AAUW International Fellowships 2027 in the USA | Fully Funded STEM Scholarship for International Women
The AAUW International Fellowships 2027 offer an excellent opportunity for talented international women to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in the United States with generous financial support. The fellowship is awarded by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), an organization that has empowered women through education and leadership since 1917.
Designed for women studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the fellowship supports outstanding scholars who are committed to advancing their careers while making meaningful contributions to their home countries after graduation.
Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States |
| Scholarship Provider | American Association of University Women (AAUW) |
| Study Level | Master’s & Doctoral (PhD) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | International Women |
| Eligible Fields | STEM Programs |
| Application Opens | August 17, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026 |
About the AAUW International Fellowships
Established in 1917, the AAUW International Fellowships program has supported more than 3,600 women from over 150 countries, helping them gain advanced education and become leaders in academia, research, healthcare, engineering, technology, and public service.
The fellowship is intended for women who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to improving opportunities for women and girls in their home countries.
Recipients are expected to complete their studies in the United States and return home to apply their knowledge toward solving social, scientific, economic, and technological challenges.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive generous financial support that can be used for educational and living expenses.
Master’s Degree
- $20,000 stipend
- Paid in two equal installments
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
- $25,000 stipend
- Paid in two equal installments
Funding covers:
- Tuition fees
- University charges
- Academic books
- Research materials
- Laboratory supplies
- Living expenses
- Dependent care assistance (where applicable)
Additional benefits include:
- Global AAUW scholar network
- Leadership development opportunities
- Professional networking
- International recognition
- Career development support
Eligible Fields of Study
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Marine Biology
- Botany
- Agricultural Sciences
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Astronomy
- Earth Sciences
- Geology
- Oceanography
- Materials Science
- Food Science
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health (Quantitative Programs)
Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Information Systems
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Health Informatics
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Digital Forensics
- Bioinformatics
Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Nanotechnology Engineering
- Materials Engineering
Mathematics and Quantitative Sciences
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Biostatistics
- Operations Research
- Financial Mathematics
- Computational Mathematics
- Probability
- Quantitative Analysis
- Actuarial Science
Medical Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a woman.
- Be an international applicant.
- Not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0.
- Be admitted to or enrolled in a full-time Master’s or Doctoral STEM program.
- Begin studies on or before September 15, 2027.
- Complete the program on or after April 30, 2028.
- Study at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Plan to return to their home country after graduation.
- Demonstrate commitment to improving opportunities for women and girls.
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Current AAUW Board members
- Current AAUW employees
- Current AAUW review panelists
- Immediate family members of AAUW officials
- Previous AAUW International Fellowship recipients (with limited exceptions)
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Two professional recommendation letters
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of GPA
- University admission or enrollment letter
- English language proficiency test results
- Certified English translations (if applicable)
- Graduate Women International (GWI) membership proof (if required)
Accepted English tests include:
- TOEFL iBT (79)
- IELTS (6.5)
- Cambridge English (176)
- Duolingo English Test (120)
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of study plan
- Leadership potential
- Community impact
- Financial need
Preference may also be given to:
- First-time international students
- Applicants living in their home country
- Applicants from underrepresented countries
- Single parents
- Students from institutions with limited research resources
Application Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | August 17, 2026 |
| Applications Close | September 17, 2026 |
| Award Decisions | March 2027 |
| First Stipend Payment | July–September 2027 |
| Second Stipend Payment | December 2027–January 2028 |
| Final Report Due | July 31, 2028 |
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the official AAUW International Fellowships application portal.
Step 2
Create an account or sign in.
Step 3
Complete the online application form.
Step 4
Upload all required supporting documents.
Step 5
Register your two referees to submit recommendation letters before the deadline.
Step 6
Review your application carefully and submit before the closing date.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start preparing early.
- Write a compelling personal statement.
- Clearly explain your career goals.
- Demonstrate leadership experience.
- Highlight research achievements and community service.
- Choose strong referees.
- Proofread your application carefully.
Why Choose the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW International Fellowship is one of the world’s most prestigious funding opportunities for women pursuing graduate education in STEM. In addition to financial support, recipients join an international network of scholars and professionals dedicated to advancing education, research, innovation, and gender equality.