AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women Scholars

The amount awarded in AAUW scholarship for international students varies according to the level of education. The table below shows the amount awarded at each tier:

The following requirements must be fulfilled by applicants to qualify for an AAUW international fellowship for women:

• Have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. or possession of a nonimmigrant visa if residing in the U.S.

• Possess an academic degree (obtained in the US or overseas) completed before the application deadline that is comparable to a US bachelor's degree. 

• Intend to devote themselves full-time to the proposed academic plan during the fellowship year.

• Intend to finish their education and pursue a professional career in their own country. 

• Be proficient in English and confirm proficiency by submitting certain English proficiency exams, transcripts from English-speaking institutions, or a written statement verifying English is the applicant’s native language.

• Doctoral and master's degree candidates must have submitted applications by the AAUW application deadline to authorised institutions of higher learning for the fellowship year and must include the institution's name in their international fellowship application. Although it is not necessary to accept an award at the time of application, fellows must include official confirmation from the school with their award acceptance paperwork. 

Below are some important documents that an applicant requires to apply for AAUW Scholarships USA:

• Academic Transcripts 

• Proof of bachelor’s degree 

• Certificate of English proficiency test (or certificate of wavier request if applicable)

• Letter of Acceptance from a recognised US education institute

• Update CV 

Here are some important points that you must keep in mind if you are planning for the AAUW International Fellowship Application. 

• Previous beneficiaries of any national fellowship or grant offered by AAUW are not eligible for international fellowships.

• Women, and those who identify as women, are eligible for AAUW international fellowships in all fields of study at approved institutions of higher learning or for postdoctoral fellows in research. However, the final determination of what institutions qualify as eligible institutions rests with AAUW.

• If you are unable to achieve fellowship on the first attempt, you can reapply. 

• Fellowships for master's or first professional degrees are available for J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., and other professional degrees, as well as medical degrees like M.D., D.D.S. However, undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and certificates are not eligible.

• Doctoral degrees, such as the PhD or Ed.D., that are categorised as research degrees, are only eligible for a doctoral fellowship.

• By the application deadline, postdoctoral candidates must have a doctorate that is recognised as a research degree, such as a PhD, Ed.D., D.B.A., or an M.F.A., and they must also indicate where they will conduct their research. 

• Although candidates must be pursuing a full year of study or research, they may apply for the fellowship in any programme year. No partial year of study or research is financially supported by an AAUW international fellowship for women. Also, programmes that wrap up before the fellowship year's April are not eligible.

• Doctoral fellowships and master's/first professional degrees support conventional classroom-based programmes of study at colleges or universities, so they are eligible for fellowship. In contrast, financing for online or distance learning programmes, as well as degrees that heavily rely on remote learning, is not available under this fellowship programme. 

The group meets once a year to discuss grant requests, and the criteria listed here are used to determine awards. Fellowships are given out on a competitive basis according to the finances available in a particular fiscal year. 

• Special consideration will be given to applicants who are living in their home country at the time of application, are from developing or emerging nations, or are members of underrepresented groups in any region.

• Position on return to home country.

• Academic degrees and professional qualifications.

• Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls in the home country.

• Proposed time schedule.

• Quality and feasibility of proposed plan of study or research.

• Demonstrated evidence of prior community and/or civic service in the home country.

• Applicant’s country’s need for specialised knowledge or skill.

• Financial need.

• Motivation for graduate study or research.

NOTE: AAUW refrains from discussing the decisions made by its award panels in order to maintain an impartial review process; thus, application reviews are not offered by AAUW. There are no measures in place for proposals for fellowships to be taken back. Further, the applications and supporting documentation are not returned or kept for a second year.

The amount of the AAUW fellowships can be used for the following expenses:

• Educational expenses

• Living expenses.

• Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars that do not exceed 10% of the fellowship total

Whereas the AAUW international fellowship program restricts expenditure on:

• Purchase of equipment

• Indirect costs 

• Research assistants 

• Previous expenditures, deficits, or repayment of loans 

• Publication costs 

• Institutional (overhead) costs

• Tuition for dependent’s education 

• Grants-in-aid for less than a full academic year or travel grants 

• Travel to or from a fellow’s home country 

• Travel to or from the fellow’s research location if abroad 

The table below shows the timeline of the AAUW fellowship program.

NOTE: Generally, the dates for the AAUW international fellowship program remain the same for every year. However, when a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the date will be observed on the following business day.

In conclusion, the AAUW International fellowship is a great opportunity for international women to fund their education in USA. Achieving this scholarship might seem a little tricky, but with the right approach, strong academic background and other significant details mentioned in the blog, you can definitely secure this scholarship.

Are you looking forward to starting your study-abroad journey to the USA? If yes, then we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study in USA. Apart from this, our expert counsellors will also provide assistance in the visa process for your successful study abroad journey. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

Q: Is AAUW an international organisation?

A: Yes, AAUW is an international organisation which aims to offer financial support for academically talented women from all around the world for their Master/ Doctoral/ Postdoctoral studies in the US.

Q: What is the age limit to apply for AAUW Fellowship?

A: There is no specific age limit to apply for the AAUW Fellowship. However, one must complete their undergraduate degree to be eligible for the fellowship.

Q: How many students are eligible for AAUW Fellowship?

A: The trust has not decided on the fixed number of scholarships. Every year, according to the budget, the organisation provides scholarships to the students.