AAUW 2027 STEM Master’s Study Grant — $20,000 for International Women in America
If you are a woman from outside the United States and are planning to continue your graduate education in America, the AAUW International Fellowships may be an opportunity worth exploring.
The fellowship is offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and is intended for eligible women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For the 2027–28 fellowship year, the program provides financial support for qualifying full-time graduate study in eligible STEM disciplines at accredited institutions in the United States.
The current award is $20,000 for a master's degree and $25,000 for a doctoral degree.
Applications for the 2027–28 cycle open on August 17, 2026, and the deadline is September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
This guide explains the fellowship in simple language, including who can apply, which degree programs may qualify, the GPA requirement, award amounts, application dates, study requirements, and ways to prepare a stronger application.
Important: This article is for general informational purposes. It is not the official AAUW website. Fellowship requirements, eligible fields, dates, funding details, and application procedures can change. Always check the current official AAUW information before applying.
Official AAUW International Fellowships:
https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/aauw-international-fellowships/
AAUW International Fellowships 2027–28 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | AAUW International Fellowships |
| Organization | American Association of University Women |
| Fellowship year | 2027–28 |
| Study location | United States |
| Applications open | August 17, 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 17, 2026 |
| Deadline time | 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Master's award | $20,000 |
| Doctoral award | $25,000 |
| Study type | Full-time graduate study |
| Main subject area | Eligible STEM disciplines |
| Minimum GPA | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale |
| Citizenship | Applicants must meet AAUW's non-U.S. citizenship requirements |
| Permanent residents | U.S. permanent residents are not eligible |
| Master's level | First eligible master's degree |
| Doctoral level | Eligible academic or professional doctoral degree |
| Institution | Accredited U.S. institution |
| Program start | On or before September 15, 2027 |
| Eligible completion | On or after April 30, 2028 |
These details provide a quick overview. Applicants should still review the complete eligibility rules because satisfying one requirement does not necessarily mean that every requirement has been met.
What Is the AAUW International Fellowship?
The AAUW International Fellowship is a graduate funding opportunity for eligible women from outside the United States.
The program is provided by the American Association of University Women, an organization that has supported women's education and professional development for many years.
The fellowship is designed for women pursuing qualifying graduate education in the United States. For the current cycle covered in this guide, the program supports eligible master's and doctoral study in STEM disciplines.
STEM stands for:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
These areas include a wide range of academic fields. Depending on the program's official classification, examples can include computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific or technical subjects.
The fellowship is not based only on academic grades.
AAUW also considers the applicant's academic or scholarly excellence, proposed study or professional plan, commitment to women and girls, and long-term career goals.
That means a competitive application should explain the whole picture.
You should be able to show where you are academically, what you want to study, why the study matters, what you plan to do afterward, and how your experience connects to your broader goals.
How Much Does the AAUW Fellowship Pay?
The current award depends on the degree level.
Master's Fellowship: $20,000
Applicants selected for an eligible master's fellowship can receive:
$20,000
Doctoral Fellowship: $25,000
Applicants selected for an eligible doctoral fellowship can receive:
$25,000
These amounts can provide meaningful financial support for international graduate students.
However, applicants should understand that the fellowship should not automatically be described as a guarantee that every educational and living expense will be paid.
The total cost of studying in the United States varies from university to university and from one city to another.
For that reason, students should compare the fellowship amount with their expected expenses before making financial decisions.
Is the AAUW Fellowship Fully Funded?
The term fully funded can sometimes be misleading.
The fellowship provides a substantial stipend, but the total cost of a U.S. graduate program can be much higher than the fellowship amount depending on the institution and location.
A student may have expenses for:
Tuition
Housing
Food
Health insurance
Books
Transportation
University fees
Visa-related expenses
Travel
Personal expenses
Some students may also have other scholarships or university funding.
The best approach is to calculate your expected annual expenses and compare them with all available sources of funding.
For example:
University funding + AAUW fellowship + personal funding + other scholarships = total available resources
Then compare that number with your estimated cost of attendance.
This can help you understand whether you need additional financial support.
Who Can Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?
The program is intended for eligible women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants need to satisfy the fellowship's citizenship and immigration-related requirements in addition to the academic requirements.
Simply being an international student does not automatically make someone eligible.
