International Fellowships

• Applicants must identify as a woman.
• Applicants must be admitted or enrolled in their first master’s or an academic or professional doctorate degree at the time of application, and the degree must be in one of the STEM disciplines.
• Applicants must begin their program on or before September 15, 2027, and complete it on or after April 30, 2028.
• Applicants must possess at least one academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
• While applicants may hold multiple degrees, they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned. Applicants may apply for only one degree type (either a Master’s or Doctoral program) and in a single specific field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, etc.). In the case of applicants pursuing a dual degree, they must select one of the fields in their application.
• Applicants must pursue their study in the U.S. on a full-time basis at an institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Applicants must reside in the U.S. or country of their study for the duration of the fellowship period.
• Applicants intending to study in a country other than their country of citizenship or the U.S. will be considered under the following circumstances:
  • Applicants whose country of citizenship is subject to a U.S. travel ban and who are therefore unable to secure a U.S. student visa; or
  • Applicants whose country of citizenship is not subject to a U.S. travel ban and who plan to study outside the United States, provided they are members of Graduate Women International.

Note: Foreign branches of U.S. institutions are considered outside of the United States.

Citizenship & Immigration Status

Fellowship recipients must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status, nor be applicants for U.S. permanent residency (green card).

The following are not eligible for consideration:

• Current members of the AAUW Board of Directors
• Current employees of AAUW, including paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary employees, consultants, interns, and contract employees
• Current AAUW Review Panelists
• Immediate families (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of individuals described in the points above
•  Previous AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (excluding Community Action Grants or branch or local AAUW awards)

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.

Applicants may use generative AI tools to support and enhance the preparation of their application narratives. However, generative AI should be used as an assistive resource — not as a substitute for the applicant’s own ideas, experiences, analysis, or writing. Application narratives should reflect the applicant’s authentic voice and original work.

Life & Biological Sciences:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Animal Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Biophysics
• Biotechnology
• Botany / Plant Biology
• Cell Biology
• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Food Science
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Marine Biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition Science
• Physiology
• Plant Sciences
• Zoology

Physical Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Space Science

Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences:

• Atmospheric Science
• Climatology
• Earth Science
• Environmental Science
• Forestry
• Geography (quantitative/technical tracks)
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Hydrology
• Marine Science
• Meteorology
• Natural Resource Science
• Oceanography
• Paleontology
• Soil Science

Health & Medical Sciences (STEM-based):

• Biomedical Research
• Biomedical Science
• Epidemiology
• Health & Medical Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Psychology/Psychiatry (quantitative/scientific tracks)
• Public Health (quantitative/scientific tracks)
• Toxicology

Computer, Data & Information Sciences:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Bioinformatics
• Cloud Computing
• Computational Modeling & Simulation
• Computational Science
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Informatics
• Information Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Machine Learning
• Network Engineering
• Robotics
• Software Engineering

Core Engineering Disciplines:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Specialized & Interdisciplinary Engineering:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Architecture (technical tracks)
• Astronautical Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Environmental Engineering
• Geological Engineering
• Marine Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Nanotechnology Engineering
• Naval Architecture
• Nuclear Engineering
• Ocean Engineering
• Optical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Photonics Engineering
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Urban Planning (quantitative/engineering focus)

Mathematics:

• Applied Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics
• Mathematical Modeling
• Mathematics

Statistics & Quantitative Fields:

• Actuarial Science
• Econometrics (quantitative STEM track)
• Financial Mathematics
• Probability
• Quantitative Analysis
• Statistics

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Osteopathic (DO)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
• Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

