AAUW Educational Foundation International Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 – Women in STEM

Fellowship Description

The AAUW Educational Foundation International Fellowship is a prestigious fellowship program that promotes education and equity for women by investing in international applicants who will be pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. Since 1917, the program has supported international women pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in the United States.

The fellowship is designed for women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a track record of academic excellence and a demonstrated commitment to empowering other women and girls. Fellows are expected to apply their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and/or the communities in which they reside.

International Fellowships carry a stipend of $20,000 for a master's degree and $25,000 for a doctorate degree. Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term.

Fellowship Location

The fellowship supports study at accredited institutions in the United States. Fellows must pursue their studies on a full-time basis at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. In limited circumstances, study outside the U.S. may be considered for applicants from countries subject to U.S. travel bans or Graduate Women International members.

Fellowship Timeline & Deadline

Applications open August 17, 2026 and close September 17, 2026.

Host Institution / Organizer

The AAUW Educational Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), has been empowering women since 1881. AAUW is one of the nation's leading voices promoting equity and education for women and girls.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's Degree ($20,000) or Doctoral Degree ($25,000). Fellowships are for full-time study only.

Fields: STEM disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Life & Biological Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Ecology, Marine Biology, Biotechnology, etc.)
• Physical Science (Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Materials Science, etc.)
• Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences (Environmental Science, Geology, Hydrology, Atmospheric Science, Oceanography, etc.)
• Health & Medical Sciences (Biomedical Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, etc.)
• Computer & Information Sciences (Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity, etc.)
• Core Engineering Disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, etc.)
• Applied Mathematics, Statistics & Quantitative Fields

If you are unsure whether your program qualifies as STEM, consult the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which AAUW uses to determine eligibility.

Target Group

Women who are non-U.S. citizens and do not hold U.S. permanent resident status. Applicants must be admitted to or currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in a STEM discipline. The fellowship supports women who will apply their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and communities.

Fellowship Amount

Stipend amounts:

• Master's Degree: $20,000
• Doctoral Degree: $25,000

Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term.

Eligible expenses include:

• Tuition and fees
• Required course materials (books, supplies)
• Living expenses (housing, food)
• Dependent care (childcare)

Prohibited expenses:

• Research assistants
• Previous expenditures, deficits, or repayment of personal loans
• Publication costs
• Institutional (overhead) costs
• Tuition for dependents' education

Fellowship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Non-U.S. citizen. Must not hold U.S. permanent resident status or be an applicant for U.S. permanent residency (green card).
• Gender: Applicants must identify as a woman.
• Admission: Must be admitted to or currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral STEM program in the U.S. at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Academic degree: Must possess at least one academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
• GPA: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned.
• Program timeline: Must begin the program on or before September 15, 2027 and complete it on or after April 30, 2028.
• Full-time study: Must pursue studies on a full-time basis.
• Residency: Must reside in the U.S. or country of study for the duration of the fellowship.
• First degree: Must be pursuing the first master's or first doctoral degree.
• Single field: Must apply for only one degree type (master's or doctoral) in a single specific field.

Not eligible:

• Current members of the AAUW Board of Directors
• Current employees of AAUW (paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary)
• Current AAUW Review Panelists
• Immediate family of individuals above
• Previous AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (excluding Community Action Grants)

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Confirm you meet all citizenship, GPA, degree, and program requirements.
2. Visit the application portal – Access the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal starting August 17, 2026.
3. Create an account or log in – Register in the AAUW application system.
4. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Letters of Recommendation – Two letters from advisors, professors, or colleagues who can speak to your work and qualifications. Register recommenders early; they will receive a link to submit online.
   • Proof of Degree – Copies of all diplomas/degree certificates OR official transcripts showing conferral of degree. Translations required for documents in languages other than English.
   • Official Transcripts – From all degree programs, showing courses taken and grades received.
   • CGPA Calculation – Proof of a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the highest earned degree. Use Scholaro's GPA Calculator or a credential evaluation service like WES or ECE if needed.
   • Proof of English Proficiency – TOEFL iBT (79+), IELTS (6.5+), Cambridge Assessment (176+), Duolingo (120+), or written statement affirming English is your native language.
   • Proof of Admission/Enrollment – Official admission letter (including start date) or enrollment verification/transcripts.
   • GWI Membership (if applicable) – If planning to study outside the U.S. (not in a travel-ban country), proof of Graduate Women International membership.
5. Complete the online application – Fill out all sections and upload all required documents. You may list up to five programs/institutions.
6. Submit by the deadline – September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
7. Review process – Applications are reviewed by panels of distinguished scholars and experts. Panel funding recommendations are subject to final approval by AAUW.
8. Notification – Award notifications are sent in March 2027.

Important notes: Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the applicant's sole responsibility to confirm that all materials are accurate and complete prior to submission. Applicants selected for an award must complete the full award acceptance process.

Official Website & Application Link

AAUW International Fellowships – Official Page

Application Portal: Available through the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal (link on the official page).

Contact: For questions, visit the AAUW website's contact page or awards team contact section.