AAUW USA International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026

Description

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) continues its century-long mission of supporting global gender equity in academia with its International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships for 2026. These prestigious fellowships are designed for women scholars who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, providing them the opportunity to pursue postdoctoral research in the United States while contributing to education and empowerment in their home countries.

Since 1917, AAUW has funded thousands of exceptional women worldwide, advancing both knowledge and equity through academic excellence.

Degree Level

AAUW USA International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026 is available to undertake Post Doctorate, Research, Fellowship level programs at American Association of University Women.

Available Subjects

The fellowship supports postdoctoral research in Natural and Physical Sciences, including but not limited to:

1. Biology, Chemistry, Physics
2. Earth & Environmental Sciences
3. Health, Medicine, and Psychology
4. Agriculture, Architecture, and Engineering
5. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and Technology
6. Materials Science and Zoology
7. Data Science and Information Technology

Benefits

Fellows selected for the AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship receive:

1. A $50,000 stipend, disbursed in two equal payments
2. Funding for research-related travel, living costs, and other eligible expenses
3. Prestigious recognition and visibility in academic and policy communities
4. Eligibility to apply separately for internships at Apple or other partners (if available)

Eligible Nationalities

Open to international female students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

1. Identify as a woman
2. Be a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident
3. Have completed an academic or professional doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., J.D., Ed.D., etc.)
4. Hold a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 or submit an equivalent conversion
5. Be admitted to a postdoctoral research program in the U.S. by the application deadline
6. Begin the fellowship by September 1, 2026, and continue through at least May 30, 2027
7. Commit to full-time postdoctoral research during the fellowship term
8. Demonstrate a strong record of academic excellence and commitment to empowering women and girls
9. Not hold a similar industry-sponsored full fellowship during the fellowship term

Selection Preferences

AAUW gives preference to applicants who:

1. Are residing in their home country at the time of application
2. Come from underrepresented countries among past awardees
3. Are pursuing their first international postdoctoral experience
4. Can demonstrate a clear plan to contribute to their home country upon completion of the fellowship

Application Procedure

Timeline for the 2026 Fellowship

1. Application Submission Period: August 1 – September 30, 2025
2. Fellowship Award Notification: April 15, 2026
3. First Stipend Disbursement: Between July and September 2026
4. Fellowship Term Duration: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
5. Interim Report Due: December 15, 2026
6. Second Stipend Disbursement: January 2027
7. Final Report Due: July 31, 2027

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

1. Two letters of recommendation (not from dossier services)
2. Copy of doctoral degree certificate
3. Official transcript (with course list and grades)
4. CGPA proof (minimum 3.5/4.0) or credential evaluation
5. Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Duolingo
6. Admission letter from a U.S. postdoctoral program
7. GWI membership proof (if applying to study in a country other than the U.S.)
8. Certified English translations for all non-English documents
9. Explanation for any name discrepancies in documents

Important Notes

1. Applications must be complete and accurate—no corrections or additional documents allowed after submission
2. AAUW does not provide feedback on applications
3. No deadline extensions are granted under any circumstance
4. The fellowship is not applicable to those pursuing an academic degree during the fellowship term
5. Fellows must conduct full-time research only
6. Recipients are responsible for obtaining their own visa for the U.S.

How to Apply

AAUW is currently transitioning to a new awards management system. While the application portal is not yet open, applicants can:

1. Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page regularly for updates
2. Begin preparing required documents
3. Contact the AAUW team at awards@aauw.org for questions

Conclusion

The AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 is more than financial support—it’s a launchpad for women scholars to transform lives through scientific discovery and leadership. With a $50,000 stipend, world-class mentorship, and a legacy of impact, this opportunity is ideal for aspiring women researchers ready to make a global difference.