American Doctoral Fellowship for Women in the United States

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The American Doctoral Fellowship provides a $25,000 stipend to eligible women pursuing their first doctoral degree at accredited institutions in the United States and eligible U.S.-recognized institutions. The fellowship supports doctoral study across all academic disciplines, with particular encouragement for applicants in STEM fields and those conducting research related to gender issues. The fellowship is part of AAUW’s long-standing commitment to supporting women’s higher education, academic advancement, and participation in research and professional careers. American Doctoral Fellowship Overview The American Doctoral Fellowship is a doctoral funding opportunity for women who are pursuing their first doctoral degree. The program supports full-time doctoral study and is open to applicants from a broad range of academic disciplines. While all fields are eligible, applicants working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or researching gender-related issues are particularly encouraged to apply. The fellowship was established as part of AAUW’s broader mission to expand educational opportunities for women and strengthen their participation in academia. American Doctoral Fellowship Award Amount Each selected fellow receives a $25,000 stipend. The stipend is distributed in two equal payments: $12,500 at the beginning of the fellowship term $12,500 at the midpoint of the fellowship term The funding is intended to provide financial support during the doctoral fellowship period. Who Is Eligible? Applicants must satisfy the program’s academic, citizenship, enrollment, and degree requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

Identify as women. Be pursuing their first doctoral degree. Be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program. Study at an accredited institution in the United States or an eligible recognized international institution. Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident. Reside in an eligible U.S. jurisdiction. Meet the fellowship’s requirements for doctoral enrollment during the fellowship year. The fellowship accepts applicants from all fields of study.

Particular encouragement is given to applicants working in

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Gender-related research Other academic disciplines at the doctoral level Eligible U.S. Jurisdictions Applicants must have eligible U.S. citizenship, nationality, or permanent residency status connected to one of the jurisdictions recognized by the program. Certain applicants are excluded because of program rules, conflicts of interest, or restrictions on receiving multiple national AAUW awards.

Ineligible applicants include:

Current AAUW Board members AAUW employees Fellowship or grant review panelists Immediate family members covered by the program’s conflict-of-interest restrictions Applicants for another national AAUW fellowship or grant during the same year Previous recipients of national AAUW fellowships or grants, except recipients of Community Action Grants or local awards Individuals pursuing a master’s degree during the fellowship year Applicants should carefully review the current fellowship rules before submitting an application. What Fields of Study Are Supported? The American Doctoral Fellowship is not restricted to a particular academic discipline. Women pursuing doctoral research in a wide range of areas may be considered. The program particularly encourages applications involving: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Gender studies Research addressing gender-related questions Academic research that contributes to women’s advancement or broader scholarly knowledge The important requirement is that the applicant is pursuing their first doctoral degree and meets the program’s enrollment and eligibility conditions. Why the American Doctoral Fellowship Matters Doctoral education can involve substantial tuition, research, living, and academic expenses. Fellowship funding can help reduce financial barriers and allow doctoral students to concentrate more fully on their research and academic development. The American Doctoral Fellowship is significant because it: Provides $25,000 in direct fellowship support. Supports women pursuing doctoral-level education. Accepts applicants across academic disciplines. Encourages women in STEM research. Encourages research addressing gender issues. Contributes to women’s participation in higher education and academia. Supports the development of future researchers, scholars, educators, and professionals. How the American Doctoral Fellowship Works The fellowship follows a straightforward eligibility and application process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Degree Status

Determine whether you are pursuing your first doctoral degree. Applicants who have already completed a doctoral degree generally do not qualify as first-time doctoral candidates.

Step 2: Verify Your Citizenship or Residency

Confirm that you meet the program’s U.S. citizenship, nationality, or permanent residency requirements.

Step 3: Confirm Full-Time Enrollment

You must be enrolled full-time in an eligible doctoral program during the fellowship period.

Step 4: Check Your Institution

Verify that your university or institution meets the program’s accreditation or eligibility requirements.

Step 5: Review Conflict-of-Interest Restrictions

Check whether you or an immediate family member falls within any AAUW employment, governance, review, or other restricted category.

Step 6: Confirm Other Fellowship Applications

Applicants should verify that they are not simultaneously applying for another national AAUW fellowship or grant when prohibited by the program rules.

Step 7: Prepare the Application

Prepare all information and supporting materials required by the current application instructions. Applicants should ensure that their academic information, doctoral enrollment, citizenship or residency status, and research details are accurate and consistent.

Step 8: Submit Before the Dead