If you are a woman pursuing your doctoral degree and entering the final year of dissertation writing, the American Dissertation Fellowship 2026-27 from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) could provide the financial and professional boost you need. With a generous $25,000 stipend and a strong legacy of supporting women in academia, this fellowship is designed to help you focus on completing your dissertation while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

About AAUW

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is one of the oldest and most respected organizations advocating for women’s education and equity. AAUW’s American Fellowships, established in 1888, are the oldest non-institutional source of graduate funding for women in the U.S..

AAUW has a global influence, funding projects, fellowships, and research that promote academic excellence, gender equality, and opportunities for women in all disciplines. The American Dissertation Fellowship is part of AAUW’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in academia, research, and public service.

Overview of the American Dissertation Fellowship 2026-27

Fellowship Name	American Dissertation Fellowship
Host Organization	American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Funding Amount	$25,000 stipend (two equal payments)
Degree Level	Doctoral (final year of dissertation writing)
Fellowship Term	July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Application Window	August 1 – September 30, 2025
Eligible Applicants	Women completing first doctoral degree
Notification Date	April 15, 2026
Host Country/Eligibility	U.S. and select international institutions

Fellowship Benefits

• $25,000 stipend paid in two equal installments.
• Financial support to cover living expenses, research costs, and other academic needs during dissertation completion.
• Recognition as an AAUW fellow, joining a distinguished network of women scholars.
• Opportunities for professional networking, visibility, and career advancement.
• This fellowship especially encourages the applicants in STEM fields or gender-related research.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must identify as a woman.
• You’re required to complete the final year of dissertation writing full-time from Jan/01/26, to Jun/30/27.
• Must have completed all coursework and passed preliminary exams.
• Must have an approved research proposal before the fellowship term begins.
• Must be completing your first doctoral degree.
• Must be enrolled at:

1. An accredited U.S. institution, or
2. An international institution eligible for U.S. federal student aid programs.

• Applicants from STEM fields or those researching gender issues are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds or with challenging life circumstances (e.g., first-generation college students, single parents, those overcoming socioeconomic hardships) are given preference.

Application Process

1. Review full eligibility details on the official Fellowship Page.
2. Submit an online application between August 1 and September 30, 2025 via the Application Portal.
3. Prepare required documents:
   • 2 recommendation letters (one from your dissertation advisor).
   • Proof of your highest degree earned.
   • Official transcripts (highest degree received + current program enrollment).
   • Dissertation Certification Form signed by your institution.
4. Ensure your research proposal is approved before application.
5. Submit your application and supporting documents before the deadline—no extensions or edits are allowed after submission.
6. Await award notification on April 15, 2026.

Selection Criteria of American Dissertation Fellowship 2026-27

• Scholarly excellence and academic achievements.
• Originality and potential impact of the dissertation research.
• Feasibility of research plans and completion timeline.
• Commitment to advancing women and girls in education, research, or community service.
• Preference for candidates in STEM fields or gender research.
• Consideration of applicants who have overcome significant challenges or who represent underrepresented backgrounds.

Timeline

Milestone	Date
Application Opens	August 1, 2025
Application Deadline	September 30, 2025
Award Notification	April 15, 2026
First Stipend Payment	July – September 2026
Interim Report Due	December 15, 2026
Second Stipend Payment	January 2027
Final Report Due	July 31, 2027

Comparison of American Dissertation Fellowship vs. Similar Opportunities

Feature	AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship	Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship	Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship
Funding Amount	$25,000	$43,000	$28,000
Eligibility	Women only, final dissertation year	All fields, must be in humanities or social sciences	All fields, focus on diversity and equity
Focus Area Preference	STEM, gender research encouraged	Humanities/social sciences	Diversity advancement in academia
Application Period	Aug – Sept 2025	Summer 2025	Fall 2025
Fellowship Term	12 months	12 months	12 months
Host	AAUW	Mellon Foundation & ACLS	National Academies

FAQs About American Dissertation Fellowship 2026-27

1. Can non-U.S. citizens apply for AAUW scholarships 2026?
   Yes, if enrolled in eligible institutions that meet U.S. federal student aid requirements.
2. Is part-time dissertation writing allowed?
   No. You must be a committed fellow working full-time from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
3. Are applicants in the arts and humanities eligible?
   Yes, all fields are eligible, but preference is given to STEM and gender studies.
4. Can I apply even with a prior doctoral degree?
   No, only candidates completing their first doctoral degree are eligible.
5. How competitive is this fellowship?
   Highly competitive, with selection based on academic merit, originality, and service commitment.
6. Is teaching allowed during the fellowship?
   Yes, but only if it does not interfere with full-time dissertation work.
7. Are there restrictions on stipend use?
   Not as such. Your stipend is intended to offset living and research expenses.
8. What if my application is incomplete?
   Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified, with no opportunity for revision.
9. If I am not selected, will I get any notification?
   No, AAUW does not provide feedback on applications.
10. Can I reapply in future years for AAUW scholarships?
    Yes, you can, but you must meet all eligibility requirements for the next cycle.

If you’re a woman in the final year of your doctoral program and ready to make your research count, the AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026-27 is an unparalleled opportunity. Begin preparing your application now so you can submit between August 1 and September 30, 2025 and maximize your chances for this prestigious award. APPLY NOW. Check out the official web page for further queries.

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