• Demonstrated Academic and/or Scholarly Excellence: A strong academic record supported by specific evidence appropriate to the applicant’s educational and career stage, such as GPA, honors, awards, publications, presentations, research or professional accomplishments, academic progress, or recognition from faculty, peers, professional associations, or institutions.
• Feasibility of the Proposed Academic, Professional, or Research Plan: A clear and achievable plan appropriate to the applicant’s master’s program and stage of study. The plan may include proposed coursework, specialized training, clinical or applied-practice experiences, professional development activities, and, where applicable, research interests, questions, or methods. Applicants are not expected to present a formal research proposal unless research is part of their degree program or intended course of study. All applicants should demonstrate that their proposed direction is thoughtful, realistic, and aligned with their academic and long-term professional objectives.
• Demonstrated Commitment to Women and Girls: A demonstrated commitment to advancing opportunities or equity for women and girls in the applicant’s home country or the community in which they reside. This commitment should be supported by specific examples appropriate to the applicant’s experience and career stage, such as leadership, mentorship, advocacy, community service, professional engagement, or research.
• Long-Term Career Objectives and Commitment to Impact: Clear and achievable long-term STEM career objectives, including how the applicant intends to apply their education, research, clinical training, or professional expertise to create meaningful impact in their field and to serve their home country or the community in which they reside, as applicable. They also provide specific examples of how they plan to remain actively engaged in their discipline and contribute to its advancement, while applying their knowledge and expertise in service to their home countries, local communities, and broader academic and professional networks through research, collaboration, mentorship, knowledge sharing, or other meaningful activities.
• Strength and Feasibility of the Financial Plan: A clear and realistic financial plan identifying anticipated educational and research-related expenses, confirmed and pending sources of support, and any remaining funding gap. The applicant demonstrates how available and anticipated resources will support meaningful progress toward completing their academic program and proposed work.

Preferential Criteria

When applicants demonstrate comparable overall merit, preference may be given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria

• Underrepresented Country: Is from a country with historically low representation among AAUW award recipients.
• First International Academic Experience: Is pursuing an academic program outside their home country for the first time.
• Home-Country Resident: Resides in their home country at the time of application.
• First-Generation College Graduate: Is the first person in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Single-Parent Household: Was raised in a single-parent household or currently leads a single-parent household.
• Applicants with Caregiving Responsibilities: An applicant who is pregnant or has ongoing responsibility for caring for a minor child or an adult who cannot care for themselves. This includes parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, foster or adoptive parents, stepparents, unmarried coparents, and other family members serving as caregivers.
• Institutional Context: As part of the holistic assessment, preference may be given to applicants pursuing their studies at R2 institutions or institutions with limited research resources. Reviewers will consider each applicant’s institutional context, including the opportunities and resources available to them, alongside the full range of selection criteria.

• Demonstrated Academic and/or Scholarly Excellence: A strong academic record supported by specific evidence appropriate to the applicant’s educational and career stage, such as GPA, honors, awards, publications, presentations, research or professional accomplishments, academic progress, or recognition from faculty, peers, professional associations, or institutions.
• Originality and Potential Contribution of the Proposed Work: A clearly articulated research interest, proposed area of inquiry, clinical focus, or applied-practice project that addresses an important question, need, or gap and has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the relevant academic or professional field. Applicants at an early stage of doctoral study are not expected to have a fully developed research design but should demonstrate thoughtful direction, emerging originality, and an understanding of the potential significance of their work.
• Feasibility of the Proposed Academic or Research Plan: A clear and achievable plan appropriate to the applicant’s stage of doctoral study. The plan may include proposed coursework, training, research interests or questions, anticipated methods, activities, milestones, and a reasonable timeline. Applicants beginning their doctoral studies are not expected to present a finalized dissertation or comprehensive research plan but should demonstrate that their proposed direction is thoughtful and feasible.
• Demonstrated Commitment to Women and Girls: A demonstrated commitment to advancing opportunities or equity for women and girls in the applicant’s home country or the community in which they reside. This commitment should be supported by specific examples appropriate to the applicant’s experience and career stage, such as leadership, mentorship, advocacy, community service, professional engagement, or research.
• Long-Term Career Objectives and Commitment to Impact: Clear and achievable long-term STEM career objectives, including how the applicant intends to apply their education, research, clinical training, or professional expertise to create meaningful impact in their field and to serve their home country or the community in which they reside, as applicable. They also provide specific examples of how they plan to remain actively engaged in their discipline and contribute to its advancement, while applying their knowledge and expertise in service to their home countries, local communities, and broader academic and professional networks through research, collaboration, mentorship, knowledge sharing, or other meaningful activities.
• Strength and Feasibility of the Financial Plan: A clear and realistic financial plan identifying anticipated educational and research-related expenses, confirmed and pending sources of support, and any remaining funding gap. The applicant demonstrates how available and anticipated resources will support meaningful progress toward completing their academic program and proposed work.

