What it covers
A stipend towards a year of full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States. It is a contribution to the year's costs rather than a complete package, so it is normally combined with departmental funding.
Who can apply
Women who are not US citizens or permanent residents, including Bangladeshi nationals, holding the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree and intending to return to their home country after the degree. Recent cycles have prioritised STEM fields — confirm the current subject scope before applying.
How to apply
- Check the current cycle's eligible fields and levels, which have narrowed in recent years.
- Apply to the US graduate programme separately — AAUW does not admit you.
- Submit the AAUW application with its essays and references within the round.
- Provide proof of your intention to return to your home country.
Documents you will need
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Personal statement
- Two or three recommendations
- CV
- TOEFL or IELTS
- Proof of non-US citizenship
Tips from successful applicants
- Treat it as a top-up: plan how tuition is covered before counting on it.
- The return-home commitment is assessed seriously and is written into the terms.
- The subject scope has changed between cycles, so a guide written two years ago may be wrong.