Graduate Women International Fellowships 2028
Between Cycles
Overview
The Graduate Women International Fellowships support women PhD candidates who want to study or do research in a country other than the one where they were educated. Fellowships cover eight to twelve months of work and grants cover a minimum of two months, with award values that range from CHF 1,000 to 6,000. Graduate Women International runs the programme once every three years. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers
What to know before applying
You must be enrolled for a PhD and have completed the first year of your doctoral programme by the closing date. Members apply free of charge, and non-members can apply by paying an administration fee, which is CHF 50 for women in developing countries. You also need proof of admission to the place where you plan to study or research, and your referee letters go in separately from the application. Awards are not renewable, and they do not fund conferences or direct family support.
Selection looks at your motivation, academic ability, the originality and feasibility of your plan, and the benefit to women and girls. These details come from the 2025 guidelines, and GWI says the guidelines may change for the 2028 round. See the GWI fellowships page for the latest version. For other options, see the ECB Scholarship for Women, the LSE PhD Studentships and more PhD scholarships.
Timeline notes
GWI states that the next call opens in October 2027, and the exact closing date is not yet published. For the 2025 round the competition opened on 1 November 2024 and closed on 15 January 2025, which gives a rough idea of timing. See the application deadline section for the current status.
About the Graduate Women International Fellowships
The Graduate Women International Fellowships is a partially funded scholarship offered by Graduate Women International (GWI) for study in A country other than the one in which you were educated. The scholarship supports students pursuing PhD studies in Not communicated. Recipients receive Awards vary from CHF 1,000 to 6,000 depending on the fellowship or grant. The amounts in the 2025 guidelines were indicative and may change for a duration of Fellowships are for eight to twelve months of work and grants for a minimum of two months. Awards are not renewable.
Eligible applicants: Women PhD candidates. Members apply free of charge and non-members can apply by paying an administration fee, which is CHF 50 for women in developing countries. Academic standing: Not communicated.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Graduate Women International Fellowships selection criteria, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance your education with financial assistance. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Graduate Women International Fellowships receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: Awards vary from CHF 1,000 to 6,000 depending on the fellowship or grant. The amounts in the 2025 guidelines were indicative and may change
- Tuition fees: Not communicated
- Accommodation: Not communicated
- Airfare / travel: A limited amount of funding for travel can be requested if the research requires leaving your country of enrolment
- Health insurance: Not communicated
- Family / dependants: No. The fellowships give no assistance for direct family support
- Program duration: Fellowships are for eight to twelve months of work and grants for a minimum of two months. Awards are not renewable
- Number of awards per year: Several fellowships and grants per competition
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. Recipients receive substantial financial support, but should plan to supplement with personal or family contributions for uncovered expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Graduate Women International Fellowships, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: Enrolled for a PhD and have completed the first year of the doctoral programme by the closing date
- Academic standing: Not communicated
- Academic background: Selection looks at motivation, academic ability, originality and feasibility of the plan, relevance to GWI's mission and the benefit to women and girls
- Fields of study: Not communicated
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: Women PhD candidates. Members apply free of charge and non-members can apply by paying an administration fee, which is CHF 50 for women in developing countries
- Residency: The award must be used in a country other than the one where you were educated and where you habitually live
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Not communicated
- Language test: Not communicated
- Minimum score: Not communicated
Other requirements
- Age: No age limit for most awards. The Nazan Moroglu Recognition Award is for members under 40
- Gender: Women only
How to Apply for the Graduate Women International Fellowships
Applications for the Graduate Women International Fellowships are submitted through the official channels of Graduate Women International (GWI). Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: The application form, proof of membership for members, proof that you completed the first year of your PhD, proof of admission to the proposed place of study or research, and the administration fee for non-members. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, referee letters are sent separately and must not be included in the application. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is To be announced. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Graduate Women International Fellowships is To be announced. Application window: To be announced.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Graduate Women International Fellowships fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. See the Benefits section above for a detailed breakdown of what's covered and what recipients must pay for themselves.
Who can apply for the Graduate Women International Fellowships?
Applicants must be from Women PhD candidates. Members apply free of charge and non-members can apply by paying an administration fee, which is CHF 50 for women in developing countries. Additionally, applicants must hold Enrolled for a PhD and have completed the first year of the doctoral programme by the closing date. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Graduate Women International Fellowships is To be announced. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Not communicated.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.