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Are you a woman pursuing graduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral education in the United States and wondering if the AAUW Fellowship Program is right for you? This guide covers everything — what the AAUW Fellowship Program is, who qualifies, how much it pays, the types of fellowships available, the application process, and expert tips to win. Bookmark this page — it is updated with the latest information each cycle.
What Is the AAUW Fellowship Program?
The AAUW Fellowship Program is one of the most prestigious and largest graduate funding opportunities available exclusively for women in the United States. The AAUW Fellowship Program, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), awards between $20,000 and $50,000 annually to women pursuing master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies at accredited U.S. institutions. The AAUW Fellowship Program has been empowering women through education since 1888, making it one of the longest-running fellowship initiatives in the world.
Each year, the AAUW Fellowship Program supports hundreds of women across all fields of study — from STEM and law to business, arts, and social sciences. The AAUW Fellowship Program is currently open for applications each academic cycle and represents a transformative financial award that can cover tuition, books, housing, and even childcare. Whether you are an international applicant or a U.S. citizen, the AAUW has a fellowship category designed specifically for your situation. In total, AAUW has awarded more than $135 million to over 13,000 scholars and organizations across more than 150 countries.
Applications typically open each year in late summer or early fall. Always verify the current deadline directly on the official AAUW Fellowships & Grants portal.
Types of AAUW Fellowships and Grants
The AAUW Fellowship Program is not a single award — it is an umbrella of powerful funding opportunities. Understanding each type helps you identify exactly which one to apply for.
1. American Fellowships (Dissertation & Postdoctoral)
American Fellowships support U.S. citizens and permanent residents in the final year of their dissertation or in postdoctoral research. This category includes:
American Dissertation Fellowship — Supports women in the final year of writing their doctoral dissertation. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and devote 100% of their time to completing their degree during the fellowship year. The American Doctoral Fellowships carry a stipend of $25,000.
American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship — For women who have already earned their terminal degree and are beginning postdoctoral research. This fellowship carries a generous stipend of $50,000, the highest in the AAUW portfolio.
American Short-Term Research Publication Grants — Supports women preparing scholarly manuscripts for publication following the completion of their doctoral research.
2. International Fellowships
The International Fellowship is open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. It supports full-time graduate and postdoctoral study at accredited U.S. institutions. Since 1917, this program has supported more than 3,600 women from over 150 nations.
The fellowship carries:
- $20,000 stipend for master’s degree candidates
- $25,000 stipend for doctoral candidates
Up to five master’s fellowships may be renewed for a second year for applicants who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
3. Selected Professions Fellowships
This fellowship targets women pursuing graduate degrees in fields where women have historically been underrepresented — including STEM fields, law, business administration, and medicine. It carries a stipend of $20,000.
Eligibility requires full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution in a qualifying field. Applicants must be pursuing their first master’s or professional degree.
4. Career Development Grants
These grants support women who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing a certificate or degree to advance their career, change careers, or re-enter the workforce. This is ideal for women who may have taken time off from professional life.
5. Community Action Grants
Community Action Grants fund individuals and non-profit organizations running projects that promote education and equality for women and girls at the local level. These are practical grants aimed at systemic, community-level change.
6. International Project Grants
Exclusively for alumni of the AAUW International Fellowships, these grants fund community-based projects aimed at improving the social, economic, and political conditions of women and girls in fellows’ home countries.
AAUW Fellowship Program Award Amounts
The funding ranges vary significantly by fellowship type. Here is a clear breakdown of what you can expect to receive annually:
| Fellowship Type | Stipend Amount | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|
| American Dissertation Fellowship | $25,000 | No |
| American Postdoctoral Research Leave | $50,000 | No |
| International Fellowship (Master’s) | $20,000 | Yes (up to 5 awardees) |
| International Fellowship (Doctoral) | $25,000 | No |
| Selected Professions Fellowship | $20,000 | No |
| Career Development Grants | $2,000–$12,000 | No |
| Community Action Grants | $2,000–$10,000 | No |
Stipends for all programs are paid directly to the fellow (not to the institution) in two equal payments — one at the start of the fellowship term and one at the midpoint.
