AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship Program

Are you a woman pursuing your first master’s or professional degree in a field traditionally underrepresented by women? The AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship offers a generous $20,000 stipend (paid in two installments) to support your graduate studies in areas such as STEM, architecture, or medicine. Let’s explore how this fellowship can power your academic journey.

Fellowship Highlights

• Stipend: $20,000, disbursed in two equal payments—one at the start of the term and one at the midpoint.
• Fields of Study:
  • Architecture (M.Arch, M.S.)
  • Natural & Physical Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Materials Science, Physics, Zoology)
  • Technology (e.g., AI, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Robotics)
  • Engineering (e.g., Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Geotechnical, Mechanical Engineering)
  • Mathematics & Statistics (e.g., Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Actuarial Science)
  • Medicine & Allied Professions (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DC, DPM)

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following to apply:

• Identify as a woman. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (UChicagoGRAD | The University of Chicago)
• Be pursuing your first full-time master’s or professional degree in one of the approved disciplines. Applicants having already earned a master’s or professional degree are not eligible. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Begin your program by September 1, 2026, and complete it by April 30, 2027, to match the fellowship timeline. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Attend an accredited U.S. institution, or an international institution eligible under U.S. federal student aid programs. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)

Disqualifications:

• AAUW board members, employees, or their immediate family members.
• Prior recipients of AAUW national fellowships or grants (with exceptions for local or Community Action Grants). (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)

Selection Criteria

AAUW looks for applicants who demonstrate:

• Academic excellence through transcripts, honors, and recommendations.
• Clear and meaningful career goals aligned with their chosen field.
• A passion for STEM and intention to contribute toward equity and societal advancement.
• A commitment to supporting women and girls, whether professionally or in community service.
• Bonus consideration for applicants who have:
  • Plans to serve underserved communities or public interest sectors.
  • Overcame adversity (e.g., socioeconomic challenges, discrimination).
  • Are first-generation college graduates or from single-parent households. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)

Application Essentials & Timeline

Important Dates:

• Application Window: August 1 – September 30, 2025 (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Award Notifications: Around April 15, 2026 (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Fellowship Tenure: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Required Reports:
  • Interim Report: December 15, 2026
  • Final Report: July 31, 2027 (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)

To Apply:

• Register via the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal and complete the narrative application. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)
• Required documents:
  1. Two letters of recommendation (from academic/professional sources; avoid dossier services).
  2. Transcripts and diplomas proving your bachelor’s degree equivalent (with certified English translations if needed).
  3. For architecture applicants, submit 4–6 images of past design work with your name visible. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)

Important Notes:

• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• No feedback or deadline extensions will be provided.
• Once submitted, you cannot revise your application. (AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881, AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881)

Summary Table

The AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship presents an incredible opportunity for women pursuing advanced degrees in underrepresented fields to receive critical support and recognition. If you are passionate about breaking barriers in your field, making impactful contributions, and embodying leadership, you should consider applying.