Amelia Earhart Fellowship for a doctorate in aerospace engineering or space sciences

Why it fits you

Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study

At the institution of your choice (no set country)

Accepted nationalities

All nationalities

Target level

Doctorate

Fields of study

Engineering and Sciences

Other conditions

• You must be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral programme and have completed at least one year of that programme, or have received a master's degree in an aerospace-applied field, when you submit your application.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: It is imperative that students be registered in a full-time Ph.D./doctoral program and 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.
• You must not graduate from your Ph.D. or doctoral programme before April 2028.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Applicants must not graduate from their Ph.D. or doctoral program before April 2028.
• Post-doctoral research programmes are not eligible for the fellowship.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Please note that post-doctoral research programs are not eligible for the Fellowship.
• Club members, individuals with direct membership with Zonta International, and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women cannot apply for the fellowship.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women are not eligible to apply for the Fellowship
• Previous Amelia Earhart Fellows cannot apply to renew the fellowship for a second year.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Note that previous Amelia Earhart Fellows are not eligible to apply to renew the Fellowship for a second year.

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

When it is paid

The payment of US$12,000 is planned for September-October subject to any US sanctions regulations.

Dates

Applications close

15 November 2026

Results announced

All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of April 2027.

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

1. 1
   Step 1: Submit the online application with the required documentsTo do at the same time as: step 2

   With whom

   You

   By when

   15 November 2026 — 15 November 2026

   Documents to provide

   • Biographical information
   • Plans for intended study
   • List and detailed official transcripts of grades from all universities, colleges or institutions attended
   • Translated transcripts in English of all grades
   • List of scholarships, fellowships and honors received, if any
   • List of up to five previous publications (no theses)
   • Employment history, if any
   • Essay on academic program and professional goals, 500 words or less
   • Zonta International Verification of Current Enrollment form or official statement from the university/college registrar
   • Translation into English of all non-English documents

   Official link

   Open the official page (opens in a new tab)

2. 2
   Step 2: Have three letters of recommendation submitted by university professors or supervisors, including your thesis supervisor or advisorTo do at the same time as: step 1

   With whom

   You and your university professors or supervisors

   By when

   15 November 2026 — 15 November 2026

   Documents to provide

   • Three letters of recommendation on letterhead, signed or signed electronically, in PDF format, 500 words and one page maximum each

Where to apply