Preferential Criteria

When applicants demonstrate comparable overall merit, preference may be given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria

• Underrepresented Country: Is from a country with historically low representation among AAUW award recipients.
• First International Academic Experience: Is pursuing an academic program outside their home country for the first time.
• Home-Country Resident: Resides in their home country at the time of application.
• First-Generation College Graduate: Is the first person in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Single-Parent Household: Was raised in a single-parent household or currently leads a single-parent household.
• Applicants with Caregiving Responsibilities: An applicant who is pregnant or has ongoing responsibility for caring for a minor child or an adult who cannot care for themselves. This includes parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, foster or adoptive parents, stepparents, unmarried coparents, and other family members serving as caregivers.
• Institutional Context: As part of the holistic assessment, preference may be given to applicants pursuing their studies at R2 institutions or institutions with limited research resources. Reviewers will consider each applicant’s institutional context, including the opportunities and resources available to them, alongside the full range of selection criteria.

To begin your application, visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal to create an account or log in.

For step-by-step guidance on completing your application, refer to the Application Instructions.

In addition to a narrative application, all applicants are required to submit the following:

• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from advisors, professors, colleagues, or others who are academically or professionally familiar with the applicant and can speak to their work, professional qualifications, and academic background. Recommenders are encouraged to evaluate the applicant in relation to the fellowship selection criteria and support this assessment with specific examples.
  • Please provide a professional email address for recommenders, rather than a personal one.
  • Register the recommenders through your online application as early as possible in the application process. The application system will send each recommender a personalized link to submit the recommendation online.
  • It is the applicants’ responsibility to remind their recommender of the application deadline in order for the application to be completed on time. An application will not be considered complete until the recommendations have been submitted.

Note: AAUW does not accept references from dossier services, such as Parment or Interfolio, and standardized or form-letter recommendations are discouraged.

• Proof of Degree: Copy of all degrees earned to date.

  • Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to at least a U.S bachelor’s degree.

  • Applicants must upload copies of all diplomas/degree certificates OR official transcript showing conferral of degree and date of conferral for all programs from which they have received a degree.

  • The documents provided must correspond to the programs and institutions listed in the application and must include the applicant’s full name, the institution’s name, and the degree conferred.

  • Applicant must submit translations for all degrees that were awarded in a language other than English. For the highest earned degree, a certified translation is required.
  • Applicants with an equivalent of a bachelor’s degree (particularly if the transcript or degree certificate does not explicitly state it is a bachelor’s degree) must provide an official explanation from the academic institution or governing body, or submit a credential evaluation report from services like WES, ECE, or any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member that clarifies the equivalency of your qualification to a bachelor’s degree.
  • If an applicant holds two degrees at the same level, such as two bachelor’s degrees or two master’s degrees, the most recently awarded degree will be considered the highest.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts confirming conferral of all degrees received.
  • Applicants must upload copies of all official academic transcripts from all programs from which they have received a degree.

  • The transcripts provided must correspond to the programs and institutions listed in the application.

  • All transcripts must include the applicant’s full name, the institution’s name, the degree conferred, and the list of courses taken, and grades received. Transcripts must also include the name of coursework and grades from transfer courses, if applicable. If transcripts reflect transfer courses without grades, a transcript from the institution where courses were taken is required.

  • Applicants must submit translations for all transcripts issued in a language other than English. For the highest earned degree, a certified translation is required.

  • Applicants who studied at an institution that does not provide a transcript, or a list of courses taken, and grades received, or the degree did not require coursework, must provide an institutional letter affirming the same as well as the degree completion date.

