The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is now accepting applications for the prestigious Selected Professions Fellowship Program 2026—a golden opportunity exclusively for women pursuing their first full-time master’s or professional degree in fields where female participation has been historically low, especially STEM disciplines.
If you’re aspiring to break barriers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine, or architecture—this fellowship can help power your academic and professional journey in the United States.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The Selected Professions Fellowship offers a generous stipend of $20,000 per awardee, disbursed in two equal payments—once at the beginning of the fellowship term and again at the midpoint. The fellowship spans a full academic year, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, allowing recipients to fully focus on their studies and professional development.
In addition to financial support, fellows gain access to a vibrant and influential network of professional women leaders across the United States, fostering mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement opportunities.
Eligible Fields of Study
The fellowship supports full-time graduate-level study in the following areas:
- Architecture
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Gender: Must identify as a woman
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens or permanent residents only
- Academic Background: Must possess a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
- Program Status: Must be starting or continuing a full-time eligible master’s/professional degree by September 1, 2026 and finishing on or after April 30, 2027
- Degree Status: Must not already hold a master’s or professional degree
- Accreditation: The institution must be U.S.-accredited or recognized by U.S. federal student aid programs.
Note: Joint-degree program applicants are only eligible if pursuing full-time coursework in an approved discipline.
Application Deadlines & Timeline
The application window for the Selected Professions Fellowship opens on August 1, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their award status by April 15, 2026. The fellowship officially begins on July 1, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2027.
The first installment of the stipend will be disbursed in July 2026, followed by the submission of an interim report due by December 15, 2026. The second stipend payment will be issued in January 2027, and the fellowship concludes with the submission of a final report by July 31, 2027.