AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 for Women Scholars in the USA
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) invites applications for its International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026, offering a prestigious opportunity for women scholars from around the world. These fellowships are open to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have completed a doctoral degree and wish to conduct full-time postdoctoral research in the United States. This initiative aligns with AAUW’s longstanding mission to advance gender equity through education and academic leadership.
Founded in 1917, AAUW has supported thousands of women worldwide in academic and scientific fields. The 2026 fellowship continues this legacy by empowering women researchers to contribute significantly to both U.S.-based research and development efforts in their home countries after the fellowship.
Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship covers a wide range of disciplines in the natural and physical sciences, including:
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Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
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Earth and Environmental Sciences
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Health, Medicine, and Psychology
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Agriculture, Architecture, and Engineering
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Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
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Data Science, Materials Science, and Zoology
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
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A $50,000 stipend, disbursed in two equal installments
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Support for research travel, living expenses, and approved project costs
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Professional visibility and networking opportunities
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The chance to apply for internships at organizations like Apple (if available)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Identify as a woman and be a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident
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Hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., J.D., Ed.D., etc.) before the application deadline
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Have a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent
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Be admitted to a postdoctoral program in the U.S. by September 30, 2025
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Be available to start the fellowship by September 1, 2026 and continue through at least May 30, 2027
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Commit to full-time postdoctoral research during the fellowship term
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Not hold another full industry-sponsored fellowship during the same period
Selection Preferences
Preference will be given to applicants who:
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Are residing in their home country at the time of application
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Represent underrepresented countries among past AAUW fellows
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Are pursuing their first international postdoctoral experience
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Have a clear plan to use their research to benefit their home country
Application Timeline
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Application Opens: August 1, 2025
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Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
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Notification of Award: April 15, 2026
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Fellowship Duration: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
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First Stipend Disbursement: July–September 2026
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Second Stipend Disbursement: January 2027
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Final Report Due: July 31, 2027
Required Documents
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Two letters of recommendation (not from dossier services)
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Doctoral degree certificate and official transcripts
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Proof of GPA or credential evaluation
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English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, Duolingo)
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Admission letter from a U.S. postdoctoral institution
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Certified English translations of all non-English documents
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Proof of GWI membership if applicable
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Explanation for any name discrepancies in documents
Application Instructions
AAUW is transitioning to a new awards management system. While the application portal is not yet open, applicants should:
FAQs
Q: Who can apply for this fellowship?
A: Women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a doctoral degree may apply.
Q: Can I apply if I am still completing my doctoral degree?
A: No. You must have completed your doctoral degree before the application deadline.
Q: Is this fellowship renewable?
A: No, the fellowship is a one-time award for the specified fellowship period.
Q: Can I use the funds for tuition or academic coursework?
A: No. This fellowship does not support enrollment in degree programs; it is strictly for postdoctoral research.
Q: Where can I apply?
A: Applications will be submitted through the new portal announced on the AAUW website in August 2025.