Applicants should carefully check:
Citizenship status
Permanent residency status
Academic background
GPA
Degree level
STEM field
Admission or enrollment status
Full-time study requirement
Program dates
Because immigration situations can vary, applicants with unusual or complicated circumstances should rely on the official AAUW rules rather than assumptions based on their current country of residence.
Minimum GPA Requirement
Academic performance is an important eligibility requirement.
The current minimum listed GPA is:
3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned.
Applicants whose universities use another grading system should be careful when interpreting this requirement.
Do not automatically assume that a quick online GPA conversion is the official method used by the fellowship.
Follow the application instructions for your academic records and grading system.
A strong academic background may include more than GPA alone.
Relevant examples can include:
Research experience
Academic awards
Scholarships
Publications
Presentations
Honors
Academic projects
Professional achievements
Other evidence of scholarly ability
When presenting these achievements, be honest and specific.
It is better to clearly explain two meaningful accomplishments than to provide a long list without context.
Do You Need a Bachelor's Degree?
Applicants need to have an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, subject to the program's current requirements.
This is particularly relevant to master's applicants.
If your previous education was completed outside the United States, keep your academic documentation organized.
This can include:
Degree certificate
Official transcript
Graduation record
Relevant academic documents
The precise documents required can depend on the application instructions, so applicants should review the current AAUW requirements carefully.
What Programs Are Eligible?
One of the most important parts of the fellowship is the STEM requirement.
The fact that a degree sounds technical does not automatically mean it qualifies.
Applicants should check the actual degree program and its classification.
Examples of areas that can fall within the relevant STEM categories include:
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Data Analytics
Machine Learning
Cybersecurity
Information Technology
Information Systems
Computer Engineering
Robotics
Informatics
Computational Science
Mathematics
Statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Biotechnology
Environmental Science
Engineering
Biomedical sciences
Other eligible scientific or technical fields
The list above is only a general guide.
Applicants must verify the specific program using the current official AAUW information and applicable STEM classification rules.
Can Computer Science Students Apply?
Computer Science is one of the most relevant fields for applicants interested in technology-related study.
A qualifying master's or doctoral program in Computer Science may be eligible under the current STEM requirements.
Related areas can include:
Artificial intelligence
Software engineering
Cybersecurity
Machine learning
Data science
Computer engineering
Robotics
Information technology
Computational science
For example, a woman from outside the United States who has the required academic background and is admitted to an eligible full-time master's program in Computer Science at an accredited U.S. institution may be able to apply.
However, the degree subject alone does not guarantee eligibility.
All other requirements must also be satisfied.
Can AI and Machine Learning Students Apply?
Students interested in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and related technical fields may find the fellowship relevant.
Modern AI programs can involve:
Machine learning
Deep learning
Computer vision
Natural language processing
Robotics
Data analysis
Computational modeling
However, applicants should not assume that an AI-related course or specialization automatically makes an entire degree eligible.
The important question is whether the actual graduate degree falls within the applicable STEM classification.
Can Data Science Students Apply?
Data Science is another field that can be highly relevant to the STEM requirement.
A qualifying program may involve areas such as:
Statistics
Data analysis
Machine learning
Computing
Artificial intelligence
Mathematical modeling
Programming
Quantitative research
Applicants should confirm the classification of their exact degree before applying.
The name of a degree is not always enough to establish eligibility.
Can Engineering Students Apply?
Engineering is a major STEM category.
Depending on the current eligible list, applicants can pursue fields such as:
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Civil engineering
Chemical engineering
Computer engineering
Biomedical engineering
Environmental engineering
Industrial engineering
Other qualifying engineering disciplines
Again, applicants should verify the exact program.
Can Doctoral Students Apply?
Yes.
The current International Fellowship also supports eligible doctoral programs.
The doctoral award is:
$25,000
Eligible doctoral study can include academic doctoral degrees as well as qualifying professional doctoral programs.
The specific degree and field must satisfy the fellowship requirements.
Applicants should check whether their program is classified as an eligible STEM discipline rather than assuming that every doctoral degree qualifies.
Can You Apply for Any Master's Program?
No.
The current fellowship is focused on qualifying STEM study.
That means a general master's degree outside the eligible STEM classification should not automatically be treated as covered.
Before starting an application, confirm:
The degree level
The exact program name
The institution
The field of study
The program's STEM classification
The fellowship's current eligibility rules
This is especially important for interdisciplinary programs.
When Does the 2027–28 Application Open?
Applications for the current cycle open on:
August 17, 2026
Applicants can use the period before opening to prepare their information.
