AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 – $50,000 for Women Scholars

Host Country: United States
Funding Body: American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Level: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Funding Type: Fully Funded – $50,000 stipend
Application Period: August 1 – September 30, 2025

Overview

The AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026 offer a life-changing opportunity for women scholars from around the world to carry out cutting-edge postdoctoral research in the United States. Funded by the American Association of University Women, this fully funded fellowship empowers non-U.S. women to advance global knowledge, promote gender equity in STEM and social sciences, and lead meaningful change in their home countries.

Since 1917, AAUW has supported thousands of women in education and research, making this one of the most prestigious postdoctoral awards for international women scholars.

Eligible Research Fields

The fellowship supports full-time postdoctoral research in the following areas:

• Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Zoology)
• Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
• Health and Medical Sciences
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Psychology and Social Sciences
• Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
• Agriculture and Food Sciences
• Information & Data Science

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• $50,000 stipend, paid in two equal installments
• Research-related travel allowance and living costs
• Recognition by a global network of women leaders and researchers
• Opportunity to apply for partner-sponsored internships (e.g., Apple Research)
• Access to mentoring, alumni networking, and academic visibility

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

• Identify as a woman
• Be a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Hold a completed doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., J.D., etc.)
• Have a minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent academic distinction
• Be admitted to a U.S. postdoctoral research program by the deadline
• Be ready to begin full-time research by September 1, 2026
• Not hold another full postdoctoral fellowship during the AAUW term
• Demonstrate a clear plan to contribute to women’s empowerment and academic excellence

Preferred Applicants

Priority will be given to candidates who:

• Are currently residing in their home country
• Come from underrepresented nations in past fellowships
• Are beginning their first international postdoctoral experience
• Show strong intent to return and positively impact their local communities

Important Timeline

Apply Also

• KAAD Germany Scholarships for International Students 2025 (Fully Funded)
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UWC 2026 – Fully Funded (Apply Now)

Required Documents

• Two letters of recommendation (directly from references)
• Copy of doctoral degree certificate
• Official transcript with course list and GPA
• GPA conversion if needed
• English proficiency proof (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge)
• Admission letter from a U.S. postdoctoral institution
• Certified English translations for non-English documents
• Statement of purpose and proposed research goals
• GWI membership proof (if applicable)
• Document explaining any name discrepancies

Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. No corrections are allowed after submission.

How to Apply

1. Prepare all required documents in advance
2. Monitor the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page for updates
3. Applications open August 1, 2025, and close September 30, 2025
4. For assistance, email: awards@aauw.org

Apply Here