Is the AAUW International Fellowship Open to Indian and UAE-Based Women?
Yes, to both. The fellowship is open to women of any nationality who are not US citizens or permanent residents, with no country-specific exclusion list beyond a small set of countries currently subject to US travel restrictions (which affects only the requirement around Graduate Women International membership for study outside the US, and doesn't exclude applicants from applying). Neither India nor the UAE appears on that exception list, so applicants from both countries are eligible under the standard rules.
What Are AAUW International Fellowships?
AAUW's International Fellowships exist specifically to invest in women pursuing graduate STEM study, with the expectation that recipients will apply their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries or the communities where they reside. The large majority of funding supports study in the United States, though a limited number of awards are available for study in a country other than the applicant's own, under specific conditions.
Who Is Eligible for an AAUW International Fellowship?
According to AAUW's official eligibility guidance:
- Must identify as a woman
- Must be a non-US citizen and not hold, or be applying for, US permanent resident status
- Must be admitted to or enrolled in their first Master's or first academic/professional doctorate, in one of AAUW's defined STEM disciplines. Applicants who already hold a degree at the level they're applying for (a second Master's, or an existing doctorate) are not eligible
- Must begin their programme on or before 15 September 2027, and complete it on or after 30 April 2028
- Must hold at least one prior academic degree equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for their highest degree earned
- Must apply for only one degree type and one specific field, even if pursuing a dual degree
- Must study full-time at an institution accredited by the US Department of Education, if studying in the US
- Must reside in the US or their country of study for the duration of the fellowship
Applicants intending to study outside both the US and their home country generally need to be a member of Graduate Women International (GWI), unless their country of citizenship is subject to a current US travel ban, in which case that requirement is waived.
What Fields of Study Qualify?
AAUW International Fellowships fund STEM fields broadly, spanning:
- Science, including life and biological sciences, physical sciences, earth and environmental sciences, and STEM-based health and medical sciences
- Technology, including computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information systems
- Engineering, across nearly every core and specialized discipline, from mechanical and civil engineering to biomedical, aerospace, and renewable energy engineering
- Mathematics, including applied mathematics, statistics, and quantitative fields like actuarial science and financial mathematics
If you're unsure whether your specific programme counts as STEM, AAUW uses the US Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List as its reference point.
What Does the AAUW International Fellowship Cover?
- A stipend of $20,000 for Master's degree recipients
- A stipend of $25,000 for doctoral degree recipients
- Paid in two equal instalments, at the start and midpoint of the fellowship term
- Funds can be used for tuition, fees, required course materials, and living expenses, including housing, food, and dependent care such as childcare
- A few things the fellowship explicitly does not cover: research assistants, prior expenditures or personal loan repayment, publication costs, institutional overhead costs, and tuition for dependents' own education.
How Do I Apply for an AAUW International Fellowship?
- Confirm your eligibility against the criteria above, including your GPA, degree level, and field of study
- Create an account on the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal
- Register your two recommenders as early as possible, since the application system sends them a personalised submission link, and your application isn't complete until both letters are submitted
- Gather your required documents, including proof of your highest degree, official transcripts, a CGPA calculation on a 4.0 scale, proof of English proficiency, and proof of admission or current enrolment
- List up to five programmes and institutions you're considering, if you haven't finalised your choice, though you must enrol in one of the listed options if awarded
- Submit before the deadline. For the 2027-28 cycle, applications close 17 September 2026 at 5:00pm Eastern Time
What Proof of English Proficiency Is Accepted?
AAUW accepts several options: an official TOEFL iBT score of at least 79, TOEFL Essentials of at least 8.5, IELTS of at least 6.5, Cambridge Assessment of at least 176, or Duolingo English Test of at least 120. Alternatively, a written statement confirming English as your native language, or academic proof that your secondary or undergraduate degree came from an English-speaking institution, can substitute for a test score.
Is the Fellowship Renewable?
No. AAUW International Fellowships are one-time awards and cannot be renewed for a second year or a subsequent degree.
FAQs About AAUW International Fellowships
Can I apply if I already hold a Master's degree and am applying for a second one?
No. The Master's fellowship is specifically for applicants pursuing their first Master's degree.
Can I apply to both a Master's and a doctoral programme at the same time?
No. You must apply for one degree type in a single specific field.
Am I eligible if I'm currently a US permanent resident applying for a Green Card?
No. Applicants for US permanent residency are not eligible, even if they hold citizenship of another country.
Do I need a confirmed university admission before applying?
Yes. You must be admitted to, or currently enrolled in, at least one eligible programme at the time of application.
Can I request early notification of my award status?
No. AAUW does not honour requests for notification earlier than the standard March timeline.
Sources: Official AAUW International Fellowships page (aauw.org), fetched directly.
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