year programs might get their funding renewed for a second year. That’s potentially $40,000 total if you’re one of the lucky ones. But you’ve got to keep that GPA at 3.5 or higher, which honestly, if you’re applying for this, you’re probably already doing anyway.

What They’re Really Looking For

Okay, so you’ve got the grades. Great. But AAUW wants something more. They’re hunting for women who aren’t just book-smart but world-smart. Women who look at their education and think, “How can I use this to help other women back home?”

I once worked with a fellowship recipient from Nigeria who was studying public health in the US. Her application wasn’t just about her academic achievements it was about how she’d use that knowledge to reduce maternal mortality rates in rural communities back home. That’s the kind of thinking that makes selection committees sit up and take notice.

They also give preference to applicants from countries that haven’t had many AAUW fellows before. So if you’re from a place that’s underrepresented in their program, you actually have an edge. Pretty cool, right?

The Application Reality Check

Let’s be brutally honest here this is competitive. Like, really competitive. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. The process itself forces you to clarify your goals and articulate your vision, which is valuable no matter what happens.

I’ve seen clients pour their hearts into these applications, only to get rejected the first time. But here’s the thing many of them used that experience to strengthen their applications for other opportunities. Sometimes rejection is just redirection, as they say.

At Grantaura, we’ve helped dozens of women navigate this exact process. The most successful applications we’ve seen balance academic rigor with personal narrative. You need to show them not just what you’ll study, but why it matters for you, for women, and for our world.

Making Your Application Stand Out

So what actually makes a difference? From what I’ve seen, it comes down to three things:

First, your academic record needs to be solid. We’re talking minimum 3.5 GPA here. No exceptions.

Second, your study plan needs to be crystal clear. Where are you going to study? What exactly will you research? How will you fund any gaps the fellowship doesn’t cover? Selection committees love applicants who’ve thought through the details.

Third—and this is the big one—you need to demonstrate how you’ll use this education back home. They’re not funding you so you can stay in the US forever. They want to see how you’ll take that knowledge and create change in your home country.

If you’re looking for other opportunities while you’re at it, check out the Patsy Mink Education Support Awards or the Cartier Tech Pioneer Award. Different focus areas, but same goal of supporting women’s advancement.

The Fine Print You Can’t Ignore

There are some non-negotiables here. You need to be a woman (or identify as one), and you absolutely cannot be a US citizen or permanent resident. You also need to be admitted or enrolled in your first master’s or doctoral program this isn’t for people who already have advanced degrees at the same level.

Your program has to start by September 1, 2026, and you need to have at least one degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s. And you’ve got to study full-time at a US-accredited institution. No shortcuts here.

The Bottom Line

The AAUW International Fellowship isn’t just money—it’s an investment in women who will change the world. If you’re a non-US woman with academic excellence and a passion for helping other women, this could be your ticket to something transformative.

Honestly, putting together a proposal this complex is a huge task. If you’re serious about this and want a second pair of expert eyes, that’s what we do at Grantaura. A little bit of help on the grant proposal can make all the difference. Just something to think about. CLICK HERE to get the GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING help.

Focus: International education, Women’s advancement, Graduate studies, Academic excellence, Leadership development

Region: United States, Any country outside applicant’s home country (for GWI members)

Eligibility:
– Applicants must be or identify as a woman
– Must be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents
– Must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or doctorate degree program
– Must begin program on or before September 1, 2026
– Must possess at least one academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree
– Must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
– Must pursue full-time study at a U.S. accredited institution
– Must reside in the U.S. or country of research during fellowship period
– GWI members may study in any country other than their own

Benefits:
– Financial Award: $20,000 for master’s degree candidates, $25,000 for doctorate degree candidates
– Payment Structure: Stipends disbursed in two equal payments (beginning and midpoint of fellowship)
– Renewal Opportunity: Potential for two-year funding for up to five master’s degree candidates

Deadline: September 30, 2025

Terms:
– International Fellowships: Financial awards for non-U.S. citizen women pursuing postgraduate studies in the U.S.
– Graduate Women International (GWI): An organization whose members may study outside their home country
– Stipend: The monetary award paid directly to fellows in two installments
– Fellowship Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
– CGPA: Cumulative Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale (minimum 3.5 required)
– Accredited Institution: A school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education