A diverse group of graduates in academic gowns throwing their caps in the air.

United States 2026-27 round: applications open August 2026 — close 15 November 2026

AAUW International Fellowships

The AAUW International Fellowships have funded women from over 150 countries to study at US universities since 1917. The programme makes ~50 awards annually: USD 20,000 for Master's and professional study, USD 25,000 for doctoral candidates, and USD 50,000 for postdoctoral fellows. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, living expenses, dependent care, or travel — a flexibility rare in US scholarships. Sri Lankan women applying for or already enrolled in a full-time graduate programme at an accredited US institution are eligible. AAUW prioritises applicants whose studies will benefit women and girls upon return to their home country.

American Association of University Women

External Organization-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

USD 20k (MA) / 25k (PhD) / 50k (PostDoc)

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Duration

1 Academic Year (Aug-May)

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Awards

~50 per Year Globally

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Non-US Citizen

You must NOT be a US citizen, permanent resident, or dual national. Sri Lankan citizens residing in Sri Lanka are eligible. You also cannot hold or be a candidate for any US degree below the level being supported (e.g., a current US Bachelor's holder cannot apply for the Master's award).

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Women Applicants Only

Open to women only (cisgender, transgender, and non-binary applicants are all welcome per AAUW's published policy). AAUW's mission is advancing equity for women and girls — this is a gender-restricted award.

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Full-Time US Graduate Study

You must be applying for or enrolled in a full-time programme at a US institution accredited at the time of application. Online-only, distance-learning, and US-affiliated overseas campuses are NOT eligible. The award funds the year of study — not pre-application enrolment.

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Commitment to Home Country

Applicants must articulate how their US study will benefit women and girls in Sri Lanka upon return. AAUW evaluates this seriously — vague 'I want to give back' statements are unsuccessful. Concrete plans (a specific organisation, role, or project in Sri Lanka) are essential.

account_tree Application Process

Open AAUW online application

Applications open in August via the AAUW grants portal (aauw.org). Note: you do NOT need an admission offer to apply — but selected applicants must be enrolled at a US institution by the start of the funded year.

Submit application materials

Complete the application form, upload CV, transcripts, a 4-page personal statement, a research/study plan (for doctoral and postdoctoral), and arrange 3 references. TOEFL/IELTS may be required if your prior study was not in English.

Submit by 15 November

Deadline is firm — applications close at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on 15 November. AAUW does not accept late submissions or supplemental materials post-deadline.

Notification + funding disbursement

Notification of decisions is sent in mid-April. Successful fellows receive funds in two instalments (August and January) directly into their US bank account. The award covers the 12-month fellowship period from July to June.

Why AAUW?

AAUW has been supporting women's advancement in education since 1881 and the International Fellowships date to 1917. Alumni include presidents, ministers of education, Nobel laureates, and senior diplomats from 150+ countries. The AAUW network — 170,000+ members across the US — provides Sri Lankan fellows with a community of mentors during and after their US study.