P.E.O. Scholar Awards
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards represent a merit-based funding opportunity administered by P.E.O. Sisterhood, a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing women's education. These awards support women pursuing doctoral-level degrees or conducting advanced research at institutions in the United States or Canada. Recipients of the award receive a substantial one-time financial contribution designed to offset significant costs associated with advanced study, with no repayment obligation attached.
Eligibility for the P.E.O. Scholar Awards is limited to women who hold U.S. or Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. A distinguishing feature of this program is its nomination-based structure: rather than submitting applications independently, candidates must be recommended for consideration by a local P.E.O. chapter. This requirement means prospective applicants should first identify and connect with a nearby chapter to learn about nomination procedures and deadlines specific to their region.
As a legitimate nonprofit endeavor, the P.E.O. Scholar Awards program operates without application fees. Individuals considering pursuit of this funding should be cautious of third-party services or organizations claiming to guarantee awards in exchange for payment, as such practices represent common warning signs of predatory schemes. Applicants should verify all program details and requirements directly through official P.E.O. channels to ensure accuracy.
The competitive nature of the P.E.O. Scholar Awards means that eligibility alone does not ensure selection. Prospective candidates benefit from approaching the nomination process with realistic expectations about acceptance rates and from gathering comprehensive information about specific requirements and timelines before pursuing nomination through a local chapter.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: P.E.O. International — P.E.O. Scholar Awards. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for p.e.o. scholar awards?
Women who are U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents pursuing doctoral-level study or research; applicants are recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter..
Does p.e.o. scholar awards have to be repaid?
This is award (not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for p.e.o. scholar awards?
Be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter; learn about eligibility at peointernational.org.
More in Research & professional
Not sure which funding fits?
Compare grants, scholarships, assistance, and loans side by side, or use the finder to narrow down by your situation.
Open the funding finder →