AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women

Overview

The AAUW International Fellowship is one of the most respected fellowships available to women from Nepal who wish to pursue graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States. Offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) — a non-profit organisation with over 140 years of history in advancing women's education — the fellowship supports women at Master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels at accredited US institutions.

Nepal is eligible with no country restrictions. AAUW particularly encourages applications from women in developing and emerging countries, and from candidates without prior international study experience — both of which apply to many Nepali applicants. The fellowship is one of the few US opportunities that explicitly prioritises women from underrepresented nations.

Fellowship amounts reach up to $50,000 depending on the level of study and financial need. Awards cover tuition, living expenses, books, and supplies. The fellowship term runs from 1 July to 30 June of the award year.

Beyond funding, AAUW fellows gain access to a global network of women leaders, researchers, and professionals — a meaningful asset for Nepali women who intend to return and advance gender equity in their home communities.

Eligibility

• Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents — Nepali women qualify
• Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent at the time of application
• Applying for full-time study or research at an accredited US institution during the fellowship year
• Must reside in Nepal (home country) at the time of application
• Demonstrates commitment to the advancement of women and girls through civic, community, or professional work — this is a core selection criterion
• No age restriction

Fellowship Levels

• Master's / First Professional Degree — for women pursuing a Master's or first professional degree (J.D., M.F.A., L.L.M., M.Arch., M.D., D.D.S., etc.) at a US institution
• Academic Doctorate — for women pursuing a PhD or equivalent academic doctoral degree. Minimum GPA of 3.5 in most advanced degree required
• Postdoctoral Research — for women who have already completed a doctorate and wish to conduct postdoctoral research in the US

Selection Preferences

• Applicants from developing and emerging countries — Nepal qualifies
• Applicants without prior international study experience
• Demonstrated leadership in women's empowerment
• Originality of research and potential for impact in the field (doctoral applicants)
• Clear research timeline and funding strategy

Who is Not Eligible

• US citizens and permanent residents
• Men — this fellowship is exclusively for women
• Applicants already residing in the United States at the time of application
• Applicants pursuing study outside the US (with the exception of a limited number of awards available to Graduate Women International members for study in a third country)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through AAUW's awards management system (International Scholarship and Tuition Services — ISTS portal).

1. Pass the eligibility quiz — before starting your application, complete the eligibility quiz on the AAUW website to confirm you qualify for the specific fellowship level you are applying for.
2. Create an account on the ISTS portal — visit the AAUW application portal and create an account using the relevant programme key for the International Fellowship.
3. Prepare your documents — gather the following before starting your application:
   • Proof of highest degree completed
   • Proof of current enrolment (for currently enrolled applicants)
   • Proof of bachelor's degree
   • Proof of doctorate or M.F.A. degree (postdoctoral applicants only)
   • Official TOEFL scores or waiver request
   • Letter of admission from your US institution (or proof of application)
   • CV or résumé
4. Identify three recommenders — recommenders must be professors or professional colleagues who know your work and academic background well. They submit their letters directly through the portal after you name them in your application.
5. Complete and submit your application — submit all materials including recommender letters by the deadline. The application window typically opens in August and closes in late September or November depending on the cycle.
6. Await notification — all applicants receive notification of decisions by 15 April of the following year. AAUW does not accommodate requests for earlier notification.

The fellowship term runs 1 July – 30 June. Award payments are made in two instalments — first payment in July–September, second payment in January (requires an interim report by 15 December).

For the 2027-28 fellowship year, the application window is expected to open in August 2026. Monitor the official AAUW page for exact dates: aauw.org/international-fellowships.