Deadline:
November 20, 2025
Location(s)
Canada United States of America
Overview
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) program was established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral level degree at an accredited college or university.
Details
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards are one-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research.
P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields.
- maximum award $15,000
- awards since 1990 2,280
- awarded since 1990 $24.5 million
Awards are announced annually in the spring for the ensuing academic year. The number of awards is determined each year in accordance with funds available.
Application Information
Nominations of potential Scholars are accepted from P.E.O. chapters between August 20 and November 20 each year. Nominees then have 45 days after their nomination is approved to complete their application. Awards are announced in the spring of each year.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for consideration for a P.E.O. Scholar Award if she:
- is nominated by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
- is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at the time of her nomination
- at a minimum, has a bachelor’s degree
- is within two years of her graduation date and has at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete her doctoral-level degree as measured
- from the time the first award payment is made (August 1). Those in a multiple-degree program (e.g., pursuing both an M.D. and a Ph.D.) must be within two years of completing the entire program from that date.
- is enrolled in her program at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Study abroad is permitted provided the student is enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution.
The applications of individuals who satisfy these eligibility criteria will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection.
Selection Criteria
The Scholar Awards Board of Trustees evaluate applicants on the following:
- nominee's proposal
- potential to make significant contributions in her field(s) of endeavor or to make a positive impact on society
- recommendations from three university professors or professional mentors
- evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances, etc.)
- academic awards and honors (honor societies, scholarships, etc.)
- academic record
- career objectives
It is often better to apply further into the doctoral program when evidence of achievement is more complete, giving a more thorough picture of an applicant’s professional work.
Dates
Deadline: November 20, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Awards
The numbers of awards is determined each year in accordance with the funds available. The current maximum award is $15,000.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
