AACS Fellowship Program Match Process & Timeline

Overview

The AACS Certified Fellowship Training Programs (programs) use a formal match process to coordinate fellowship appointments. Our matching process is governed by the AACS Certified Fellowship Training Program Match Policy and Procedure (Match Policy).

Please review the Match Policy along with the Match Timeline below for the steps and associated key dates.

The formal matching process begins over a year in advance of the start date. Only programs certified by AACS are permitted to participate. Programs begin on July 1st and run for a one-year duration. The Match Timeline below is applicable to the July 1st start date for programs. Any programs whose training commences in January are not included in the “Matching” process, but instead considered with the “Unmatched Programs” in accordance with Section 5.B. of the Match Policy. Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements and prerequisites for each AACS Certified Fellowship Program.

Fellowship Interest Form

Dr. Angelo Cuzalina and Dr. Pasquale Tolomeo standing with each other in an operation theatre.

Not ready to apply just yet? Join the Fellowship mailing list and we’ll keep you up to date on all future deadlines, educational opportunities, and open programs.

Get Connected to an AACS Fellowship manager

July 2026 Positions

The July 2026 position formal match process is complete. Any new applications received will be sent to open fellowship programs only. For a list of open programs, please contact Kelly Van Zandt, CPHQ.

Match Timeline

Below is the calendar for the AACS Certified Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Match for July 2027 fellowship positions.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

All Applicants must submit a centralized application through AACS’ Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Match website. Along with their application, Applicants must execute AACS’ Training Fellow Candidate Match Agreement. To prepare your application:

Review prerequisites for eligibility outlined in the Guidelines. The documents are located at the bottom of the General and Facial fellowship pages.
Research General and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Programs.
Preview the application and identify three separate individuals to prepare letters of recommendation.
Applicants are encouraged to ask for recommendations early to allow time for completion.
Recommendation letters should be submitted on letterhead whenever possible.
Letters of recommendation must be submitted by their author either to: (i) Applicant; or (ii) AACS c/o AACS’ Fellowship Training Program Manager (FPM).
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all three letters are included as part of the application.

As of January 1, 2026, a new application fee will apply: $150 for the first 10 programs and $20 for each additional program thereafter.

Step 2: Application Process Opens

January 1, 2026

Applications for July 2027 fellowship positions are accepted.
To be included in the first batch of applications sent to the fellowship programs, applications meeting or exceeding the program requirements (Qualified Applications) must be received between January 1 and March 1, 2026.
This application phase is open until May 15, 2026.

Apply Now

Step 3: Applying Continues and Interview Period

March 1 – May 15, 2026

Program Directors receive the Qualified Applications that designated their fellowship programs.
Programs review Applications, including letters of recommendation, and conduct and consider their own fact investigation to determine whether to interview Applicant(s) of the Qualified Application(s).
Interviews must be completed before June 1, 2026.
Applications received during this time will be forwarded to the fellowship programs identified in their application.
A link to the ranking list form may be obtained from the FPM on or after May 1, 2026.

Step 4: Rank List Deadline

June 1, 2026

Program Directors and Applicants must submit their respective Lists of Applicant Rankings and Program Rankings on or before June 1, 2026.
No ranking list changes will be accepted after the deadline.

Step 5: Match Results Announced

June 2 – 15, 2026

Match results are provided to Program Directors and Applicants via a Program Match Letter and an Applicant Match Letter, respectively

Step 6: Post-Match Vacancies

Unmatched Programs and Unmatched Applicants are notified via an Applicant Unmatched Letter and Program Unmatched Letter, respectively.
Unmatched Applicants will receive a list of programs that were not matched with an Applicant. Within 14 days of receiving the list, Unmatched Applicants are permitted to provide a response to the FPM identifying the unmatched programs to which the Unmatched Applicant wants their Application submitted for consideration.
The FPM will submit the Unmatched Applicant’s Application and letters of recommendation to the programs identified by the Unmatched Applicant. Program directors of any unmatched programs are responsible for determining which, if any, Applicant(s) they want to interview and/or consider for their program.

Step 7: Training Position Starts

Cosmetic surgery fellowship training begins July 1, 2027.