AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026-2027 ($25,000 stipend)

Omran Aburayya
Aug 23, 2025
3 min read

If you're a woman in the final year of your Ph.D. journey, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Dissertation Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity. Applications for the 2026–2027 fellowship cycle are now open—offering a $25,000 stipend to support you through the critical final year of dissertation writing.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: United States (or international institutions eligible for U.S. federal student aid)
Host Institution: Any accredited U.S. institution or eligible international institution
Study Level: Doctoral (first Ph.D.)
Target Group: Women (must self-identify as a woman); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Fields of Focus: All fields welcome; priority given to STEM fields and research on gender issues
Award Value: $25,000 stipend, disbursed in two equal payments (beginning and midpoint of the fellowship term)
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 (submission opens August 1)
Eligible To: Women finishing first doctoral degree; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; institutions accredited or eligible for federal student aid programs

💡 Fellowship Overview

This fellowship offers financial support without prescribed curriculum—designed to empower you to complete your dissertation full-time. The support includes:

Stipend: $25,000 total, paid in two installments.
Schedule Highlights:
- Application Submission: August 1 – September 30, 2025
- Award Notification: April 15, 2026
- First Stipend: Between July and September 2026
- Interim Report Due: December 15, 2026
- Second Stipend: January 2027
- Final Report Due: July 31, 2027

🎁 Benefits

Substantial financial support during your final dissertation year.
Flexibility to dedicate yourself fully to research and writing.
Recognition from a historic and prestigious funding body promoting equity within academia.
Preference considerations for applicants in STEM, gender studies, overcoming life challenges, first-generation status, and single-parent households .
Broad eligibility—open to scholars across disciplines and institutions meeting federal aid criteria.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Must self-identify as a woman.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Must be in final year of dissertation writing, with all coursework completed, prelims passed, and research proposal approved or in plan by application .
Must be completing your first doctoral degree.
Must be enrolled at an eligible U.S. or international institution recognized under U.S. federal student aid programs.
Ineligible:
- AAUW Board members, employees, interns, consultants, or their immediate families.
- Current holders or same-year applicants for other national AAUW fellowships (excluding branch-level awards).
- Individuals pursuing a Master’s degree during the fellowship year .

🔍 Selection Criteria

Your application will be evaluated on:

Scholarly Excellence: academic achievements, recognitions, distinctions.
Originality & Impact: innovation and potential of your research.
Commitment to Women & Girls: demonstrated through service, research, or outreach.
Feasibility: clarity and realism of your research timeline and plan.
Priority Considerations:
- STEM or gender-focused research.
- Overcoming adversity (e.g., socioeconomic, discrimination, limited resources).
- First in family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- From or leading single-parent households .

📝 Application Procedure

Portal Access: Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants application portal (opens August 1, 2025) and set up or log in to your account .
Submit:
- Narrative Application, including responses on research plan, career goals, autobiography, budget, and commitment to women and girls.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two total—one from your dissertation advisor; the second from a professional familiar with your scholarly profile. Personal emails (not dossier services) preferred .
- Proof of Degree: Copy of highest degree (with translations if necessary).
- Transcripts: Official transcripts (highest degree and current doctoral studies; translations as needed).
- Dissertation Certification Form: Signed by institutional official confirming course completion, prelims, and approved research proposal .
- Additional required elements include a CV, budget, and any narrative responses (as indicated by your institution’s guidance) .

⭐ Final Thoughts

The AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship stands as a significant and career-advancing opportunity—especially for women pursuing doctoral research. With $25,000 and a well-structured support timeline, it enables full concentration on completing your dissertation.

📆 Key Dates: