6. AAUW International Fellowships
Tuition + stipend · For women in graduate study · Any field
Run by the American Association of University Women, this fellowship program funds women from outside the United States who are pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study at an accredited American institution, across every discipline including STEM. It’s a well-established program with a strong track record of supporting international women scholars, though it isn’t STEM-exclusive, so STEM applicants compete for funding alongside strong candidates from every other field.
Who it’s for
- Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Applicants enrolled full-time in graduate or postgraduate study, spanning master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels depending on the specific fellowship category
- Candidates from any academic discipline, with no field restriction
What it covers
Tuition support combined with a living stipend, though the exact amount varies depending on the fellowship category and academic level you’re applying for, so it’s worth reviewing the current cycle’s specific award details rather than assuming a fixed figure.
How selection works
Because the fellowship is open to any field of study, competition is broad rather than narrowly STEM-focused. A strong application typically pairs academic merit with a clear articulation of how your studies connect to broader goals around women’s advancement and leadership.
How to apply
- Confirm your citizenship and enrollment status meet the program’s requirements
- Review the current fellowship categories on AAUW’s official site to identify which one matches your academic level
- Prepare a clear statement connecting your field of study to your broader goals, since the fellowship isn’t purely need-based or purely merit-based, it weighs both
- Submit required transcripts, references, and application materials by the published deadline for your fellowship category