The Zonta International offers Amelia Earhart PhD Research fellowship for women of any nationality in Aerospace-related Sciences and Aerospace-related Engineering at any University or College offering Accredited Degrees.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
Tell Me About The Award:
The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship supports women pursuing Ph.D. or doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
Established in 1938 in honor of aviator and Zontian Amelia Earhart, the fellowship aims to support women conducting advanced research in fields that contribute to aerospace and space science.
Up to 30 women will receive the fellowship each year.
Which Fields are Eligible?
The fellowship is specifically for research applied to:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Space Sciences
Applicants may come from different academic backgrounds, provided their doctoral research is applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
Type:
PhD/Doctoral Fellowship
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be women of any nationality.
- Be pursuing a Ph.D. or doctoral degree.
- Demonstrate a superior academic record.
- Be conducting research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
- Be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral programme.
- Have completed at least one year of their doctoral programme or have received a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field when applying.
- Not graduate from their Ph.D. or doctoral programme before April 2028.
Postdoctoral research programmes are not eligible.
Zonta International members, individuals with direct membership with Zonta International, and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible.
Previous Amelia Earhart Fellows cannot apply to renew the fellowship for a second year.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applications are reviewed by the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship Committee, which recommends recipients to the Zonta International Board.
Applicants are evaluated according to the criteria stated in the fellowship requirements. The details of individual evaluations remain confidential and are not disclosed to applicants.
Applicants will be notified of their application status by the end of April.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The fellowship is open to women of any nationality.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
The fellowship can be used at any university or college offering accredited postgraduate courses and degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences.
How Many Awards?
Up to 30 Amelia Earhart Fellowships are awarded annually.
One of the 30 Fellows selected each year will also be designated the Sharon Langenbeck Amelia Earhart Fellow, based on pre-established selection criteria.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
Each selected Fellow receives a US$12,000 fellowship to support her advanced doctoral studies.
The fellowship provides financial support for women pursuing research in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The fellowship is awarded for one year.
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete and submit the 2027 Amelia Earhart Fellowship application by the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and provide the information and supporting materials required in the official application.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
Important Note: Please note that post-doctoral research programs are not eligible for the Fellowship. Members and employees of Zonta International or the Zonta International Foundation are also not eligible to apply for the Fellowship.
