Deadline: September 30, 2025
The AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications. This highly competitive programme is designed to support women scholars in academia by providing financial support to pursue a year of independent postdoctoral research. With a generous stipend of $50,000, the fellowship seeks to increase the number of women in tenure-track positions and advance gender equity in higher education.
Applications are due by September 30, 2025.
About the AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship 2026
The fellowship offers women scholars the opportunity to focus entirely on postdoctoral research for one academic year. Awardees receive financial and professional support to advance their academic careers, produce impactful research, and strengthen their path towards tenure-track positions.
- Fellowship Duration: One year
- Stipend: $50,000 (disbursed in two equal payments – at the start and midpoint of the fellowship)
- Fellowship Year: Must begin on or before September 1, 2026, and complete on or after May 30, 2027
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Gender: Must identify as a woman
- Degree: 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. by the time of application
- Research Commitment: Commit to full-time postdoctoral research during the award year
- Host Institution: Must be one of the following:
- An accredited U.S. institution, or
- An international institution eligible for U.S. federal student aid programmes
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on the following grounds:
- Scholarly excellence: Demonstrated through academic achievements, recognition, and the strength of the research proposal
- Originality and impact: Research must be innovative, relevant, and include a feasible plan with clear timelines
- Teaching experience: Past or ongoing experience in teaching roles
- Commitment to gender equity: Evidence of advancing women and girls through leadership, advocacy, or service
- Research area: Preference given to applicants in STEM fields or gender-related research
Additional preference will be given to candidates who:
- Have overcome significant life challenges such as socioeconomic disadvantage or discrimination
- Are the first generation in their family to graduate from university
- Lead or come from a single-parent household
Why Apply?
This fellowship provides not only a generous financial stipend but also a platform to advance research careers, particularly for women in underrepresented fields. With the backing of AAUW, fellows gain visibility, credibility, and valuable recognition that strengthens their academic trajectory.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply through the AAUW online application portal. Applicants should prepare a compelling research proposal, highlight teaching and service records, and demonstrate their commitment to advancing equity for women and girls.
- Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Start of Fellowship: On or before September 1, 2026
- Completion: On or after May 30, 2027
Final Note
The AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for women seeking to advance their academic careers and make a lasting impact in higher education. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early and carefully prepare their research proposals to maximise their chances of success.
For expert guidance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
