Application Deadline is November 15, 2026
Women pursuing doctoral research in aerospace engineering and space sciences can now apply for the 2027 Amelia Earhart Fellowship, an international programme offering up to US$12,000 to selected scholars.
The fellowship is administered by Zonta International and was established in 1938 in honour of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart. For the 2027 programme, up to 30 women will receive fellowships worth US$12,000 each to support their advanced studies and research.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to women of any nationality who are pursuing a full-time PhD or doctoral degree and have research directly related to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
Applicants must have either completed at least one year of their doctoral programme by the application deadline or hold a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field when applying.
Candidates must also have a strong academic record and demonstrate that their research is directly applicable to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
Applicants whose doctoral programmes are expected to finish before April 2028 are not eligible. Postdoctoral research programmes are also excluded from the fellowship.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Successful applicants will receive:
US$12,000 in fellowship funding.
Support for advanced doctoral studies and research.
Recognition as an Amelia Earhart Fellow.
The opportunity to join an international network of women working in aerospace and space-related fields.
Zonta International says the fellowship can support studies at accredited universities or colleges offering postgraduate programmes in the relevant fields.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 Amelia Earhart Fellowship is November 15, 2026.
Applicants are required to submit their applications in full by the deadline to be considered. Zonta says applications are reviewed by its Amelia Earhart Fellowship Committee before recommendations are made to the Zonta International Board.
Why the Fellowship Was Created
Zonta International established the fellowship to support women pursuing advanced education and research in fields where women remain underrepresented.
Since the programme began, Zonta says it has awarded 1,824 Amelia Earhart Fellowships worth more than US$12.5 million to 1,395 women from 81 countries.
The programme has supported women who have gone on to careers including aerospace engineering, astronomy, academia, geology and space exploration.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the official eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their applications.
