The AAUW International Fellowships provide a valuable opportunity for exceptional international women scholars to access graduate education at accredited U.S. institutions. The fellowships enable women from countries around the world to gain knowledge and skills while fostering goodwill and intercultural exchange.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a long-standing non-profit organization focused on promoting equity and education for women and girls in the United States and globally. Founded in 1881 by a group of female graduates who were denied access to higher education institutions and careers at the time due to their gender, AAUW has sought for over 130 years to empower women through advocacy, community programs, research, and scholarships.
About AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships are prestigious awards for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Offered in 1917, the AAUW International Fellowships are one of the world’s largest sources of funding exclusively for female graduate students. Approximately 5-7 fellowships are awarded annually.
The fellowships provide support for women from countries around the world to study in the U.S. for one academic year. The program aims to foster goodwill and advance research relevant to women worldwide.
The awards include tuition up to $20,000 for master’s or doctoral programs, a living stipend of $18,000, health insurance, and a travel allowance. Fellows study at accredited U.S. institutions in any field or discipline.
Eligibility Requirements for AAUW International Fellowships
Here are the key eligibility requirements for the AAUW International Fellowships:
- Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the time the fellowship starts
- Plan to pursue a graduate (master’s or doctoral) degree at an accredited U.S. institution for the full fellowship year
- Intend to return to their home country after completing their studies
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential
- Proficient in English
Some additional details on eligibility:
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree completed by the time the fellowship starts in Fall 2023.
- Those pursuing graduate degrees must enroll at a regionally accredited U.S. institution for the full 2023-2024 academic year.
- Applicants must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their studies before being eligible for other visas or residency.
- Women from developing countries and regions underrepresented in graduate education are especially encouraged to apply.
- Prior AAUW fellowship recipients are not eligible.
- Applicants must be proficient in English but do not have to submit official English test scores.
- There are no age restrictions, but applicants must be able to participate in a U.S. graduate program for the full academic year.
Application Process for AAUW International Fellowships
Here are the key details about the application process for AAUW International Fellowships for the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Recommendation letters from professors or professional colleagues.
- Proof of the highest degree attained.
- Transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the time the fellowship begins and should have demonstrated academic excellence.
- The fellowships are open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Applicants must be proficient in English.
- Required documents include transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a CV/resumé, and a project statement outlining the proposed graduate program and study plans.
- Applicants must enroll in a U.S.-accredited institution for the full fellowship year, and plan to return to their home country after the fellowship year.
- Selection criteria include academic record, project statement, recommendations, leadership potential, and relevance of the project to fellowship.
- Online application is available through the AAUW website. Instructions and eligibility details are provided.
- Applicants are notified by email in March-April if they are selected. About 5-7 international fellows are selected each year.
- The fellowship provides tuition, fees, a living stipend, and a travel allowance for the academic year.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
Can I do an AAUW fellowship in the USA without Residency?
Generally, you do not need U.S. residency or citizenship to be eligible for an AAUW (American Association of University Women) fellowship or grant. However, there are some requirements and considerations:
- For most AAUW fellowships and grants, applicants must be studying at an accredited U.S. institution or program during the fellowship year. Very few are open to study abroad.
- AAUW does offer some “international fellowships” specifically for study outside the U.S., but competition is extremely high.
- Applicants for all AAUW programs must be on track to complete their degree during or just prior to the fellowship year. Post-doc fellowships require completion of the doctorate.
- Non-U.S. citizens must verify they have adequate funding for living expenses, health insurance, and transportation to/from the U.S.
- Applicants should have English proficiency for fellowships at U.S. institutions.
- Some AAUW fellowships are only open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Read requirements carefully.
- Recipients of AAUW fellowships must report on their experience, so strong English skills are valuable.
- There are no GPA or school ranking requirements, but academics and recommendations do matter.
Benefits of AAUW International Fellowships
Here are the main benefits provided by the AAUW International Fellowships:
- Financial support for tuition and fees up to $20,000 for a master’s or doctoral program at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Living stipend of $18,000 for the academic year.
- Round trip travel allowance to the host institution.
- Access to health insurance coverage.
- Opportunity to attend the AAUW National Conference for Fellows in Washington D.C.
- Chance to network with other AAUW fellows and become part of an influential, global community of women leaders.
- Mentoring and support services are provided by AAUW during the fellowship year.
- Prestigious affiliation with AAUW can open doors academically and professionally.
- The financial support allows fellows to focus on their graduate studies and research during the fellowship year.
- Upon completion, fellows join the AAUW community of over 170,000 graduates worldwide.
Conclusion
So in summary, it provides critical financial support, professional development, mentoring, and an influential network of contacts for international women pursuing graduate study in the U.S. The prestigious AAUW fellowships offer not only financial assistance, but also mentoring, professional development, and a network of accomplished women leaders. Women interested in applying for the 2023-2024 academic year should visit the AAUW website for eligibility criteria, instructions, and the online application. Recipients are notified the following spring.
For more information and to apply, applicants should visit the official website.
