by American Association of University Women (AAUW) · Any accredited U.S. institution (including technical/vocational schools and community colleges)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
💛 Partial Funding🟩 Active🎓 Master's Degree, Second Bachelor's Degree, Professional Degree, or Certification Programs🌍 United States📌 Merit and Need-based Grant
Master's Degree, Second Bachelor's Degree, Professional Degree, or Certification Programs
Acceptance
Check official website (Highly competitive)
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
AAUW Career Development Grant, administered by American Association of University Women (AAUW), is one of the funding options available to women returning to higher education for career advancement, re-entry, or career change in United States. The award covers Grants provide between $2,000 and $20,000 to assist with tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation, and dependent care. The grant specifically supports women returning to school after a significant career gap or for a career change. and is open to master's degree, second bachelor's degree, professional degree, or certification programs students studying open (priority given to women pursuing first advanced degree or credentials in non-traditional fields). The scholarship runs for 1 year (july 1 to june 30). Eligibility is generally based on open to women who hold a bachelor's degree (not honorary) earned on or before June 30 of the required cutoff year (usually 5-8 years prior). Must be pursuing a graduate degree or certificate for career advancement or change. PhD students and those in doctorate programs are generally ineligible. The application deadline is November 15 (Annual), with an acceptance rate of approximately Check official website (Highly competitive). EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for AAUW Career Development Grant?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
7/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 10% to 15%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
$2,000 to $20,000
⏳
Duration
1 Year (July 1 to June 30)
📅
Deadline
November 15 (Annual)
🎓
Fields
Open (Priority given to women pursuing first advanced degree or credentials in non-traditional fields)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Approximately 50-70 awards per cycle)
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website (Highly competitive)
AAUW Career Development Grants provide funding to women who hold a bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce and are enrolled in a master's degree, second bachelor's degree, or professional certificate program. This grant is one of the oldest and most prestigious funds specifically for women returning to education.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to women who hold a bachelor's degree (not honorary) earned on or before June 30 of the required cutoff year (usually 5-8 years prior). Must be pursuing a graduate degree or certificate for career advancement or change. PhD students and those in doctorate programs are generally ineligible.
🏛️ Host University
Any accredited U.S. institution (including technical/vocational schools and community colleges)
🎓 Fields of Study
Open (Priority given to women pursuing first advanced degree or credentials in non-traditional fields)
✨ Key Benefits
Grants provide between $2,000 and $20,000 to assist with tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation, and dependent care. The grant specifically supports women returning to school after a significant career gap or for a career change.
🎯 Target Students
Women returning to higher education for career advancement, re-entry, or career change
No (Stipend not provided; funds are for educational and related expenses only)
Total Award
$2,000 to $20,000
✈️ Travel: Limited to local transportation required for coursework🏠 Accommodation: No💊 Health Insurance: No🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Check official website (historically $35)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Partial (Can be used for tuition and fees)
🏠 Living Stipend
No (Stipend not provided; funds are for educational and related expenses only)
🏡 Accommodation
No
✈️ Travel Allowance
Limited to local transportation required for coursework
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
Funds cover books, supplies, and dependent care (childcare) needed for study participation
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
N/A (Applicants may only receive the grant once in their lifetime)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a woman, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, holding a bachelor's degree earned at least several years prior to the application.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's Degree, Second Bachelor's Degree, Professional Degree, or Certification Programs
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies (No strict minimum, but academic excellence and career potential are evaluated)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English required
🍢 Age Limit
None (Focuses on adult learners and those re-entering the workforce)
💼 Work Experience
Required (Applicants must show a history of professional activity or a significant break in career)
🏆 Leadership
Advantageous (Demonstrated through community service or professional initiative)
💰 Financial Need
Yes (Considered as part of the holistic review process)
🎯 Target Students
Women returning to higher education for career advancement, re-entry, or career change
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed personal statement, career plan, and narrative on contribution to women/girls)
Rec Letters
Yes (Three letters of recommendation)
Interview
No
Application Fee
Check official website (historically $35)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Three letters of recommendation) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency in English required
Interview: No
Min GPA: Varies (No strict minimum, but academic excellence and career potential are evaluated)
📋 Application Process
Focus heavily on how the specific degree or certificate will result in career advancement or a successful career change. Align your personal goals with AAUW’s mission of equity for women.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure you clearly document the gap since your first degree. Be precise about your financial budget and how this specific grant amount will enable your completion of the program.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
August 1 (Annual)
⏰ Deadline
November 15 (Annual)
🎤 Interview
No
🎓 Study Starts
July 1 (Grant year beginning)
August 1 (Annual)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
November 15 (Annual)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
July 1 (Grant year beginning)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic record, professional/career goals, quality of career plan, financial need, and commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
AAUW Career Development GrantCurrent
United States
Partial Funding
Master's Degree, Second Bachelor's Degree, Professional Degree, or Certification Programs
Open to women who hold a bachelor's degree (not honorary) earned on or before June 30 of the required cutoff year (usually 5-8 years prior). Must be pursuing a graduate degree or certificate for career advancement or change. PhD students and those in doctorate programs are generally ineligible.
This scholarship covers: Grants provide between $2,000 and $20,000 to assist with tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation, and dependent care. The grant specifically supports women returning to school after a significant career gap or for a career change.. Coverage may vary — check the official website for exact details.
The deadline is November 15 (Annual). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 10% to 15%. Acceptance rate: Check official website (Highly competitive). Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English required, Yes (Three letters of recommendation) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.