Good preparation can include reviewing:
Academic history
GPA
Degree information
University details
Program classification
Career goals
Study objectives
Leadership experience
Commitment to women and girls
Doing this work in advance can make the actual application process much easier.
What Is the Deadline?
The application deadline is:
September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applicants outside the United States should convert the stated time into their own local time.
For example, someone applying from Pakistan should not simply look at the date and assume the deadline occurs at midnight local time.
The official deadline is tied to Eastern Time.
Because application portals can become busy near closing time, it is better to submit well before the final deadline.
Why Should You Avoid Waiting Until the Last Day?
A fellowship application can involve many separate pieces of information.
Even if the online application itself looks straightforward, problems can arise with:
Academic records
University details
Dates
Written responses
Internet connection
Account access
Supporting information
Last-minute corrections
Starting early gives you time to review everything.
The goal should be to finish before the deadline rather than trying to finish at exactly 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
What Does AAUW Look For in Applicants?
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.
AAUW also evaluates applicants according to selection criteria.
Important areas include:
Academic or scholarly excellence
Your academic background should demonstrate your ability to succeed in advanced study.
A clear and feasible plan
You should have a realistic idea of what you want to study and why.
Commitment to women and girls
Your experiences should demonstrate a genuine commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls.
Long-term career goals
Your proposed education should connect with your future professional direction.
These elements should fit together.
How to Demonstrate Academic Excellence
Do not simply write:
"I am an excellent student."
Show it through evidence.
For example, you might discuss:
A strong GPA
Academic awards
Research work
A thesis
Publications
Presentations
Technical projects
Relevant work experience
Academic competitions
Scholarships
Explain what you actually did.
A research project, for example, becomes more meaningful when you explain the research question, your role, and what you learned.
How to Write a Strong Study Plan
A good study plan answers several basic questions.
What do you want to study?
Why does it matter to you?
Why do you need graduate-level education?
Why is the chosen program appropriate?
What do you want to accomplish after graduation?
Your answer does not have to use complicated vocabulary.
Clear writing can communicate a strong idea more effectively.
For example:
"I want to strengthen my knowledge of artificial intelligence and data systems so that I can develop practical digital solutions and later use those skills to expand technology opportunities for women in my community."
The important thing is not the wording itself. It is the connection between education, career, and impact.
Commitment to Women and Girls
The fellowship places importance on applicants' commitment to women and girls.
This commitment can be shown in many ways.
You might have:
Mentored students
Taught girls technical skills
Volunteered
Organized educational activities
Worked on a community project
Participated in leadership activities
Supported women's education
Conducted relevant research
Helped create professional opportunities
You do not need an enormous project to demonstrate commitment.
A genuine example from your own experience can be enough to make your application more personal.
Most importantly, do not invent activities.
Your application should accurately represent what you have done.
Long-Term Career Goals
Your career goals should connect naturally with your proposed degree.
Someone studying Computer Science might want to become:
A software engineer
AI researcher
Data scientist
Cybersecurity specialist
Technology leader
University educator
Researcher
Technology entrepreneur
Someone studying engineering may want to work in research, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, healthcare technology, or another area.
The goal itself can vary.
What matters is that the path makes sense.
A good application can show:
Past experience → graduate education → future career → broader impact
This gives the reader a clear understanding of your direction.
Why Study in the United States?
Applicants may need to explain why their chosen U.S. program is suitable for their goals.
Avoid relying only on general statements such as:
"America has the best universities."
Instead, identify specific academic reasons.
For example:
A specialized research area
Relevant laboratories
Particular coursework
Access to research resources
Faculty expertise
Interdisciplinary opportunities
Technical facilities
Professional development
Your answer should connect to what you actually want to study.
International STEM Fellowship
Many applicants searching for graduate funding use terms such as International STEM Fellowship or International STEM Award.
The AAUW International Fellowship fits this broader category of international educational funding because it is intended for eligible women from outside the United States pursuing qualifying graduate study.
However, broad search phrases are only the beginning.
Applicants should always look beyond a fellowship's title and examine:
Eligibility
Degree level
Subject
Citizenship rules
Admission requirements
Funding amount
Study location
Deadline
Program dates
Two fellowships can sound similar while having very different conditions.
Women STEM Funding
Women pursuing advanced study in technology, science, engineering, and mathematics often search specifically for Women STEM Funding.
