Amelia Earhart Fellowship Opening Soon

Offered by Zonta International

Award
$10,000
Applications Open
Aug 15, 2026
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Awards
30
Grade Level
Graduate Student
Essay
Required

About This Scholarship

Zonta International, a century-old service organization advancing the status of women, established the Amelia Earhart Fellowship in 1938 in honor of its most famous member. The fellowship awards US$10,000 each year to up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D. or doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences, and it may be used at any university offering accredited courses in those fields.

Eligibility extends to women of any nationality who demonstrate a superior academic record in research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences. Applicants must be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral program and have either completed at least one year of that program or hold a master's degree in an aerospace-applied field when they apply; candidates who will complete their doctorate before the award year are not eligible.

The application — including academic records, research description, and recommendations — is submitted online through Zonta International, with the annual deadline historically falling on November 15 and awards announced the following spring.

Eligibility

  • Women of any nationality pursuing a Ph.D./doctoral degree in aerospace engineering or space sciences
  • Registered in a full-time doctoral program with at least one year completed, or holding a master's degree in an aerospace-applied field at application time
  • Superior academic record with research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences
  • Must not complete the doctorate before the fellowship award year

How To Apply

  • Review the current application materials on Zonta International's Amelia Earhart Fellowship page (the new cycle's application is posted in August)
  • Prepare transcripts, a description of your research program, and required recommendations
  • Submit the complete online application by the November 15 deadline

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or a Zonta member?

No. The fellowship is open to women of any nationality, and Zonta membership is not required — eligibility is based on your doctoral study and research in aerospace-applied fields.

How many fellowships are awarded?

Zonta awards the US$10,000 fellowship to up to 30 women each year, and past fellows may apply for a second (non-consecutive) award.

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