  • If an applicant holds two degrees at the same level, such as two bachelor’s degrees or two master’s degrees, the most recently awarded degree will be considered the highest.
• Copy of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) calculation on a 4.0 grading scale
  • Applicants must upload proof that the CGPA of their highest earned degree is at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • If applicants’ educational institutions do not use a 4.0 grading scale, they must provide supplemental official documentation that indicates the CGPA on a 4.0 scale based on the grades or points awarded by their academic institution. Alternatively, they may upload a CGPA equivalent calculation using a GPA/credential conversion tool, such as  Scholaro’s GPA Calculator, or by submitting a credential evaluation report from a service such as WES, ECE, or any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member (General with GPA), both of which should include a detailed list of all grades.
  • If the CGPA was calculated on a 4.0 scale, applicants may submit a transcript page that clearly shows this.
  • If applicants’ institutional transcripts do not include a CGPA, they must submit an official institutional letter confirming the CGPA and the degree completion date, a CGPA equivalent calculation using a GPA/credential conversion tool, such as Scholaro’s GPA Calculator, or a credential evaluation report from services like WES or ECE (General with GPA), both of which should include a detailed list of all grades. The original transcript should be provided along with these documents.
• Proof of English Proficiency. Applicants must upload one of the following:
  • Official report of an acceptable and valid TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge assessment score. Institutional TOEFL scores and other English proficiency test scores will not be accepted.  All test scores are valid for two years from the test date, except for the Cambridge Assessment, which is valid for life.
    • Minimum acceptable scores are as follows:
      • TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): 79
      • TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
      • Revised TOEFL Paper-Delivered Test: 60
      • IELTS: 6.5
      • Cambridge Assessment: 176
      • Duolingo English Test (DET): 120
  • Written statement affirming the applicant’s native language is English.
  • Academic transcript or diploma confirming one of the following:
    • Secondary diploma or undergraduate degree is from an English-speaking institution.
    • One semester of full-time study in the applicant’s discipline at an English-speaking institution.
• Proof of admission or current enrollment in a program an applicant plans to pursue
  • Students who have been admitted to their program but not yet started:
    • Upload a copy of the official admission letter that indicates the anticipated start date of the program; or
    • Upload the official deferral approval for the 2027-28 academic year along with the official admission letter, if the applicant’s college or university admission was deferred. (if applicable)
  • Students who have been enrolled in their program:
    • Upload transcripts/ course listings or an enrollment verification letter from the college or university in which the applicant is currently enrolled, if enrolled. All submitted documents must clearly state the applicant’s name and their institution’s name.
• Proof of Graduate Women International Membership: If applicants plan to pursue studies or research outside of the U.S. during the fellowship year, and their country of citizenship is not subject to a U.S. travel ban, one of the following is required:
  • Official letter from a GWI affiliate confirming the applicant’s membership;
  • Official membership certificate; or
  • Any other official documentation that confirms the applicant’s membership status.

A certified English translation is required for all highest earned degree materials provided in a foreign language. Translations must bear a mark of certification or official signature that the translation is true and complete.

If the name on any of the above documents differs from the one stated in the application, an explanation must be provided, such as a marriage certificate or a court letter of name change.

Applicants are responsible for the submission of all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis based on recommendations by AAUW’s independent review panels and funds available in a given fiscal year. To ensure fairness and consistency in the review process, only complete applications that meet all eligibility criteria will be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to confirm that all materials are accurate and complete prior to submission.

Review Panel

Applications to the International Fellowships are reviewed by panels of distinguished scholars and experts in STEM fields. Review panels meet once a year to review applications for funding. Panel funding recommendations are subject to final approval by AAUW.

Review Process  

Prior to the International Fellowships Panel Review, AAUW’s Fellowships & Grants Team reviews applications for completeness and ensures compliance with eligibility requirements.

Each eligible and complete application is then reviewed by a panel of reviewers, who evaluate applications based on the selection criteria outlined above.

Applicants selected as awardees must complete the full award acceptance process, including submission of all required materials as outlined by AAUW. Award status is not considered final until all acceptance materials have been received, reviewed, and approved.

Applicants recommended for an award, but whose discipline, program type or institution of study is different than envisioned at the time of application will be disqualified.

Applicants whose countries of citizenship are included on the current U.S. travel restriction list and who had originally planned to study in the United States may request a change of country of study and host institution if they are unable to obtain the required U.S. student visa.

Fellowship funds may only be used for expenses incurred during the official fellowship term. Eligible expenses include educational costs such as tuition, fees, and required course materials (e.g., books and supplies), as well as living expenses, including housing, food, and dependent care (e.g., childcare).

Fellows are expected to arrive in the United States (or the country of their study) and begin their programs, or continue them if already enrolled, by September 15, 2027. Fellows graduating during the award year must complete their programs no earlier than April 30, 2028. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any exceptions.

Responsibility for securing visas and other documents, and following policies associated with visas, rests solely with the fellow.

In most instances, the fellowship stipend is subject to a tax rate of either 14% or 30%, depending on relevant tax statuses and treaties. AAUW withholds necessary taxes from stipends.

AAUW provides general tax guidelines to facilitate awardee compliance with United States tax law. However, AAUW strongly recommends that recipients consult a tax professional. AAUW does not provide any tax advice. Personal tax situations differ, and recipients are responsible for determining their AAUW award’s taxability in accordance with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, state laws, or in any country where they reside. Additional resources include the U.S. IRS (including the U.S. IRS Classification of Taxpayers for U.S. Tax Purposes) and Social Security Administration, as well as campus admissions, financial aid, and international student offices.

Disclaimer: These guidelines are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. AAUW encourages students to seek advice from a qualified tax or financial advisor if needed. 