The AAUW fellowship can be relevant because the program combines international eligibility with graduate STEM study.
The award can help reduce the financial pressure associated with graduate education.
However, applicants should still create a full financial plan rather than assuming that the fellowship alone will cover every expense.
Overseas Women Fellowship
The fellowship can also be relevant to people searching for an Overseas Women Fellowship.
Its international focus makes it different from programs that are restricted to U.S. citizens.
Applicants should carefully review the citizenship and immigration requirements before investing time in the application.
STEM Graduate Support
Graduate education in a technical field can involve major costs.
The AAUW fellowship offers a form of STEM Graduate Support through its financial award.
The practical value of the support depends on your university and financial situation.
For some students, the fellowship may cover a substantial part of annual educational and living expenses.
For others, additional funding may still be necessary.
International Graduate Award
The program can also be described as an International Graduate Award because it provides funding for qualifying graduate education in the United States.
However, fellowship selection and university admission are separate matters.
Being selected for a fellowship does not mean you automatically receive admission to a U.S. university.
Applicants should manage the two processes separately.
Women Graduate Funding
For an international woman planning graduate study in the United States, Women Graduate Funding can make a significant difference.
The $20,000 master's award and $25,000 doctoral award should be considered alongside university-specific aid and other resources.
Before accepting an offer, compare:
Total tuition
Living expenses
University financial aid
Fellowship amount
Insurance
Other costs
Additional funding sources
A realistic budget can prevent financial problems later.
Overseas STEM Funding
When comparing Overseas STEM Funding opportunities, applicants should look beyond the advertised award.
Important comparison points include:
Degree type
Academic field
Nationality
Citizenship
University admission
Full-time requirements
Program dates
Stipend amount
Tuition coverage
Payment schedule
Tax treatment
This approach helps you determine whether a fellowship actually fits your circumstances.
Overseas STEM Support
Students looking for Overseas STEM Support should also consider the non-financial benefits of a fellowship.
Financial assistance can make graduate education more accessible, but the academic environment, university resources, research opportunities, and professional development associated with the study program can also be valuable.
The fellowship should therefore be viewed as part of a larger graduate education plan.
What Should You Prepare Before Applying?
A simple preparation checklist can make the process easier.
Academic information
Have your degree details and academic records available.
University information
Know the institution and graduate program you plan to attend.
Program classification
Verify that your exact program meets the current STEM requirement.
Study plan
Be ready to explain what you want to study and why.
Career plan
Think about your long-term professional goals.
Women's leadership or service
Identify real experiences that show your commitment to women and girls.
Timeline
Write down the opening date, deadline, and important fellowship dates.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Several avoidable mistakes can weaken an application.
Mistake 1: Assuming every international woman qualifies
International status alone is not enough.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the STEM classification
A degree title may sound technical but still need verification.
Mistake 3: Using an incorrect GPA conversion
Follow the official application guidance.
Mistake 4: Treating the fellowship as guaranteed full funding
Compare the award with your complete budget.
Mistake 5: Writing a generic application
Your goals and experiences should make the application personal.
Mistake 6: Inventing leadership or volunteer work
Always be truthful.
Mistake 7: Waiting until the final hours
Submit early enough to avoid technical problems.
Mistake 8: Ignoring the time zone
The deadline is specified in Eastern Time.
Does AAUW Only Consider Grades?
No.
Academic excellence is important, but the application also considers other aspects.
A strong candidate should be able to explain a coherent academic and professional direction.
Your application should demonstrate more than:
"I have a high GPA."
It should show:
"I have prepared academically, I know what I want to study, I have a realistic plan, I have meaningful goals, and I can explain how this education connects to my future."
This broader presentation can make the application more informative.
Can Applicants From Pakistan Apply?
Eligible women from Pakistan may consider applying because the fellowship is intended for women from outside the United States.
However, Pakistani nationality by itself does not guarantee eligibility.
Applicants must still satisfy the fellowship's complete requirements, including the academic, immigration, degree, STEM, study, and program conditions.
Students applying from Pakistan should also pay close attention to the deadline conversion from Eastern Time.
Can Applicants From India Apply?
Eligible women from India may consider the fellowship as well.
As with applicants from any other country, the key issue is whether the applicant satisfies the current eligibility requirements.
Nationality should not be treated as the only factor.
Check the academic qualification, GPA, degree type, program classification, admission status, citizenship requirements, and study dates.
