Deadline: 30-Sep-2025
Applications are now open for the American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, a program designed to increase the number of women in tenure-track faculty positions and promote gender equity in higher education.
This fellowship is available to women across all fields of study, with particular encouragement for those in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), or researching gender issues. It is part of the AAUW American Fellowships, which are among the oldest non-institutional sources of postdoctoral funding for women in the U.S.
Each fellowship provides a stipend of $50,000. The awarded funds may be used for tuition, course-related expenses such as books and supplies, and essential living costs including housing, food, and childcare. However, the funds cannot be applied to expenses incurred before or after the fellowship period.
Applicants must identify as women and hold a doctoral degree such as a Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D., or similar by the time of application. They must begin their postdoctoral research by September 1, 2026, and continue through at least May 30, 2027. Full-time commitment to postdoctoral research is required throughout the award year.
The research must be conducted at an institution that is either accredited in the United States or internationally recognized as eligible for U.S. federal student aid programs. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Certain individuals are not eligible, including AAUW Board members, employees, review panelists, and their immediate families. Applicants who are applying for another national AAUW fellowship or have previously received one (except for certain local or community awards) are also ineligible, as are tenured professors.
Selection is based on scholarly excellence, the originality and significance of the research proposal, the feasibility of the research plan and timeline, and the applicant’s academic achievements and teaching experience. Consideration is also given to applicants’ commitment to advancing women and girls, particularly through community service or research.
Additional preference is given to those pursuing STEM or gender-related research, those who have overcome socioeconomic or personal hardship, first-generation college graduates, and those from single-parent households.
Applicants should ensure that their applications are complete and accurate. Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be reviewed. No edits can be made after submission, and no late documents will be accepted. Deadline extensions are not permitted, and AAUW does not provide feedback on errors or omissions.
For more information, visit AAUW Action Fund.
