Zonta Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Up to 30 annual fellowships for women pursuing full-time doctoral research in aerospace engineering or space sciences; award amounts and cycle dates are published by Zonta.
- Award
- $10,000 for 2026; $12,000 planned for 2027
- Deadline
- November 15, 2026 for the next cycle
- Best for
- Women conducting doctoral research in aerospace engineering or space sciences
- Geographic eligibility
- International
- Number of awards
- Up to 30 fellows annually
- Total program funding
- $660,000 budgeted across the 2026–28 biennium
- Membership
- Zonta members and employees are not eligible
- Application cycle
- Annual doctoral fellowship
FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.
View official applicationAbout this opportunity
Established in 1938, Zonta’s Amelia Earhart Fellowship is an international doctoral award for women conducting advanced aerospace engineering or space-science research. The program selects up to 30 fellows each year and has supported researchers in universities around the world.
Who can apply
Women of any nationality may apply if enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. or doctoral program, conducting research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences, and meeting the program’s progress and graduation-timing rules. Postdoctoral research is not eligible, and previous Amelia Earhart Fellows cannot renew for a second year.
What the award may cover
The fellowship may be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies, required equipment, or living expenses, subject to the program’s payment and tax guidance.
How to apply
Complete the online Zonta application with detailed academic records, research and study plans, recommendations, enrollment verification, and English translations for non-English documents by November 15.
- Verify the current deadline and every eligibility requirement.
- Confirm how funds are paid and when they must be used.
- Prepare transcripts, certificates, logbook totals, references, and essays early.
- Save the confirmation and a complete copy of your submission.
Selection and application notes
Planning tip: Frame the research connection to aerospace engineering or space sciences explicitly; a general STEM doctorate without a clear aerospace application may not meet the program standard.