Can Applicants From Bangladesh, Nepal, or Sri Lanka Apply?
Women from countries outside the United States may be eligible if they satisfy the fellowship's current requirements.
Applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries should therefore review the official rules rather than relying on general statements about nationality.
The fellowship's international nature means that applicants should focus on the complete eligibility criteria.
Does the Fellowship Guarantee University Admission?
No.
University admission and fellowship selection are separate.
A fellowship application should not be treated as a substitute for applying to the university.
Applicants need to understand the requirements of both processes.
A university may have its own:
Application deadline
English-language requirements
Academic requirements
Application fee
Recommendation requirements
Personal statement
Transcript requirements
Program-specific conditions
The fellowship may have a different process.
Plan accordingly.
Can You Apply With a Conditional Admission?
Applicants should carefully read the current fellowship rules regarding admission and enrollment status.
Whether a particular admission situation is acceptable depends on the exact program requirements.
Do not assume that every form of conditional or pending admission is treated in the same way.
Use the official AAUW instructions for the current cycle.
When Must the Program Begin?
For the current 2027–28 fellowship, the program must begin:
On or before September 15, 2027.
This date matters because a program that starts later may not satisfy the fellowship requirement.
Applicants should therefore confirm their university's official program calendar.
When Must the Program End?
The current requirement states that eligible completion must be:
On or after April 30, 2028.
Applicants should compare this requirement with the official length and academic calendar of their program.
Students should not assume that every nine-month, twelve-month, or eighteen-month program will automatically meet the requirement.
Check the actual dates.
How Is the Fellowship Paid?
AAUW states that the fellowship stipend is paid directly to fellows in two equal payments.
The current timeline places the first stipend around the beginning of the fellowship period and the second around the midpoint.
For the current cycle, the timeline lists:
First stipend: July–September 2027
Second stipend: December 2027 or January 2028
Applicants should still consult the official instructions for the latest payment details.
Are Taxes Deducted?
Applicants should also consider taxation.
The fellowship's financial amount is the announced award, but recipients may have U.S. tax obligations depending on their individual circumstances.
AAUW indicates that withholding may apply.
Because tax treatment can differ between individuals, applicants should not assume that the entire announced fellowship amount will necessarily be available after tax withholding.
Anyone who needs individual tax advice should consult a qualified professional.
How Should You Think About the $20,000 Award?
A master's award of $20,000 can look large when considered by itself.
But the real value depends on your total cost.
For example, a student should consider:
$20,000 fellowship
plus
university scholarships or grants
plus
other permitted resources
against
tuition + housing + food + insurance + transportation + other expenses.
The same $20,000 can have a very different impact depending on where you study.
Therefore, compare actual costs rather than relying on the headline number.
What Makes a Good Fellowship Application?
A strong application should feel consistent.
Your academic background should explain why you are prepared.
Your study plan should explain why the proposed program is the right next step.
Your career goals should show where the education is taking you.
Your commitment to women and girls should demonstrate that your broader goals are genuine.
When these elements support one another, your application becomes much easier for a reviewer to understand.
Keep Your Writing Personal
Your application should sound like you.
Avoid using artificial phrases simply because they sound academic.
Instead of:
"I seek to leverage transformative interdisciplinary synergies."
A clearer sentence would be:
"I want to combine computing and data analysis to develop practical tools that can improve access to education."
Simple does not mean weak.
Clear writing often makes an idea easier to understand.
Using AI When Preparing an Application
Applicants may use writing or generative AI tools for assistance where permitted, but they should make sure the final application reflects their own ideas, experiences, analysis, and voice.
Do not use AI to invent:
Awards
Projects
Volunteer work
Leadership
Research
Career achievements
Personal experiences
A polished application is useful only when the underlying information is truthful.
Your experiences should remain your own.
A Simple Application Preparation Timeline
You can divide preparation into several stages.
Before applications open
Confirm your eligibility and degree classification.
After applications open
Review every section of the application and begin entering your information.
Several weeks before the deadline
Complete your study plan, career goals, and other written responses.
Before submission
Check names, dates, degrees, GPA information, and all other details.
Before the final deadline
Submit the application instead of waiting until the last minute.
This process can reduce avoidable errors.
What Happens After the Deadline?
The application is reviewed according to the fellowship's selection process.
For the 2027–28 cycle, the current timeline gives:
Award notification: March 2027
Selected fellows then move into the fellowship period.
