[American Association of University Women](https://www.aauw.org)

October 2026

$50,000 stipend for one year, paid in two installments

Supports women scholars with one year of funding to advance independent research and promote gender equity in higher education.

--- ## Description The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), aims to increase the number of women in tenure-track faculty positions and promote gender equity in higher education. The fellowship provides one year of funding for women scholars to pursue independent research in any field, with particular encouragement for those in STEM disciplines or researching gender issues. The award allows recipients to focus fully on research, contributing original work to their field and advancing the broader mission of gender equity in academia. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated application submission deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $50,000 stipend for one year - Disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and midpoint of the fellowship term --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must identify as women. - Must hold a Ph.D., Ed.D., D.B.A., M.F.A., J.D., M.D., D.M.D., D.V.M., D.S.W., or M.P.H. at the time of application. - Must begin postdoctoral program on or before September 1, 2026, and complete it on or after May 30, 2027. - Must be working full-time on postdoctoral research for the duration of the award year. - Research must be conducted at: - An accredited institution in the United States, or - An international institution eligible for U.S. federal student aid programs. - U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required. - Not eligible: AAUW employees, board members, review panelists, their immediate families, or previous national AAUW fellowship/grant recipients (except certain community/local awards). - Cannot concurrently hold another national AAUW fellowship or grant in the same year. - Tenured professors are not eligible. - Cannot pursue a degree during the fellowship year. - Must devote 100% of working time to research during the fellowship period. --- ## Application Process - Submit application via the [AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal](https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/american-postdoctoral-research-leave-fellowship-program/). - Required materials: - Narrative application - Two letters of recommendation (from academic/professional sources; not from dossier services) - Proof of eligible doctoral degree (with certified English translation if needed) - Official transcript confirming degree conferral (with certified translation if not in English) - Project Institution Form (found in the application portal) - All materials must be submitted by the deadline; incomplete or incorrect applications will not be reviewed. - No edits or additional documentation accepted after submission. - Selection is competitive and based on academic excellence, originality, feasibility, teaching experience, and commitment to advancing women and girls. --- ## Additional Information - Fellowship funds may be used for living expenses, research costs, tuition, fees, books, and supplies. - Prohibited expenses: research assistants, previous expenditures, loan repayment, publication costs, institutional overhead, or tuition for dependents. - Tax liability: Recipients are responsible for understanding and fulfilling any tax obligations associated with the award. - If awarded, changes to research institution or project not listed in the application will result in disqualification. - Part-time employment is permitted if it does not interfere with research progress; full-time employment must end or be reduced by September 1 of the fellowship year. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship](https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/american-postdoctoral-research-leave-fellowship-program/) - [AAUW Application Portal](https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/funding-opportunities/american-postdoctoral-research-leave-fellowship-program/) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aauw.org/app/uploads/2025/07/Instructions-to-Create-Account-in-AAUW-Applicant-Portal.pdf) - [Federal Student Aid Participating Schools List](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/international#participating-schools) --- ## Contact Information | Department | Contact Method | |------------|----------------| | AAUW Awards Team | [Contact Form](https://www.aauw.org/contact-us/) or awards@aauw.org | | Phone | 202.785.7700 | ---

American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship - American Association of University Women

Sign in to see full grant listing