Call for Entries: Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Deadline: 15-Nov-2026

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship, offered by Zonta International, provides US$12,000 to women pursuing full-time Ph.D. or doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering or space sciences. Up to 30 fellowships are awarded each year to support advanced research and academic achievement at accredited universities or colleges worldwide.

About the Amelia Earhart Fellowship

Established in 1938 in honor of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart, the fellowship aims to help women advance in aerospace engineering and space sciences, fields where women remain underrepresented. The programme supports women conducting advanced research and pursuing doctoral-level studies in areas related to aerospace and space science. Over the years, the fellowship has supported more than 1,395 women from 81 countries. Previous recipients have gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, professors, and leaders in science and technology. Fellowship Amount Each selected Fellow receives US$12,000 to support their doctoral-level studies and research.

Key details include:

- Fellowship amount: US$12,000.

- Number of awards: Up to 30 fellowships each year.

- Study level: Ph.D. or doctoral degree.

- Study mode: Full-time.

- Fields: Aerospace engineering and space sciences.

- Institution: Accredited university or college.

- Applicant eligibility: Women of any nationality.

What Does the Fellowship Support? The Amelia Earhart Fellowship is designed to support women pursuing advanced academic and research work in aerospace engineering and space sciences. The fellowship can help recipients continue their doctoral studies, conduct advanced research, and pursue academic achievement in their chosen field.

Relevant areas may include:

- Aerospace engineering. - Space sciences. - Advanced aerospace research. - Space-related scientific research. - Other doctoral research directly connected to aerospace or space sciences. Who Is Eligible? The fellowship is open to women of any nationality who meet the academic and programme requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be women. - Be pursuing a full-time Ph.D. or doctoral degree. - Be enrolled at an accredited university or college. - Be studying aerospace engineering or space sciences. - Have completed at least one year of their Ph.D./doctoral programme, or hold a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field. - Not graduate before April 2028. The fellowship is intended for applicants who are actively pursuing advanced doctoral-level education and research. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain applicants are excluded from the fellowship.

The following are not eligible:

- Post-doctoral researchers. - Zonta International members. - Previous Amelia Earhart Fellows. - Applicants who will graduate before April 2028. - Students whose doctoral studies are not in aerospace engineering or space sciences. - Students who are not pursuing their doctoral studies full-time. Why It Matters Women continue to be underrepresented in aerospace engineering and space sciences. The Amelia Earhart Fellowship provides financial support specifically to women working toward advanced degrees in these fields.

The fellowship can help recipients:

- Continue advanced doctoral studies. - Pursue aerospace and space science research. - Reduce financial barriers to advanced education. - Strengthen their academic and research careers. - Build expertise in science and technology. - Contribute to the future of aerospace and space exploration. The programme’s long history and international reach also demonstrate its role in supporting women’s participation and leadership in STEM fields. How the Fellowship Works Eligible applicants should ensure that they meet the academic, field of study, and graduation requirements before applying.

- Confirm your field of study: Make sure your Ph.D. or doctoral research is in aerospace engineering or space sciences.

- Check your academic status: You must have completed at least one year of your doctoral programme or hold a master’s degree in an aerospace-applied field.

- Confirm your university: Your programme must be at an accredited university or college.

- Check your graduation date: You must not graduate before April 2028.

- Confirm full-time status: The doctoral programme must be pursued on a full-time basis.

- Check exclusions: Ensure that you are not a post-doctoral researcher, Zonta International member, or previous Amelia Earhart Fellow.

- Prepare your application: Present your academic background, research work, doctoral programme, and achievements clearly.

- Demonstrate research potential: Clearly communicate the importance and potential contribution of your aerospace engineering or space sciences research.

Tips for Applicants Applicants should make their academic and research achievements easy to understand and clearly connect their work to aerospace engineering or space sciences.

Important points to consider include:

- Clearly explain your research topic and objectives. - Highlight relevant academic achievements. - Describe the importance of your research. - Demonstrate your commitment to your field. - Clearly state your current doctoral status. - Make sure your graduation timeline meets the eligibility requirement. - Confirm that your institution is accredited. - Ensure that your programme is full-time. - Carefully check the fellowship’s restrictions before submitting an application. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should avoid submitting an application without confirming the specific doctoral and eligibility requirements.

Common mistakes include:

- Applying with research outside aerospace engineering or space sciences. - Applying before completing the required period of doctoral study. - Failing to demonstrate full-time doctoral status. - Overlooking the April 2028 graduation requirement. - Applying as a post-doctoral researcher. - Applying despite being a previous Amelia Earhart Fellow. - Applying as a Zonta International member. - Providing an unclear explanation of the re