The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is still working to make sure that men and women are treated equally in higher education around the world. They are doing this with their International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships for 2026. These highly regarded fellowships are for women scholars who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They give them the chance to do postdoctoral research in the U.S. while also helping to improve education and empower women in their home countries.

AAUW has supported thousands of outstanding women globally since 1917, using academic excellence to advance equity and knowledge.

Short Detail of AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

Degree Level of AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

The American Association of University Women is offering post-doctoral research fellowships for 2026 through the AAUW USA International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.

Available Subjects of AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

The fellowship funds postdoctoral studies in the physical and natural sciences, such as but not restricted 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 of AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship recipients are awarded:

1. A stipend of $50,000, paid out in two equal installments
2. Financing for living expenses, travel, and other acceptable costs associated with research
3. prestigious acknowledgment and prominence in the policy and academic communities
4. Possession of the ability to independently apply for internships at Apple or other partners (if available)

Eligible Nationalities for AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

International female students of all nationalities are welcome.

Eligibility Criteria for AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

In order to apply, applicants need to:

1. Consider yourself a woman.
2. Be a permanent resident or non-citizen of the United States
3. Possess a professional or academic doctorate (Ph.D., M.D., J.D., Ed.D., etc.).
4. Maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0, or provide a conversion that is comparable.
5. Be accepted by the application deadline into a postdoctoral research program in the United States.
6. Start the fellowship by September 1, 2026, and keep it going until at least May 30, 2027.
7. Throughout the fellowship term, dedicate yourself to full-time postdoctoral research.
8. Show a proven track record of academic success and a dedication to empowering girls and women.
9. Not have a comparable full fellowship sponsored by the industry during the fellowship period.

Selection Preferences

AAUW favors candidates who:

1. Are living in their nation of origin when they submit their application.
2. Originate from nations that are underrepresented among previous recipients.
3. Are seeking their first postdoctoral experience abroad.
4. Can show that, after the fellowship, they have a well-defined plan to support their home country.

Application Procedure for AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

Schedule for the Fellowship in 2026

1. Time Frame for Submitting Applications: August 1 – September 30, 2025
2. Notification of Fellowship Award: April 15, 2026
3. Initial Disbursement of Stipend: Between July and September 2026
4. Duration of the Fellowship: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
5. Due Date for the Interim Report: December 15, 2026
6. Second Disbursement of Stipend: January 2027
7. Final Report Is Due: July 31, 2027

Application Requirements for AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

The following paperwork needs to be ready and submitted by applicants:

1. Two recommendation letters (not from dossier services)
2. A copy of the certificate for a doctorate
3. Official transcript (including grades and a list of courses)
4. Credential evaluation or proof of CGPA (minimum 3.5/4.0)
5. Evidence of fluency in English: Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo
6. Letter of admission to a postdoctoral program in the United States
7. Proof of GWI membership (if applying to study abroad)
8. Translations of all non-English documents into certified English
9. Justification for any name inconsistencies in the documents

Important Notes

1. Applications must be accurate and complete; after they are submitted, no revisions or extra documents are permitted.
2. AAUW does not offer application feedback.
3. Under no circumstances are deadline extensions granted.
4. Those pursuing an academic degree during the fellowship term are not eligible for the fellowship.
5. Fellows are only permitted to work on research full-time.
6. It is the recipients’ responsibility to secure their own U.S. visa.

How to Apply for AAUW International Postdoctoral Fellowships

AAUW is in the process of switching to a new system for managing awards. Although the application portal is not yet operational, candidates can:

1. For updates, frequently check the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page.
2. Start getting the necessary paperwork ready.
3. For inquiries, email the AAUW team at awards@aauw.org.

Conclusion

Beyond just providing funding, the AAUW International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 serves as a springboard for female scholars to change lives via leadership and scientific advancement. For ambitious women researchers who are prepared to change the world, this opportunity is perfect because it offers a $50,000 stipend, top-notch mentorship, and a legacy of impact.