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.
2026-27 round: applications open August 2026 — close 15 November 2026
American Association of University Women
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
USD 20k (MA) / 25k (PhD) / 50k (PostDoc)
Duration
1 Academic Year (Aug-May)
Awards
~50 per Year Globally
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Awards from external organisations like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
American Association of University Women — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
USD 20,000 - USD 50,000 (1-Year Award). Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
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).
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.
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.
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.
~50
Fellowships per Year
1917
Programme Founded
150+
Countries Represented
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
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The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
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Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for USA, in LKR as well as local currency.
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Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
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