AAUW USA Selected Professions Fellowship 2025

AAUW USA Selected Professions Fellowship 2025

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Selected Professions Fellowship Program 2025–2026, a competitive opportunity offering $20,000 in funding to women pursuing their first full-time master’s or professional degree in STEM, architecture, mathematics, engineering, medicine, and other historically male-dominated fields.

This fellowship is designed to increase gender equity in critical sectors where women remain significantly underrepresented and to support future leaders committed to advancing diversity in their professions.

Degree Level

AAUW USA Selected Professions Fellowship 2025 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at USA Universities.

Available Subjects

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in one of the following eligible fields:

1. Architecture

1. Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
2. Master of Science in Architecture (MS)

2. Natural & Physical Sciences

1. Master’s in: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Geology, Zoology, Agriculture, Biomedical Science, and Materials Science

3. Technology

1. Master’s in: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Information Science

4. Engineering

1. Master of Science (MS) or Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace, and Geotechnical Engineering

5. Mathematics & Statistics

1. Master’s in: Applied Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Econometrics

6. Medicine & Healthcare Professions

1. Professional degree in:
2. Doctor of Medicine (MD)
3. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
4. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
5. Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD)
6. Doctor of Optometry (OD)
7. Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
8. Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

Benefits

Recipients of the Selected Professions Fellowship will receive:

1. $20,000 stipend (disbursed in two equal payments)
2. Professional recognition from one of the nation’s oldest organizations advancing women in education
3. Leadership development and career advancement support
4. Opportunity to join a powerful alumni network of women scholars and professionals

Eligible Nationalities

Open to domestic students only.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Identify as a woman
2. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
3. Be pursuing their first full-time master’s or professional degree
4. Be enrolled at a U.S. accredited institution (or one recognized by U.S. federal aid programs)
5. Not already hold a master’s or professional degree
6. Begin their eligible degree program on or before September 1, 2026 and finish on or after April 30, 2027
7. Apply in one eligible discipline only

Not Eligible:

1. Past national AAUW fellowship or grant recipients
2. Applicants for other AAUW fellowships in the same year
3. Current or former employees and family members of AAUW leadership

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

1. Academic excellence and achievements
2. Well-defined career goals in a STEM or underrepresented field
3. Passion for and commitment to equity in STEM
4. Dedication to serving underrepresented communities
5. Support for women and girls through mentoring or leadership
6. Special consideration is given to:
7. First-generation college graduates
8. Individuals from single-parent households
9. Applicants who have overcome significant challenges (socioeconomic, discrimination, limited access)

Application Procedure

Application & Fellowship Deadlines

1. Application Submission Opens: August 1, 2025
2. Application Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025
3. Fellowship Award Notification: April 15, 2026
4. Fellowship Term Begins: July 1, 2026
5. First Stipend Disbursed: July 2026
6. Interim Report Due: December 15, 2026
7. Second Stipend Disbursed: January 2027
8. Fellowship Term Ends: June 30, 2027
9. Final Report Due: July 31, 2027

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Narrative application
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. Proof of all academic degrees
4. Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
5. Design portfolio (architecture students only)
6. Certified translations for any non-English documents

Note: Applications must be complete, accurate, and submitted by the deadline. No late or supplemental materials will be accepted.

How to Apply

The AAUW is currently transitioning to a new application portal. Here’s how to prepare in the meantime:

1. Visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants page for updates
2. Begin drafting your personal statement and gathering documents
3. Secure your recommendation letters early
4. Email questions to: awards@aauw.org

Final Thoughts

The AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship 2025–2026 is more than just funding—it’s a pathway to leadership, academic excellence, and change-making in some of the world’s most vital and underrepresented fields. If you're a woman ready to break barriers in STEM, medicine, or architecture, this fellowship could launch your journey.