Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027: Up to $12,000 for Women in Aerospace

Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027

 

Applications are open for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027, offering up to US$12,000 to women pursuing a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering and space sciences. Established in 1938 by Zonta International in honour of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart, this prestigious fellowship supports women of any nationality who are advancing research in aerospace-applied fields. Up to 30 fellows are selected each year to fund their advanced studies at accredited universities worldwide. Since its inception, Zonta has awarded 1,824 fellowships totalling more than US$12.5 million to 1,395 women from 81 countries. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral programme, have completed at least one year of study or hold a master's degree in an aerospace-applied field, and not graduate before April 2028. Post-doctoral programmes are not eligible. The application deadline is 15 November 2026 through the Zonta International portal.

Overview

Criteria	Details
Fellowship	Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2027
Organiser	Zonta International
Award	Up to US$12,000
Number of Fellows	Up to 30
Field	Aerospace engineering and space sciences
Level	Ph.D. / doctoral degree
Eligibility	Women of any nationality
Deadline	15 November 2026

About the Fellowship

Established in 1938 in honour of famed aviator and Zontian Amelia Earhart, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship supports women pursuing Ph.D. and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. For almost 90 years, Zonta International has invested in women pushing the boundaries of exploration and innovation, in fields where women remain significantly underrepresented.

The fellowship reflects Amelia Earhart's pioneering spirit and Zonta's commitment to helping women access the resources they need to become leaders and decision-makers in these competitive, cutting-edge fields. Since the programme began, Zonta has awarded 1,824 fellowships totalling more than US$12.5 million to 1,395 women from 81 countries.

Women in Africa building careers in science and leadership may also be interested in the Award Leadership Program for African Women in Science, which supports emerging women scientists across the continent.

Funding

Up to 30 fellows will each receive a US$12,000 award to support their advanced studies at any university or college offering accredited post-graduate courses and degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences.

Eligibility

Requirement	Details
Gender	Women of any nationality
Programme	Full-time Ph.D. / doctoral programme
Academic record	Superior record in aerospace-applied research
Progress	At least one year of doctoral study completed, or a master's degree in an aerospace-applied field
Graduation date	Must not graduate before April 2028
Exclusion	Post-doctoral research programmes are not eligible

How to Apply

The 2027 application must be submitted in full by 15 November 2026 through the Zonta International portal. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Full details are available on the official Zonta page at zonta.org/AEFellowship.

Related Opportunities

Other fellowships currently open to women and professionals across Africa:

• Clooney Foundation Waging Justice for Women Fellowship — for women lawyers in Africa
• MSF Eastern Africa Media Fellowship — for journalists in the region