Scholarship details
Have you ever dreamed of flying high in the sky, exploring the mysteries of the universe, or designing the next generation of spacecraft? If you are a woman pursuing a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering or space sciences, you may be eligible for a prestigious fellowship that can help you achieve your goals. The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship is a unique opportunity for women who want to follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous aviators and Zontians in history.
The fellowship was established in 1938 in honor of Amelia Earhart, who disappeared while attempting to circumnavigate the globe by plane. Earhart was a pioneer in aviation and a champion of women’s rights. She was also a member of Zonta International, a global organization that empowers women through service and advocacy. The fellowship aims to carry out Zonta’s mission of ensuring that women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men.
Scholarship Provider
The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship is funded by the Zonta Foundation for Women, which is the philanthropic arm of Zonta International. The foundation supports Zonta’s global service projects, education programs, and advocacy efforts to advance the status of women and girls around the world. The foundation relies on the generous contributions of Zonta members, clubs, and friends to sustain its work.
Eligible Applicants
The fellowship is open to women of any nationality who are pursuing a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering or space sciences, or a related field, at any accredited university or college. Applicants must have a superior academic record and demonstrate a strong potential for conducting research in their chosen field. Applicants must also be registered in a full-time Ph.D. or 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 of application. Applicants must not graduate from their Ph.D. or doctoral program before April 2025.
Host Country
The fellowship can be used at any university or college that offers accredited post-graduate courses and degrees in aerospace engineering, space sciences, or a related field. The fellowship is not restricted to any specific country or region.
Scholarship Worth
The fellowship awards US$10,000 annually to up to 30 recipients. The fellowship can be used for tuition, books, fees, living expenses, or any other expenses related to the Ph.D. or doctoral program. The fellowship is not renewable, but previous recipients can reapply for a second year.
Level and Field of Study
The fellowship is intended for women who are pursuing a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering, space sciences, or a related field. The fellowship covers a wide range of disciplines, such as aeronautics, astronautics, astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, earth and environmental sciences, geophysics, mechanical engineering, planetary sciences, and more.
How to Apply
The application process for the fellowship is online. Applicants must fill out an online application form and upload the following documents:
- A verification of current enrollment at an accredited university or college
- A current official transcript or grade report
- Three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors
- A list of honors, awards, publications, and presentations
- A statement of professional goals and objectives
- A detailed description of the research program or project
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable
The application deadline for the 2024 Amelia Earhart Fellowship is 15 November 2023. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of April 2024.
Countries that can Apply
The fellowship is open to women of any nationality who meet the eligibility criteria. There is no quota or preference for any country or region.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be women of any nationality
- Be pursuing a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering, space sciences, or a related field
- Have a superior academic record and demonstrate a strong potential for conducting research in their chosen field
- Be registered in a full-time Ph.D. or 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 of application
- Not graduate from their Ph.D. or doctoral program before April 2025
- Not be previous Amelia Earhart Fellows
- Not be club members or individuals with direct membership with Zonta International, or employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women, or their family members
Scholarship Deadline
The application deadline for the 2024 Amelia Earhart Fellowship is 15 November 2023.
Scholarship Link
For more information about the fellowship and the application process, please visit the official website of the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship. You can also read the bios of the 2023 Amelia Earhart Fellows to learn more about their research and achievements.