Amelia Earhart Fellowship of Zonta International, 2027

Applications are now open for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship of Zonta International. Women remain significantly underrepresented in aerospace engineering and space sciences. This fellowship exists to change that by supporting women who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in these fields.

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship was established in 1938 in honor of the famed pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart. Up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D. or doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences will receive a US$12,000 fellowship. Recipients may use the award at any university or college offering accredited postgraduate courses and degrees in these fields.

Since the program began, Zonta has awarded 1,824 Amelia Earhart Fellowships totaling more than US$12.5 million to 1,395 women from 81 countries. Fellows have gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, astronomers, professors, geologists, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and even the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force. Their achievements show what becomes possible when women are given the opportunity and resources to pursue their ambitions.

Program Details

• Host Institution: Any officially recognized institution offering accredited postgraduate courses and degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences.
• Area: Aerospace engineering or space sciences.
• Number of awards: Up to 30.
• Duration: One-time award. Recipients are not permitted to defer the fellowship.
• Target group: Open to women of any nationality.

Amelia Earhart Fellowship Benefits

Successful candidates will receive US$12,000, which may be used for tuition, books, fees, or living expenses (room, board, or travel). The payment is planned for September–October, subject to any US sanctions regulations. Fellows may accept additional grants and scholarships from other sources. Domestic and foreign recipients studying in the United States will not be taxed on funds used for tuition, books, fees, or required equipment. Withholding taxes may apply to funds used for living expenses or other non-qualified expenses.

Sharon Langenbeck Amelia Earhart Fellow

In 2025, Past International President and two-time Amelia Earhart Fellow (1977 and 1978) Sharon Langenbeck, Ph.D., made an extraordinary donation to the Amelia Earhart Endowment Fund. In recognition of her generosity, one of the 30 Fellows selected each year will be designated the Sharon Langenbeck Amelia Earhart Fellow. The Fellow is selected by the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Committee based on pre-established criteria. From 2026 to 2028, Sharon Langenbeck serves as Amelia Earhart Fellowship 90th Anniversary Ambassador.

Amelia Earhart Fellowship Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a woman of any nationality registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral program conducting research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences. You must have completed at least one year of that program or have received a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field at the time the application is submitted.
• Demonstrate a superior academic record at a recognized university or college with accredited courses in aerospace-applied studies, as verified by official transcripts and recommendations.
• Provide evidence of a well-defined research program applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences in the application essay, academic documents, and list of publications.
• Clearly demonstrate that the Ph.D. research program is directly related to aerospace or space sciences. Verification must come through at least one of the reference letters. The thesis supervisor or advisor and a university professor must each be one of the referees.
• Be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral program by 15 November 2026 and not graduate before April 2028.
• Submit a verification of current enrollment (a Zonta International form or an official statement from the university registrar). Acceptance letters are not verification of enrollment and will not be accepted.

How to Apply for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Eligible applicants who would like to apply for this opportunity must click on the apply button below, register, and follow the given instructions to submit their applications. Hard copy and email applications will not be accepted. The application requires the following:

1. Biographical information and plans for intended study.
2. Official transcripts from all universities, colleges, or institutions attended, including undergraduate institutions. In programs where graduate transcripts are not provided as a matter of institutional policy, provide a statement of that policy from the registrar or other school official. Do not upload electronic transcripts or links directly from the university. Scan official transcripts in color and save as a PDF.
3. Translated transcripts in English of all grades from all institutions attended, if applicable.
4. A list of scholarships, fellowships, and honors received, if any.
5. Up to five previous publications (no theses), with title, authors, journal/website/conference name, page number if applicable, and year published.
6. Employment history, if any.
7. An essay on your academic program and professional goals, describing a well-defined research program and professional goals in 500 words or less. Preference is given to candidates who demonstrate a well-defined research program applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
8. Three recommendations from university professors or supervisors who can assess your ability to succeed in the Ph.D./doctoral program. At least one referee must describe the quality of the research program and its direct application to aerospace engineering or space science. The thesis supervisor or advisor and a university professor must each be one of the referees. Letters should be limited to 500 words and one page, on letterhead with signature or signed electronically, and submitted in PDF format.
9. Zonta International Verification of Current Enrollment form or official statement from the university/college registrar.

All non-English documents must be translated into English. Attachments, articles, pamphlets, books, curriculum vitae, or other publications are not requested and will not be considered.

How Fellows Are Selected and Notified

The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship Committee reviews applications and recommends recipients to the Zonta International Board. All applicants are evaluated on the criteria stated in the requirements section of the application. All details of the evaluations are kept confidential and are not disclosed to applicants. All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of April 2027.

The 2027 Amelia Earhart Fellowship application must be submitted in full by 15 November 2026 to be considered. For more details on the Amelia Earhart Fellowship of Zonta International, please visit the official Zonta International page.