The AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a prestigious program designed to support women scholars from outside the United States in pursuing cutting-edge postdoctoral research within accredited U.S. institutions. Established by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), this program is a vital part of the organization’s commitment to advancing educational and professional equity for women and girls globally. The fellowship represents a powerful opportunity for high-achieving women to advance scholarly work, build academic networks, and contribute meaningfully to the global research community.
Open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the fellowship enables recipients to conduct their first postdoctoral research project at a U.S. institution. In some exceptional cases, applicants affiliated with Graduate Women International (GWI) may conduct their fellowship in a country other than their own, as long as the host institution is recognized under U.S. federal financial aid standards. This global inclusivity supports AAUW’s mission of empowering women regardless of national boundaries.
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The fellowship is particularly impactful for women scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies and are looking to transition into full-time academic or research careers. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and present a research proposal that addresses significant challenges in their field. The fellowship encourages cross-disciplinary projects that exhibit originality, scholarly rigor, and potential to yield high-impact outcomes. Priority is often given to proposals that align with AAUW’s broader goals of educational advancement, economic security, and social change.
The fellowship award of $50,000 is provided for one full year of research and is disbursed in two equal installments. These funds support living expenses, research materials, and other costs associated with the postdoctoral project. However, recipients must arrange for their own visa sponsorship, as AAUW does not provide visa or relocation services. The fellowship does not cover indirect institutional costs or fund additional staff or assistants, emphasizing the award’s focus on individual academic excellence and independent research.
Fellows are expected to fully engage in their research for the entire fellowship period, residing in the country of their host institution and not undertaking any other academic or professional commitments during the tenure. The fellowship prohibits concurrent applications for degree programs, part-time employment, or dual fellowships. At the conclusion of their award period, fellows are encouraged to return to their home countries to share their findings and apply their knowledge in ways that will benefit their academic, scientific, and professional communities.
In addition to financial support, recipients gain international visibility, professional development, and the opportunity to join a global network of over 13,000 AAUW fellowship alumnae. Many past fellows have gone on to become leaders in their fields, occupying prestigious academic, research, and policy positions around the world. The fellowship, therefore, acts not only as a catalyst for individual academic careers but also as a vehicle for broader societal transformation.
AAUW’s legacy of empowering women dates back to the early 20th century. This fellowship embodies that enduring commitment by recognizing and nurturing the potential of women scholars who might otherwise lack the resources or institutional backing to pursue postdoctoral research abroad. By supporting talented women at a critical stage in their academic journey, the AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowship continues to shape the future of global research and innovation.
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Requirement/Eligibility
1. Applicant must identify as a woman and hold citizenship in a country other than the United States.
2. Applicant must not be a U.S. permanent resident or citizen.
3. Applicant must have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D., etc.) by the application deadline.
4. The postdoctoral research must be the first postdoctoral position for the applicant.
5. Applicant must have a confirmed affiliation with a U.S. host institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
6. Graduate Women International (GWI) members may conduct research in countries other than their own, if the institution is accredited.
7. Applicant must have a minimum grade point average equivalent to 3.5/4.0 scale in their doctoral program.
8. Applicant must be residing in the country of research during the fellowship year.
9. The fellowship is open only to full-time research; no part-time work or concurrent employment is allowed.
10. Applicants must not be AAUW staff, board members, or have immediate family members currently associated with AAUW in such roles.
Duration/Stipend
The fellowship provides support for one year of full-time postdoctoral research. It is non-renewable and cannot be extended. The total award is $50,000, disbursed in two installments—one at the beginning of the fellowship and the second at its midpoint, subject to satisfactory progress and compliance with all fellowship terms.
Deadline
August 1, 2025
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