Comparison Table: All AAUW Fellowships at a Glance
| Feature | International Fellowship | American Fellowships | Selected Professions Fellowship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Can Apply | Non-U.S. citizens | U.S. citizens/permanent residents | U.S. & international women |
| Degree Level | Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoc | Dissertation, Postdoc | Master’s/Professional |
| Award Amount | $20,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$50,000 | $20,000 |
| Fields Covered | All fields | All fields | STEM, Law, Business, Medicine |
| Renewable | Yes (up to 5 for Master’s) | No | No |
| Study Location | U.S. (or abroad for GWI members) | U.S. | U.S. |
| Application Frequency | Annually | Annually | Annually |
| GPA Requirement | Minimum 3.5 (4.0 scale) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Return Requirement | Must return to home country | N/A | N/A |
Who Is Eligible for the AAUW Fellowship Program?
Eligibility requirements vary slightly by fellowship type, but the following are the core requirements that apply broadly across the AAUW Fellowship Program each year.
For International Fellowships:
- Must identify as a woman
- Must not be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Must be admitted to or enrolled in a first master’s or doctoral degree program at an accredited U.S. institution
- Must intend to return to your home country to pursue a professional career after completing studies
- Must demonstrate commitment to the advancement of women and girls
- Must be enrolled full-time
- English proficiency is required (TOEFL or equivalent)
For American Fellowships:
- Must identify as a woman
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must be in the final year of a doctoral dissertation or conducting postdoctoral research
- Must devote 100% of working time to dissertation completion or research during the fellowship year
For Selected Professions Fellowships:
- Must identify as a woman
- Must be pursuing a first master’s or professional degree in a qualifying STEM, law, business, or medical field
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution
Ineligibility Conditions (Across Programs):
- Previous national AAUW fellowship or grant recipients (excluding Community Action Grants or local awards)
- Part-time students
- Those applying to two or more national AAUW programs in the same cycle
- Those already holding the degree level being applied for
Required Documents for Application
Each application cycle, you will generally need to prepare the following documents. Check the official AAUW portal each year for any updates to requirements.
Standard Required Documents:
- Completed online application (via the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal)
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional advisors (must be submitted by the deadline)
- Proof of highest degree earned
- Official transcripts showing cumulative GPA
- Personal statement / narrative essay
- Proof of English proficiency (for international applicants — TOEFL, IELTS, or institutional waiver)
- Letter of admission or enrollment verification
- For postdoctoral applicants: proof of doctoral or terminal degree
- For international applicants seeking GWI study: proof of Graduate Women International membership
Important: AAUW does not accept letters from dossier services such as Parment or Interfolio. Recommendation letters must be submitted directly and on time. Late or incomplete applications are disqualified.
How to Apply for the AAUW Fellowship Program (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps carefully when the application portal opens each cycle:
Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility Before you begin your application, complete the AAUW eligibility quiz on the official website. This ensures you are applying to the correct fellowship category. Do not skip this step.
Step 2 — Create Your Account Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal and create an account or log in if you already have one.
Step 3 — Select Your Fellowship Type Choose the fellowship that aligns with your degree level, citizenship, and field of study. You may only apply to one national AAUW fellowship per cycle.
Step 4 — Complete the Narrative Application Write your personal statement. This should address your academic goals, commitment to women’s advancement, your plan of study or research, and how the fellowship will support your objectives. Be specific and compelling.
Step 5 — Upload Supporting Documents Upload all required documents as listed above. Ensure your transcripts and enrollment verification are current and certified.
Step 6 — Request Recommendation Letters Early Contact your recommenders well in advance of the deadline. Letters must come from professors or professional colleagues who can speak to your academic or professional qualifications. Use professional email addresses for recommenders.
Step 7 — Submit Before the Deadline Once submitted, no changes can be made to your application. Double-check all materials for accuracy and completeness before clicking submit.
Step 8 — Track Notifications Decision notifications are sent via email to all applicants on a specified date each cycle (typically in April following a fall application deadline). AAUW does not accommodate requests for earlier notification.
