Zonta Women in STEM Award 2027: US$5,000 Awards for Women in Science and Technology
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | 2027 Zonta Women in STEM Award |
| Funded by | Zonta International / Zonta Foundation for Women |
| Coverage | 16 international awards of US$5,000 each, plus complimentary one-year supporting membership |
| Eligible applicants | Women in STEM from second year of undergraduate study through final year of graduate study |
| Application route | Starts with a local Zonta club or district |
| Deadline | Club deadline varies; club recipient to governor by 1 February 2027 or district deadline; district applicant to Zonta International by 1 March 2027 |
| Announcement | International recipients announced in April 2027 |
The Zonta Women in STEM Award is a global award for women demonstrating strong achievement or leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is not limited to one host country, but applicants must follow the Zonta club/district route, meaning your local deadline may be earlier than the international timetable.
If you are targeting women-focused STEM funding, compare this guide with `/schlumberger-foundation-faculty-for-future-2027-guide` and `/women-in-stem-scholarships-2026`.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| International award | US$5,000 for each of 16 recipients |
| Membership | Complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the following financial year |
| Use of funds | Zonta’s description notes no restrictions on use, while tax treatment may depend on whether payment is treated as award or scholarship |
| Award levels | Club, district, and international selection stages |
| Field scope | Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and recognized STEM degree fields |
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Identify as a woman and demonstrate meaningful STEM contribution, research, discovery, or innovation.
- Be currently in the second year of an undergraduate programme through the final year of a graduate programme.
- Apply through a Zonta club, e-Club, or district route as directed by Zonta.
- Submit the official application, verification of enrollment or employment where applicable, and two recommendations.
- Use English for international evaluation materials, according to Zonta’s award page.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are a previous Zonta Women in STEM Awardee seeking renewal for a second year.
- You are a Zonta International club/direct member or employee of Zonta International or Zonta Foundation for Women.
- You miss your local club or district deadline.
- You submit supporting documents not requested by the application; Zonta says unrequested materials will not be considered.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Locate your Zonta club
Use Zonta’s Club Locator or email programs@zonta.org for assistance. The application process starts with a club, not directly with international headquarters for most applicants.
Step 2: Request the local deadline
Each Zonta club determines its own timeline for receiving applications. This is the date that matters most for applicants.
Step 3: Prepare the official application and essay
Download the 2027 application materials from Zonta and complete the official form. Only typed applications are accepted and considered.
Step 4: Arrange verification and recommendations
Zonta lists verification of current enrollment or employment and two recommendations from adults not related to the applicant. Recommendations must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district, not through the applicant.
Step 5: Track district and international stages
Club recipients are forwarded to governors by 1 February 2027 or the district deadline. District applicants must reach Zonta International Headquarters by 1 March 2027.
Comparison: Zonta vs Other Women in STEM Funding
| Scholarship | Best for | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zonta Women in STEM Award | Women in STEM from 2nd year UG through final graduate year | 16 × US$5,000 | Club deadline varies; Feb/Mar 2027 advancement dates |
| Schlumberger Faculty for the Future | Women from developing/emerging economies pursuing PhD/postdoc STEM abroad | Grant funding for PhD/postdoc research | Nov 6, 2026 |
| MPOWER Women in STEM | International/DACA students at MPOWER-supported schools | Scholarship awards | Dec 31, 2026 |
Insider Tips
1. Ask for your club deadline now
The international deadline is not your submission deadline. Your local club may close applications weeks or months earlier.
2. Use evidence, not broad passion statements
Zonta rewards meaningful contribution and leadership. Include concrete research, projects, awards, prototypes, publications, patents, community leadership, or measurable outcomes.
3. Brief your recommenders
Recommendations should reinforce your STEM contribution and leadership potential. Give recommenders your CV, project summary, and deadline.
4. Confirm your degree field fits the STEM list
Zonta references a designated STEM degree programme list. Check your field before applying.
5. Prepare for tax questions
Zonta’s application description discusses tax considerations depending on award/scholarship use and residency. Keep records and ask qualified tax advice if selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Zonta Women in STEM Award?
Zonta International offers 16 international awards of US$5,000 each.
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. Applicants are eligible from second year undergraduate study through final year of graduate study.
Is there one global deadline?
No. Applicants must obtain their club or district deadline. The international timetable includes district/HQ advancement dates in February and March 2027.
Are previous winners eligible again?
Previous Zonta Women in STEM Awardees are not eligible to renew the award for a second year.
Timeline Table
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| September-December 2026 | Locate Zonta club and confirm local deadline |
| Local deadline varies | Submit application materials to club or district |
| 1 February 2027 | Club recipient sent to governor, or district-determined deadline |
| 1 March 2027 | District applicant received by Zonta International Headquarters |
| April 2027 | International recipients announced |
Your Action Plan
1. Locate the nearest Zonta club or e-Club.
2. Ask for the exact local application deadline and submission address.
3. Download the 2027 application and prepare a concise STEM leadership narrative.
4. Request two recommendations early.
5. Submit typed materials before your club deadline.
— Share this with someone doing serious STEM work who should not miss the Zonta club deadline.