P.E.O. Scholar Awards
Offered by P.E.O. International
About This Scholarship
P.E.O. Scholar Awards are one-time merit awards from P.E.O. International, the Philanthropic Educational Organization, a women's organization that has funded women's education since 1869. The awards support women from the United States and Canada who are pursuing doctoral-level degrees at accredited colleges and universities, with a maximum award amount of $25,000.
Unlike open-application scholarships, Scholar Awards run on a nomination model: a local P.E.O. chapter must nominate the candidate during the fall nomination window, which runs from August 20 through November 20 each year. Fall 2026 nominations fund the 2027-2028 academic year, and eligible nominees must be within roughly two years of completing their doctorate. After a chapter submits its nomination, the P.E.O. Executive Office emails the nominee instructions for the online application, which must be completed within 45 days.
Because the first step happens at the chapter level, women interested in a Scholar Award should contact a local P.E.O. chapter well before the November 20 nomination cutoff. All nominees are notified of their award status by May 1.
Eligibility
- Woman who is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
- Pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university
- Within the graduation window for the funded academic year (Fall 2026 nominees: April 2028 - August 2029 graduation range)
- Must be nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter during the August 20 - November 20 nomination window
How To Apply
- Contact a local P.E.O. chapter and request nomination consideration before the fall window closes
- Chapter submits the nomination between August 20 and November 20
- Watch for an email from the P.E.O. Executive Office with online application instructions
- Complete and submit the online application within 45 days of nomination
- Award decisions are announced by May 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply directly for a P.E.O. Scholar Award?
No. A local P.E.O. chapter must nominate you during the fall nomination window (August 20 - November 20). Only after nomination do you receive access to the online application, which you have 45 days to complete.
How much is a P.E.O. Scholar Award worth?
The maximum award amount is $25,000, paid as a one-time award for doctoral study. It is not renewable, and applicants may receive only one Scholar Award.
Which academic year do Fall 2026 nominations fund?
Per P.E.O.'s posted nomination schedule, Fall 2026 nominations fund the 2027-2028 academic year, for nominees graduating between April 2028 and August 2029.