AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship Program 2026

If you’re a woman aspiring to break barriers in fields where female presence has historically been low—especially in STEM—this opportunity is for you! The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for the Selected Professions Fellowship Program 2026, offering generous financial support to help you pursue your first full-time master’s or professional degree in an eligible discipline.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Accredited institutions in the United States—or international institutions approved under U.S. federal student aid programs

• Sponsor: AAUW (American Association of University Women)

• Study Level: First full-time master’s or professional degree (e.g., M.S., M.Eng, M.Arch, MD)

• Target Group: Women U.S. citizens or permanent residents who do not already hold a graduate/professional degree

• Fields of Study or Focus:

  • Architecture (M.Arch, M.S. in Architecture)

  • Natural & Physical Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Materials Science, Zoology, etc.)

  • Technology (e.g., Computer Science, AI, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Software Engineering, Data Science, etc.)

  • Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Geotechnical, Mechanical)

  • Mathematics (e.g., Applied Math, Econometrics, Statistics, Actuarial Science)

  • Medicine (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DC, DPM)

• Value & Coverage: $20,000 stipend, disbursed in two equal payments—one at the start and another at the midpoint of the fellowship year

• Award Duration: Fellowship term runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 

• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 

• Start Date: Program must begin on or before September 1, 2026; program completion should be on or after April 30, 2027 

• Eligible To: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a bachelor’s-equivalent degree, seeking their first graduate-level degree; applicants must enroll full-time

📚 Fellowship Overview

The Selected Professions Fellowship supports women entering master’s or professional degree programs in disciplines where women are underrepresented, especially in STEM and related areas. The fellowship covers a year-long academic term beginning in mid-2026. It provides a $20,000 stipend—paid in two installments—to help cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses, childcare, and more, provided the costs fall within the fellowship’s active period.

📆 Timeline Highlights

• Application Submission Period: August 1 – September 30, 2025

• Fellowship Award Notification: April 15, 2026

• First Stipend Disbursement: July 2026

• Fellowship Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

• Interim Report Due: December 15, 2026

• Second Stipend Disbursement: January 2027

• Final Report Submission: July 31, 2027

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

• Financial Support: $20,000 for the academic year, given in two installments

• Use of Funds: Covers tuition, required fees, course materials (e.g., books), housing, living expenses, and childcare; cannot be used for pre-term or post-term costs

• Visibility & Impact: AAUW encourages fellows to publicly announce their award, including providing publicity to local media and using appropriate AAUW boilerplate language

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Identify as a woman (cis or trans inclusive)

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• First-time applicant for a full-time master’s or professional degree; must not already hold one

• Bachelor’s-equivalent degree (U.S. or international); joint-degree applicants may apply only if full-time work in an eligible field spans the entire fellowship year

• Full-time enrollment required throughout the fellowship term

• Program start must be on or before September 1, 2026, and end on or after April 30, 2027

• Disqualifications: AAUW board members or employees (including consultants, interns), their immediate families, applicants to another national AAUW fellowship in the same year, or past recipients of national AAUW fellowships/grants (except local or branch awards)

📝 Application Procedure

To apply, visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants portal via the official AAUW site.

Applicants must prepare:

• A narrative statement highlighting:

  • Academic excellence

  • Clear, motivated career goals in an eligible field

  • Passion and sustained participation in STEM

  • Commitment to advancing women and under-resourced communities

  • Personal resilience (e.g., overcoming socioeconomic or systemic challenges)

  • First-generation college status or single-parent household background (preferred)

• Two Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional references; use professional email addresses only; AAUW discourages standardized/form-letter recommendations and does not accept dossier services like Interfolio

• Proof of Degree: Copy of highest degree with official credential or equivalency documentation (e.g., WES) if international or unclear

• Official Transcripts: From all institutions attended, with full course/grade details; non-English transcripts require certified translation

• Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025—late submissions will not be considered .

⭐ Why This Fellowship Matters

This fellowship is a powerful catalyst for women venturing into underrepresented fields. It not only provides essential financial support but also endorses your leadership, resilience, and community impact. Whether you aim to innovate in engineering, push boundaries in architecture, or lead breakthroughs in medical professions, AAUW’s Selected Professions Fellowship can help pave your path to success.

🔗 Official Link

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