The U.S. tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, with an annual tax filing deadline of April 15.

AAUW awardees can have one of the following tax statuses:

1. Foreign persons conducting their AAUW fellowship year in the U.S., residing inside or outside the U.S.
2. Foreign persons residing and conducting their AAUW project/fellowship outside the U.S.
3. U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and U.S. Resident Aliens).

Awardees must:  

• Follow the guidelines that reflect their immigration and tax status at the time of each stipend payment.
• Notify their program officer as soon as they anticipate a change in tax status.
• Submit the appropriate information upon the change of status.

1. Foreign persons conducting their AAUW fellowship year in the U.S., residing inside or outside the U.S.: Foreign persons, including nonresident aliens, who are conducting their AAUW project in the U.S. during the award year must submit a Form W‐8BEN. This includes recipients who are conducting their AAUW project at a U.S. institution (e.g., pursuing research or a degree at a U.S.‐based institution), even if they are residing outside the U.S.
2. Foreign persons residing and conducting their AAUW project/fellowship outside the U.S.: Foreign persons, including nonresident aliens, who reside outside the U.S. and who are performing their AAUW project plan outside the U.S. do not need to submit a tax form.
3. U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and U.S. Resident Aliens): U.S. persons, including U.S. resident aliens, must submit a Form W9. The form must include a U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or U.S. Social Security Number.

1. Foreign persons conducting their AAUW fellowship year in the U.S., residing inside or outside the U.S.: The U.S. IRS requires tax filers to provide a U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or U.S. Social Security Number to file taxes. Certain recipients requesting tax exemptions must submit a tax number in their W‐8BEN. Others do not. However, as the process to obtain one of these numbers can be lengthy, AAUW strongly recommends that recipients apply for the appropriate number as soon as possible and submit it within their Form W‐8BEN.
2. Foreign persons residing and conducting their AAUW project/fellowship outside the U.S.: Foreign persons, including nonresident aliens, who reside outside the U.S. and who are performing their AAUW project plan outside the U.S. do not need to submit U.S. taxpayer identification number.
3. U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and U.S. Resident Aliens): U.S. persons, including U.S. resident aliens must provide a U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or U.S. Social Security Number.

1. Foreign persons conducting their AAUW fellowship year in the U.S., residing inside or outside the U.S.: Under U.S. law, fellowship awards to foreign persons conducting their fellowship year in the U.S. are taxable. AAUW is required by law to withhold the following amount to meet these tax obligations:
   • 14% for recipients who have an “F,” “J,” “M,” or “Q” visa and related immigration status, or the tax withholding rate specified in any relevant tax treaties between a recipient’s home country and the U.S.
   • 30% for recipients with any other immigration status or if no tax ID is provided.
2. Foreign persons residing and conducting their AAUW project/fellowship outside the U.S.: AAUW does not withhold any amount for payment of taxes.
3. U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and U.S. Resident Aliens): The determination of whether there is a tax obligation associated with the receipt of an AAUW fellowship is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Specific questions regarding income tax matters should be addressed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the applicant’s financial aid office or a personal tax adviser.

Certain countries have tax treaties with the U.S. that may exempt part or all the AAUW award from taxation or specify a unique US tax rate for citizens of that country. Please review the U.S. IRS’s U.S. Income Tax Treaties—A to Z and consult your embassy to determine if your country has a tax treaty with the US and if so, use the tax withholding rate that applies to you to appropriately record this information in your form W‐8BEN. Please note you must complete Part II of this form and submit it to AAUW. If you do not have a U.S. taxpayer identification number and are requesting an exemption, you may enter a foreign tax identifying number.

I am a permanent resident of the United States and a citizen of a foreign country. Am I eligible to apply for the International Fellowship?

No. Individuals holding permanent residency status of the United States or applicants for permanent residency are not eligible to apply for the International Fellowship, even if they are citizens of another country.

My GPA is 3.49, am I eligible to apply?

No. To be eligible for International Fellowship, applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For master’s degree applicants, the CGPA must be based on the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. For doctorate degree applicants, the CGPA must be based on the highest degree earned at the time of application.

How do I calculate my cumulative grade point average (CGPA)?

If your academic institution uses a 4.0 grading scale, submit an official transcript that clearly indicates your CGPA on this scale. If your institution uses a different grading system, you must provide official documentation that converts your CGPA to a 4.0 scale. This can be done using a GPA conversion tool, such as Scholaro’s GPA Calculator, or by submitting a credential evaluation report from a service such as WES, ECE, or any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member which must include a detailed breakdown of your grades.

Am I eligible for the International Fellowship if I haven’t received an offer of admission to a specific program?

No. You must be admitted to or currently enrolled in at least one academic program at the time of application.

I have been admitted to several programs but have not yet decided which one to pursue. Can I list more than one program in my application? 

Yes. Applicants may list up to five programs and institutions in their application. However, please note that if you are awarded a fellowship, you must enroll in one of the programs and institutions listed in your application. If you choose to pursue a program at an institution not included in your application, you will be disqualified from receiving the fellowship.

I’m currently enrolled in, or plan to enroll in, a part-time program. Am I eligible for the International Fellowship?

No. Only applicants who are enrolled in or plan to enroll in full-time programs or research are eligible.

Am I eligible to apply for an International Master’s Degree Fellowship if I already hold a master’s degree, or will receive one before or during the award year?

No. The International Master’s Degree Fellowship is specifically designed to support individuals who are pursuing their first master’s degree. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for this fellowship.

Am I eligible to apply for an International Doctoral Degree Fellowship if I already hold a doctorate degree or will receive one before or during the award year?

No. The International Doctoral Degree Fellowship is specifically designed to support individuals who are pursuing their first doctoral degree. Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible for this fellowship.

Can I apply to both a master’s and a doctoral program at the same time, or two programs in different fields?

No. Applicants must apply to one program type in a single field. You cannot apply to both a doctorate and a master’s program simultaneously. For example, you may apply to a master’s program within the broad field of biology — such as biochemistry, biotechnology, or bioengineering — but you may not apply for both a master’s and a doctorate program in biology, or for a master’s in biology and a master’s in physics.

If I hold two degrees at the same level, how do I determine which is considered my highest earned degree?

If you hold two degrees at the same level, for example two bachelor’s degrees or two master’s degrees, the degree you received most recently will be considered your highest earned degree.

If I am studying or have been admitted to a program outside both the United States and my home country, do I need to submit a GWI membership?

Yes. If you are enrolled in, or have been admitted to, a program outside both the U.S. and your home country, and your home country is not subject to the U.S. travel ban, you must submit a GWI membership. However, if your home country is subject to the U.S. travel ban (Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan; Middle East/Asia: Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Burma (Myanmar), Laos; Caribbean: Haiti; Individuals holding Palestinian Authority travel documents) and, as a result, you are unable to secure a U.S. student visa, you do not need to submit a GWI membership.

What should I do if my degree title does not exactly match the field of study I selected in my application?

If your degree title differs from the field of study you selected in your application, you must provide an explanation. For example, if you select Ecology as your field of study, but your admission letter lists a Master’s degree in Environmental Biology, you should explain the discrepancy in your application.

If I deferred my college or university admission to the 2027-28 academic year, am I still eligible to apply for the International Fellowship?

Yes. You are eligible to apply as long as your new program start date is before or on September 1, 2027, and end date is April 30, 2028, or later. Be sure to submit proof of admission along with your deferral approval.

What if I am unable to return to or live in my home country due to humanitarian or other extenuating circumstances?

If you are unable to return to or reside in your home country due to humanitarian or other extenuating circumstances, your application will still be considered. In such cases, your application will be evaluated based on your engagement with your home country communities and/or the communities where you currently reside.

Is it possible to be notified of my award status prior to March 15? 

No. AAUW is not able to honor requests for earlier notifications.

Can I conduct research outside my country of study during the fellowship year?   

You may conduct research outside your country of study, provided it does not result in an extended absence that violates the residency requirement, typically defined as being away for more than six months.

If my country of study is the U.S., but I plan to conduct research in my home country or another country for a limited period, do I need to submit a GWI membership?  

No. You do not need to submit a GWI membership if your country of study is the U.S. and you remain enrolled full-time at your U.S. institution, even if you conduct research in your home country or another country for up to six months.

Can I renew my International Fellowship? 

AAUW International Fellowships are one-time awards and are not renewable.

Can you assist me in obtaining a student or research visa? 
AAUW does not provide visa sponsorship or support services. However, successful applicants’ award letters may be included as part of their visa application materials.

Can you assist with the J-1 visa waiver process? 

No. We do not provide assistance with obtaining a J-1 visa waiver.

What types of expenses are considered prohibited under the International Fellowship?  

Under the International Fellowship, certain expenses are classified as prohibited and therefore may not be covered using fellowship funds. These include:

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