Overview
The AACS Certified Fellowship Programs use a formal match process to coordinate fellowship appointments. Please review the Match Timeline for the steps and associated key dates. The formal matching process begins over a year in advance of the start date. The vast majority of programs begin on July 1st and run for a one-year duration. The Match Timeline is applicable to the July 1st start date for programs. A handful of programs have positions that begin on January 1st, and these also run for a one-year duration. For January start date positions, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements and prerequisites for each type of AACS Certified Fellowship Program.
Fellowship Interest Form
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 managerJuly 2025 Positions
The July 2025 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 2026 fellowship positions.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
All Applicants must submit a centralized application. 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 gather necessary documents, including three 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 can be uploaded directly to the application or letter writers can submit the letter using this form. If the form is used, in the application, upload a Word document with the letter writers’ name and contact information in the form field, since it is a required field.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all three letters are included in the application.
- If you are not already an AACS member, complete the online membership application. Membership in AACS is a good way to start building your cosmetic surgery knowledge-base. Resident-level membership has no annual dues.
Step 2: Application Process Opens
January 1, 2025
- Applications for July 2026 fellowship positions are accepted.
- To be included in the first batch of applications sent to the fellowship programs, applications must be received before March 1, 2025.
- This application phase is open until the rank list deadline, June 1, 2025.
Step 3: Applying Continues and Interview Period
March 1 – June 3, 2025
- Program Directors receive applications that expressed interest their fellowship program and extend an invitation to interview.
- Interviews must be completed before June 1, 2025.
- Applications received during this time will be forwarded to the fellowship programs identified in their application.
- A link to the rank list form will be emailed to the Program Directors and Applicants on May 1, 2025.
Step 4: Rank List Deadline
June 3, 2025
- Program Directors and Applicants must submit their rank list.
- No rank list changes will be accepted after the deadline.
Step 5: Match Announced
June 14, 2025
- July 2025 position Match results are emailed to Program Directors and Applicants.
Step 6: Post-Match Vacancies
- Fellowship Programs that did not match receive unmatched applications.
- Applications received post-match are sent to unmatched programs only.
Step 7: Training Position Starts
- Cosmetic surgery fellowship training begins July 1, 2026.
Questions?
Contact Kelly Van Zandt, CPHQ at gro.yregruscitemsoc@tdnaznavk