[IMAGE PROMPT: A woman at a laptop completing an online scholarship application form in a university library setting — warm lighting, focused expression. Alt text: “Woman applying to AAUW Fellowship Program online”]
AAUW Fellowship Program Selection Criteria
Applications are first reviewed by the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Team for completeness and eligibility compliance. Complete applications are then evaluated by panels of distinguished scholars, experts, and practitioners in the relevant field. Panels meet once a year to review applications.
The following factors are weighted during review:
Academic Excellence — Demonstrated through transcripts, GPA, academic achievements, and recognition from peers and institutions.
Commitment to Women’s Advancement — Evidence of prior community service, civic work, mentorship, or professional activities that have advanced the status of women and girls.
Career Goals and Feasibility — Clarity, ambition, and practicality of your proposed study or research plan.
Financial Need — Applicants must demonstrate their need for funding and identify any confirmed or pending financial support they currently have.
Return Commitment (International Fellows) — Intent to return to your home country and apply your education professionally is a key consideration for international applicants.
Special Consideration Groups — Each year, preference may be given to women residing in their home country at the time of application, applicants from developing or emerging nations, or those from underrepresented groups.
For comprehensive information on fellowships for women worldwide, visit Graduate Women International (a partner of AAUW).
Application Deadline and Timeline
The AAUW Fellowship Program operates on a consistent annual cycle. While specific calendar dates shift slightly each year, the structure below reflects the typical timeline each cycle:
| Milestone | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | Late August – Early September (annually) |
| Application Submission Deadline | Late September – Mid-November (annually) |
| Recommendation Letter Deadline | Same as application deadline |
| Decision Notifications | April of the following year |
| Fellowship Term Begins | July 1 of the award year |
| Fellowship Term Ends | June 30 of the award year |
Always check the AAUW official website for the current cycle’s exact deadline. Deadlines falling on weekends or public holidays are observed on the next business day.
What Can AAUW Fellowship Funds Be Used For?
Fellowship funds are flexible and designed to cover a broad range of academic and living expenses. Awarded funds may be used for:
- Tuition and required course fees
- Books, supplies, and course-required materials
- Housing and food (living expenses)
- Dependent childcare
- Travel to professional meetings, conferences, or seminars (not to exceed 10% of the total fellowship)
Prohibited uses of funds include:
- Expenses incurred before the fellowship term start date
- Expenses incurred after the fellowship term end date
- Non-academic personal expenses outside the listed categories
Tax Note: For international fellows, the fellowship stipend may be subject to a 14% or 30% tax rate depending on relevant tax treaties and the fellow’s status. AAUW withholds and remits this tax to the IRS. U.S.-based fellows are responsible for understanding their own tax obligations. AAUW does not provide tax advice.
AAUW Fellowship Program vs. Other Women’s Scholarships
| Criterion | AAUW Fellowship Program | Fulbright Scholar Program | P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Can Apply | Women (all fields) | Open to all genders | Women |
| Citizenship | U.S. & International | All nationalities | International women only |
| Award Amount | $20,000–$50,000 | Varies (up to full funding) | Up to $15,000 |
| Fields Covered | All fields | All fields | All fields |
| Study Location | U.S. (primarily) | Worldwide | U.S. or Canada |
| Application Competition | Highly competitive | Extremely competitive | Highly competitive |
| Renewable | Partially (master’s) | No | No |
| Community Requirement | Yes (women’s advancement) | No | No |
Tips to Win the AAUW Fellowship Program
Winning a competitive award like the AAUW Fellowship Program requires strategic preparation. Here are proven tips that past fellows and scholarship advisors consistently recommend:
Start Early — Like, Much Earlier Than You Think Begin preparing your application materials at least three to four months before the deadline. This gives you time to request strong letters of recommendation, gather transcripts, and draft multiple versions of your personal narrative.
Tailor Your Personal Statement to AAUW’s Mission AAUW’s core mission is advancing equity for women and girls. Your narrative must authentically connect your academic goals to this mission. Describe specific experiences where you have worked to uplift or advocate for women — not in abstract terms but with concrete examples.
Choose Recommenders Strategically Select recommenders who have seen your academic or professional work firsthand and can write substantively about your qualifications. Brief them thoroughly on your application goals and the AAUW mission.
