The AAUW International Fellowships 2025 are fully funded scholarships offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), empowering women to break barriers, create opportunities, and inspire future generations. For decades, AAUW has been at the forefront of promoting women’s education globally, and this fellowship continues that mission by supporting outstanding women who wish to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the AAUW International Fellowships 2025, including eligibility, benefits, fields of study, and application steps. If you are a woman looking to advance your academic career in the U.S., this scholarship could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
About the AAUW International Fellowships
The AAUW International Fellowship program was established in 1917 to support women from outside the United States who are pursuing full-time study or research in U.S. universities. Over the years, thousands of women have benefited from this fellowship and gone on to become leaders, researchers, and innovators in their respective fields.
What makes this program unique is that it is open exclusively to women, reinforcing AAUW’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment globally.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
The AAUW International Fellowships 2025 is a fully funded program, which means selected candidates will not have to worry about tuition fees or living costs. The financial support includes:
- Tuition and fees are fully covered.
- Living allowance to cover housing, food, and personal expenses.
- Books and research support allowance.
- Travel allowance (in some cases).
- Access to AAUW’s professional network, mentorship, and alumnae support.
The award amounts vary depending on the degree level:
- Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
- Doctoral Degree: $25,000
Eligible Levels of Study
The fellowship supports:
- Master’s or professional degrees (e.g., law, medicine, business).
- Doctoral degrees (PhD) in any field of study.
- Postdoctoral research at U.S. institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for AAUW International Fellowships 2025
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman and a citizen of a country other than the United States.
- Hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline.
- Intend to pursue full-time graduate or postgraduate study at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and potential for future leadership.
- Commit to returning to their home country after completing the fellowship to contribute to its development.
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores may be required).
- Applicants already studying in the U.S. must have a valid student visa.
Not eligible:
- U.S. citizens, dual citizens, or permanent residents.
- Women studying part-time or online.
- Undergraduate students.
Fields of Study
The fellowship is open to all academic fields, including but not limited to:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
- Social Sciences.
- Business and Economics.
- Law and International Relations.
- Education.
- Health and Medical Sciences.
- Arts and Humanities.
This flexibility ensures women from diverse academic backgrounds can apply.
Also Check https://fundlume.com/fulbright-foreign-student-program/
Application Process for AAUW International Fellowships 2025
Applying for the fellowship requires careful planning. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (bachelor’s or higher).
- Statement of purpose (explaining academic and career goals).
- Research proposal (for doctoral and postdoctoral applicants).
- English proficiency test results ( Either TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge assessment score is acceptable).
- Two or three recommendation letters from professors or professionals.
Step 2: Online Application
- Visit the official AAUW scholarship portal.
- Create an account and fill in personal, academic, and professional details.
- Upload all required documents.
Step 3: Submission
- Application submission starts August 1, 2025, and ends September 30, for the 2025 cycle.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline.
Note: If applicants intend to undertake their studies or research outside the U.S. during the fellowship year, proof of graduate women’s international membership will be required.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel. Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to advancing women and girls in their home country.
Timeline
- Application Opens: August 1, 2025
- Application Closes: September 30, 2025
- Selection Results Announced: April 2026
- Fellowship Begins: Summer 2026 (July 1)
- First Stipend Disbursed: Shortly after the start of the fellowship (July–September 2026)
- Interim Progress Report: December 2026
- Second Stipend Disbursed: January 2027
- Fellowship Ends & Final Report Due: June–July 2027
Make sure to submit your application well before the deadline, as late submissions will not be considered.
Why Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?
- Prestige – Being an AAUW Fellow adds weight to your academic profile.
- Financial Security – It covers tuition and living costs, reducing financial stress.
- Networking – Fellows become part of a powerful global women’s network.
- Career Growth – Alumni of the fellowship have gone on to hold leadership roles worldwide.
Also Check https://fundlume.com/acs-resident-research-scholarships-2026/
Key Tips for a Winning AAUW Fellowship Application
- Start preparing early and gather all documents in advance.
- Write a compelling statement of purpose showcasing your academic goals and how you’ll contribute to your community.
- Highlight leadership experience and projects where you’ve empowered women or your community.
- Choose recommendation referees who know your academic and professional potential well.
- Proofread your application carefully before submission.
AAUW International Fellowships 2025: FAQs for Applicants
1. Who is eligible for the AAUW International Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, holding a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and planning to pursue full-time Master’s or Doctoral studies in the U.S.
2. What fields of study are supported?
The fellowship is open to all academic disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, business, law, arts, and health sciences.
3. What is the minimum CGPA needed to qualify?
Applicants must maintain a cumulative CGPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For those applying to a Master’s program, the CGPA should correspond to the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, while Doctoral candidates must meet the requirement based on their most recent completed degree.
4. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
- Master’s/First Professional Degree: $20,000
- Doctoral Degree: $25,000
Funding covers tuition, living expenses, books, research support, and travel allowances.
5. When and how can I apply?
Applications are accepted from August 1 to September 30, 2025, via the official AAUW portal. Early submission is strongly recommended to avoid disqualification.
6. When will I know if I am selected, and how long does the fellowship last?
Award notifications are sent in April 2026, and the fellowship runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with stipends disbursed in two installments.
Conclusion
AAUW International Fellowships 2025 is more than just financial aid; it is a platform for women worldwide to transform their dreams into reality. By pursuing higher education in the United States with AAUW’s support, women gain not only knowledge but also the power to lead change in their home countries.
If you are a woman with a vision to make a difference, this fellowship could be the opportunity that launches your journey. Don’t wait — prepare your documents, mark the deadlines, and apply today.