AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship 2025–2026:

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for its Selected Professions Fellowship 2025–2026, a prestigious program offering $20,000 in funding for U.S. women pursuing their first full-time graduate degree in STEM, architecture, mathematics, engineering, or medicine—fields where women remain significantly underrepresented.

About the Fellowship

Established to promote gender equity in high-impact professional sectors, the AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship supports women with exceptional academic promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing diversity in historically male-dominated professions.

Fellowship Level

• Graduate-level fellowship for U.S. women pursuing their first master’s or professional degree

Eligible Fields of Study

Applicants must be enrolled in one eligible discipline. These include:

1. Architecture

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

• Master of Science in Architecture (MS)

2. Natural & Physical Sciences

• Master’s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Geology, Agriculture, Biomedical Science, Zoology, or Materials Science

3. Technology

• Master’s in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Robotics, or Information Science

4. Engineering

• Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Geotechnical Engineering

5. Mathematics & Statistics

• Master’s in Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Statistics, or Econometrics

6. Medicine & Healthcare

• Professional degrees including:

  • MD (Doctor of Medicine)

  • DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

  • DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)

  • DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry)

  • OD (Doctor of Optometry)

  • DC (Doctor of Chiropractic)

  • DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine)

Fellowship Benefits

Selected recipients will receive:

• A $20,000 stipend (disbursed in two payments)
• Access to AAUW’s professional development and leadership training resources
• Inclusion in a respected national network of women leaders and scholars
• Recognition from one of the nation’s most historic women’s advocacy organizations

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Identify as a woman
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be pursuing their first full-time master’s or professional degree in an eligible field
• Be enrolled in a U.S.-based accredited institution
• Begin the program by September 1, 2026 and graduate after April 30, 2027
• Apply in only one eligible discipline

Not Eligible:

• Past recipients of national AAUW fellowships or grants
• Applicants for other AAUW fellowships in the same year
• AAUW staff or immediate family of board members

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

• Academic achievements and career goals
• Commitment to gender equity and diversity in STEM fields
• Leadership potential and community involvement

• Special consideration for:

  • First-generation college students
  • Individuals from single-parent households
  • Applicants who have overcome adversity (e.g., financial hardship, discrimination, limited access)

Application Timeline

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Online application and personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts and degree documentation
• A portfolio (for architecture students)
• Certified translations for any non-English documents

Applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

How to Prepare and Apply

AAUW is currently transitioning to a new application portal. To prepare:

• Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page
• Start drafting your personal statement
• Collect your academic transcripts and documents
• Reach out to recommenders early
• Contact: awards@aauw.org for any questions

Why This Fellowship Matters

The AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship is more than financial support — it’s a platform to elevate the next generation of female leaders in engineering, science, medicine, and design. With a focus on equity, leadership, and innovation, this fellowship helps close the gender gap in high-demand sectors that shape our future.

Apply Here