The Amelia Earhart Fellowship is Zonta International’s annual award, founded in 1938, for women doing doctoral research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
Up to 30 fellows a year each receive US$12,000 toward study at any university or college offering accredited postgraduate degrees in these fields, so fellows stay at their own institution. The 2027 round is open until 15 November 2026.
Benefits & funding
- US$12,000 (raised from US$10,000 for the 2027 cycle), planned for payment in September–October, subject to US sanctions regulations.
- Usable for tuition, books, fees or living costs (room, board, travel).
- For fellows studying in the US, tax may be withheld on funds used for living costs.
- Cannot be deferred; other grants and scholarships may be held alongside it.
Eligibility
- Women of any nationality.
- Registered full-time in a PhD/doctoral programme by 15 November 2026, with research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
- At submission: at least one year of the doctoral programme completed, or a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field.
- A superior academic record; must not graduate before April 2028.
- Not eligible: postdoctoral researchers, past Amelia Earhart Fellows, Zonta club or direct members, and staff of Zonta International or the Zonta Foundation for Women.
- Holders of a complimentary Zonta supporting membership from another Zonta award may still apply.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
PhD Enrolled
Gender requirement
Female
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Application process
- 1Apply online through Zonta’s AwardSpring portal by 15 November 2026; hard-copy and email applications are not accepted, and non-English documents need English translations.
- 2Submit a research-and-goals essay of up to 500 words, transcripts and proof of current enrolment.
- 3Secure three recommendations, including the thesis supervisor or adviser and a university professor.
- 4The fellowship committee recommends fellows to the Zonta International Board; all applicants hear by the end of April 2027.
Program timeline
Application deadline (full-time doctoral registration required by this date)
15 November 2026
All applicants notified
End of April 2027
US$12,000 payment planned
September–October 2027