The AAUW Action Fund has opened applications for its International Fellowships, offering financial support to women pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in the United States. This initiative aims to empower women globally by enabling them to advance their education and leadership skills, with the ultimate goal of contributing to their home countries.
Key Takeaways
- Opportunity: Fellowships for master’s and doctoral studies in the U.S.
- Eligibility: Women, non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents, strong academic record.
- Funding: $20,000 for master’s, $25,000 for doctoral degrees.
- Deadline: September 30, 2025.
- Focus: Empowering women and girls, contributing to home countries.
Fellowship Details and Eligibility Criteria
The fellowships are designed for international women who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to empowering women and girls. Applicants must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or doctoral program, with a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The program must be pursued full-time at a U.S. institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with studies commencing by September 1, 2026.
Financial Support and Usage
Recipients will receive a stipend of $20,000 for master’s degree candidates and $25,000 for doctoral candidates. These funds are intended to cover tuition, course-related materials, and living expenses, including childcare, housing, and food. However, the fellowship funds cannot be applied to costs incurred before or after the official fellowship term.
Application and Evaluation Process
Master’s applicants will be evaluated based on their academic achievements, their dedication to applying their acquired skills in their home countries, and the feasibility of their study plans. Preference is given to candidates from underrepresented countries, those currently residing in their home countries, and individuals undertaking their first international academic experience.
Doctoral candidates will be assessed on their scholarly excellence, the originality of their research, and the potential impact of their work within their respective fields. The evaluation also considers the applicants’ plans to return and contribute to their home countries and their commitment to supporting women and girls.
Important Application Notes
Applicants must ensure their applications are complete and accurate, as incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be reviewed. AAUW will not provide feedback on missing materials or permit edits after submission. No additional documents will be accepted after the deadline, and extension requests will not be granted. Certain individuals, including AAUW board members, staff, consultants, interns, review panelists, their immediate families, and past recipients of national AAUW fellowships or grants, are not eligible. Applying for other AAUW fellowships or grants in the same year also disqualifies an applicant.
