AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026 | $25,000 Funding for Doctoral Candidates Deadline:30th September 2025

Are you a doctoral student preparing to complete your dissertation? The AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026 is one of the most prestigious opportunities for women scholars in the United States. With a generous $25,000 stipend, this fellowship empowers recipients to focus entirely on dissertation writing and defense during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Applications open on August 1, 2025, and the deadline is September 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Pacific Time). If you are a woman pursuing your PhD in the U.S., this is your chance to secure financial support and recognition from one of the most respected women’s organizations in academia.

 

About the AAUW and the Dissertation Fellowship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been a champion of women’s education and leadership since 1881. Through various fellowships and grants, AAUW has funded thousands of women pursuing graduate study, research, and leadership development.

The American Dissertation Fellowship is a flagship program that specifically supports women completing the final stage of their doctoral journey. It is designed to relieve the financial burden of the dissertation year, allowing scholars to dedicate themselves fully to research, writing, and defense.

With AAUW’s reputation for promoting equity and opportunity, being awarded this fellowship is not only about financial aid but also about prestige, recognition, and long-term career advancement.

 

Fellowship Benefits

Recipients of the AAUW Dissertation Fellowship 2026 enjoy:

•  Stipend: $25,000 (disbursed in two installments)
•  Duration: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
•  Purpose: To fund full-time dissertation writing during the fellowship year
•  Recognition: Becoming part of AAUW’s prestigious network of fellows and scholars

This funding is intended to cover living expenses, tuition, and research-related costs, giving fellows the freedom to focus on academic excellence without financial distractions.

 

AAUW Dissertation Fellowship 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To ensure fair selection, AAUW sets strict requirements for applicants. Before applying, make sure you meet all the following criteria:

General Requirements

• Must self-identify as a woman.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident by the application deadline.
• Must not have held a previous AAUW Dissertation Fellowship.

Academic Requirements

• Must be enrolled in a U.S. institution accredited by the Department of Education.
• Must have completed all coursework and examinations by the application deadline.
• Must have an approved dissertation proposal from your department.
• Must plan to devote full-time to dissertation writing during the fellowship year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
• Must graduate within the fellowship year (by June 2027).

Exclusions

• Fellowships are not available for medical degrees (MD, DO, DVM, DDS, etc.) or other terminal professional degrees that do not require a dissertation.
• Applicants in joint-degree programs (such as JD/PhD) must demonstrate that their dissertation work is a primary focus during the fellowship year.
• International students without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible for this fellowship (though AAUW offers separate International Fellowships).

 

Key Dates and Timeline

Here’s the full schedule for the AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026:

•  Applications Open: August 1, 2025
•  Deadline: September 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT)
•  Award Notifications: Mid-April 2026
•  Fellowship Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
•  First Stipend Payment: Between July and September 2026
•  Interim Report Due: December 15, 2026
•  Second Stipend Payment: January 2027
•  Final Report Due: July 31, 2027

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their materials well in advance of the deadline.

 Recommended you:

1. 950 Job Positions at the African Union: Apply Now for AVoHC Rapid Responder Roles
2. 200 AVoHC Rapid Responder Volunteer Positions at African Union
3. Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders 2025 – Fully Virtual Program

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents via the AAUW Fellowship Portal:

1. Completed Online Application Form
2. Dissertation Abstract (1-page summary)
3. Full Dissertation Proposal (up to 10 pages, including references)
4. Departmental Certification Form (signed by your academic advisor confirming your dissertation stage)
5. Three Letters of Recommendation (preferably from faculty familiar with your dissertation work)
6. Official Transcripts from all graduate institutions attended
7. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

 

Why Apply for the AAUW Dissertation Fellowship?

The benefits of this fellowship extend far beyond funding:

•  Academic Prestige: Being an AAUW Fellow strengthens your academic résumé and opens doors to faculty positions and postdoctoral opportunities.
•  Professional Network: Fellows join a network of influential women leaders and academics across the U.S.
• Career Advancement: Funding allows you to graduate on time, publish your research, and focus on career development.
•  Empowerment: As an AAUW Fellow, you represent the next generation of women scholars making a difference in academia and beyond.

Many past recipients of the AAUW Dissertation Fellowship have gone on to become professors, policy advisors, researchers, and thought leaders in their fields.

 

Tips for a Strong Application

To increase your chances of success:

1. Start Early – Prepare all materials before August 2025.
2. Highlight Impact – Demonstrate how your dissertation contributes to your field and to society.
3. Show Commitment – Emphasize your dedication to women’s empowerment, equity, and academic leadership.
4. Choose Strong References – Ask professors who know your research well and can write persuasively.
5. Polish Your Proposal – Make sure your dissertation abstract and proposal are clear, compelling, and free from errors.

 

How to Apply

• Step 1: Visit the AAUW Fellowship Portal (available from August 1, 2025).
• Step 2: Create an account and complete the application form.
• Step 3: Upload all supporting documents.
• Step 4: Submit before September 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT).

⚠️ Important: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

 ✨  – Don’t Miss Your Shot!

The AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026 is more than financial support—it is an opportunity to join a community of women who are shaping the future of academia. With a $25,000 stipend and national recognition, this fellowship allows doctoral candidates to complete their dissertation with confidence and focus.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, this is your chance to invest in your future, finish your PhD strong, and join an influential network of women scholars.

 

Quick Facts

• Fellowship: AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026
• Funding: $25,000 stipend
• Eligibility: Women doctoral candidates, U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Application Portal: AAUW Official Website

• 📁 Bookmark or save this page so you can easily return to it anytime during your application process.
• 💬 Leave a comment below if you have any questions—we're here to help!
• ❤️ Follow us for more scholarship tips and updates.
• 📬 Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest scholarship alerts straight to your inbox!

👉 Don’t wait—start preparing your application now and take one step closer to completing your dissertation with the support of AAUW.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THEOS CAREERS WHATSAPP GROUP FOR DAILY UPDATES