Address Financial Need Clearly Be transparent about your financial situation and any other sources of funding you have pursued or received. Panels appreciate honest, complete financial disclosures.
Apply to the Right Category Do not apply to multiple AAUW national programs in the same cycle. Identify the one fellowship that best matches your citizenship status, degree level, and field — and give that application your full effort.
Demonstrate a Concrete Return Plan (International Applicants) If you are applying for the International Fellowship, a clear, realistic plan to return to your home country and contribute professionally is essential. Be specific about the sector, community, or institution you plan to serve.
Maintain a Strong GPA A minimum 3.5 GPA is a core requirement for several AAUW programs. If your GPA is close to this threshold, address any academic challenges directly and proactively in your personal statement.
The AAUW’s own application guidance and FAQ page is an underrated resource that answers questions most applicants overlook.
What People Also Ask
Is the AAUW Fellowship Program open to international students?
Yes. The AAUW International Fellowships are specifically designed for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. These fellowships support full-time graduate and postdoctoral study at accredited U.S. institutions and have supported women from more than 150 countries since the program’s founding.
How much does the AAUW Fellowship pay?
The AAUW Fellowship Program awards between $20,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on the fellowship type and degree level. International and Selected Professions Fellowships pay $20,000 for master’s and $25,000 for doctoral study, while the American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship pays $50,000.
When is the AAUW Fellowship Program deadline?
The application deadline varies slightly each cycle but typically falls in late September to mid-November each year. Applications and supporting documents, including recommendation letters, must all be submitted by the stated deadline. Check the official AAUW website for the current cycle’s exact date.
Can I apply for multiple AAUW fellowships at the same time?
No. Applicants may only apply to one national AAUW fellowship or grant per application cycle. Applying to two or more programs simultaneously makes you ineligible for all of them.
Is the AAUW Fellowship renewable?
Most AAUW fellowships are not renewable. However, the International Fellowship for master’s degrees may be renewed for a second year for up to five of the most highly rated applicants who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Does AAUW require an interview?
No. There is no interview process for the AAUW Fellowship Program. Applications are evaluated entirely on the submitted materials, including your narrative, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
What GPA is required for the AAUW Fellowship Program?
The International Fellowship requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the highest degree earned. Applicants for other fellowship types should demonstrate strong academic performance, although a specific GPA cutoff may not always be published.
Can AAUW fellowship funds be used for living expenses?
Yes. AAUW fellowship stipends may be used for tuition, books and supplies, housing, food, dependent childcare, and up to 10% of the total award for travel to professional meetings or conferences.
Who is not eligible for the AAUW Fellowship Program?
Part-time students, previous national AAUW fellowship recipients (excluding Community Action Grants), and those applying for two national AAUW programs in the same year are ineligible. For international fellowships, U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not eligible.
Is the AAUW Fellowship taxable?
Potentially, yes. For international fellows, stipends may be subject to a 14% or 30% withholding tax. For U.S. citizens, fellowship funds used for non-tuition expenses (such as living costs) may be considered taxable income. AAUW does not provide tax advice.
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Final Verdict: Is the AAUW Fellowship Worth Applying For?
Absolutely — and without hesitation.
The AAUW Fellowship Program stands among the most well-funded, most respected, and most women-focused graduate scholarship programs in the United States. With awards ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 each year, a diverse range of fellowship categories covering both U.S. and international women, support across all academic disciplines, and a track record spanning over 135 years, the AAUW Fellowship Program is a transformational opportunity that no eligible woman should overlook.
Whether you are a first-generation student navigating graduate school costs, an international scholar committed to returning home and uplifting your community, or a U.S.-based doctoral candidate finishing your dissertation — the AAUW Fellowship Program has a category designed for you.
The application process is demanding, but with the right preparation, a compelling personal narrative, strong recommenders, and a genuine alignment with AAUW’s mission of equity for women and girls, you can position yourself as a highly competitive candidate.
Do not wait. Applications open annually, and the portal fills up with thousands of strong candidates every cycle. Start your preparation today, visit the official AAUW Fellowships & Grants portal, and take the first step toward funding your education and your future.
Last Reviewed and Updated: Regularly updated with the latest AAUW Fellowship Program information each application cycle.