The timeline also includes reporting requirements.
Current dates include:
First stipend: July–September 2027
Mid-year report: December 2027
Second stipend: December 2027 / January 2028
Final report: July 31, 2028
Applicants should keep these dates for reference.
What Should You Do Before Submitting?
Before clicking the final submit button, review the basics.
Ask yourself:
Am I eligible under the citizenship rules?
Do I meet the GPA requirement?
Is my degree program actually eligible?
Is my study full-time?
Does my university meet the accreditation requirement?
Do my program dates fit the fellowship timeline?
Are my academic and career goals clear?
Have I honestly described my commitment to women and girls?
Have I checked the deadline and time zone?
This final review can catch important problems.
AAUW International Fellowships FAQ
What is the AAUW International Fellowship?
It is a fellowship program for eligible women from outside the United States who want to pursue qualifying graduate study in the United States.
How much is the master's award?
The current master's award is $20,000.
How much is the doctoral award?
The current doctoral award is $25,000.
What is the GPA requirement?
The current minimum is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned.
Can international women apply?
Yes, eligible women who meet the program's citizenship, academic, degree, STEM, and other requirements may apply.
Can Computer Science students apply?
Yes, Computer Science is among the technology-related fields that may qualify, subject to the complete requirements.
Can Artificial Intelligence students apply?
An eligible AI-related graduate program may qualify, but applicants should verify the classification of the actual degree.
Can Data Science students apply?
A qualifying Data Science program may be eligible under the STEM requirements. The exact degree classification should be checked.
Can engineering students apply?
Yes, qualifying engineering programs can be eligible.
Can doctoral students apply?
Yes, eligible academic and professional doctoral programs are supported.
Is every master's degree eligible?
No. The current fellowship focuses on eligible STEM disciplines.
Does the fellowship pay every expense?
Not necessarily. Applicants should compare the fellowship award with tuition and other expenses.
Does the fellowship guarantee university admission?
No. University admission and fellowship selection are separate.
When does the application open?
The 2027–28 application opens on August 17, 2026.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
When must the program start?
The current requirement says the program must begin on or before September 15, 2027.
When must the program finish?
Eligible completion must be on or after April 30, 2028 under the current requirements.
Can applicants from Pakistan apply?
Eligible women from Pakistan can consider applying if they satisfy all current requirements.
Can applicants from India apply?
Eligible women from India can consider applying if they satisfy the current requirements.
Is a high GPA enough to receive the fellowship?
No. Selection also considers the overall quality and direction of the application.
Does commitment to women and girls matter?
Yes. It is an important part of the selection criteria.
Are taxes relevant?
Potentially. Tax treatment can vary, and applicants should not assume that the entire announced amount will necessarily be received without deductions.
Final Thoughts
The AAUW International Fellowships 2027–28 may be a valuable opportunity for eligible women from outside the United States who want to pursue graduate study in a qualifying STEM field.
The current fellowship provides $20,000 for master's study and $25,000 for doctoral study.
The 2027–28 application opens on August 17, 2026, and closes on September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
However, the award amount should not be the only factor you consider.
Before applying, check your:
Citizenship and immigration status
GPA
Degree level
STEM program
University
Admission or enrollment status
Program dates
Long-term career plan
Then prepare an application that explains your academic background, study goals, future career direction, and real commitment to women and girls.
Applicants should also remember that university admission and fellowship selection are separate processes. A fellowship does not automatically provide admission to a U.S. institution.
Financial planning is equally important. The $20,000 master's award or $25,000 doctoral award may provide substantial help, but the total cost of studying in the United States depends on tuition, housing, location, insurance, transportation, and other expenses.
The strongest preparation is therefore practical: verify the requirements, check the exact STEM classification of your program, organize your academic information, develop a clear study plan, connect your goals to your future career, and submit well before the deadline.
Most importantly, use the official AAUW information as your final source before submitting an application. Program rules and application procedures can change, and the current official instructions should always take priority over third-party articles.
Official AAUW International Fellowships
For current eligibility rules, application instructions, dates, and program updates, consult the official AAUW International Fellowships information before applying.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not the official AAUW website and is not affiliated with or operated by AAUW unless explicitly stated otherwise. Fellowship amounts, eligibility requirements, eligible fields, deadlines, application procedures, tax treatment, and other details may change. Applicants should always consult the official AAUW website and the latest application instructions before applying.