Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028

Women pursuing careers and academic opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can explore the Zonta Women in STEM Award, an international recognition programme that supports women making meaningful contributions to STEM fields. The award is particularly relevant to Nigerian women studying science-related disciplines or conducting research that contributes to technological advancement and innovation.

The Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028 is offered by Zonta International, a global organisation committed to improving opportunities for women and girls. Its international award programme provides financial recognition to outstanding women in STEM, alongside an opportunity to become part of the organisation’s international network.

However, applicants should understand the difference between the 2028 application cycle and the information published for the previous intake. As of 31 October 2026, Zonta International’s published programme information covers the 2026–2028 biennium, and the 2028 application dates and specific requirements have not been separately confirmed. The currently published award information provides a useful starting point, but applicants should check the official programme page and their local Zonta club for updated instructions before submitting an application.

This guide explains the award, its benefits, eligibility requirements, application process and what Nigerian applicants should know.

About the Zonta Women in STEM Award

The Zonta Women in STEM Award is an international award programme established by Zonta International to recognise women whose work contributes to scientific knowledge, technological development and innovation.

The programme is funded through the Zonta Foundation for Women, with contributions from Zonta members, clubs and supporters. Its purpose is to encourage women to pursue STEM education, develop their professional abilities and take leadership positions in industries where women remain underrepresented.

Who administers the scholarship?

Zonta International coordinates the international award programme, while applications are initially handled through local Zonta clubs and their respective districts.

The selection process has three main levels:

1. Club level: Local Zonta clubs receive applications, assess candidates and select applicants for district consideration.

2. District level: District committees review applications submitted by clubs and select candidates for international consideration.

3. International level: The Zonta Women in STEM Award Jury selects the international award recipients.

This structure means applicants do not simply complete an online form and submit it directly to an international scholarship portal. They must first identify the appropriate Zonta club or an authorised alternative submission route.

How is it different from other scholarships?

Many conventional scholarships focus primarily on academic grades, financial need or admission into a particular university. The Zonta Women in STEM Award places considerable emphasis on a woman’s achievements, research, discoveries and contributions to innovation.

Applicants can demonstrate their contributions through academic research, professional projects, technological developments, scientific discoveries or innovations that have benefited their communities or industries.

The award also recognises professional women working in STEM, provided they satisfy the programme’s educational eligibility requirements.

Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028: Quick Details

The following table separates the confirmed programme information from details that have not yet been announced for 2028.

Important: The US$5,000 award and 16 international awards are confirmed under the programme information published for the 2026–2028 biennium. The 2028 application timetable and any subsequent changes must be checked when the relevant application materials become available.

Benefits of the Zonta Women in STEM Award

The Zonta Women in STEM Award offers financial support and international recognition to women contributing to STEM development.

Here are the main benefits established by the published programme.

1. US$5,000 international financial award

Zonta International offers 16 international awards worth US$5,000 each. This financial recognition can help recipients advance their academic or professional objectives.

The award is not advertised as a guaranteed full-coverage university scholarship. Applicants should understand its payment conditions before deciding how to use the funds.

2. Flexible use of the award funds

One important advantage is that the published application description allows recipients to choose how the funds are classified and used.

The money may be received as an unrestricted award or used as a scholarship for qualifying educational expenses, depending on the applicable conditions and tax treatment.

3. One-year Zonta International supporting membership

International award recipients receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the following financial year.

This provides an opportunity to connect with an international organisation focused on women’s empowerment, education and leadership.

4. International recognition

Receiving the award can strengthen a woman’s professional profile. Recognition from an international organisation may also help demonstrate the value and impact of her research or innovation.

Recipients can include the achievement in their professional biographies and academic profiles, subject to the organisation’s publicity and privacy conditions.

5. Opportunity to advance STEM research

The financial award can support activities such as research, professional development, acquiring equipment and pursuing educational opportunities.

Applicants are encouraged to explain precisely how the funding would help them achieve their goals and contribute to their chosen field.

6. Opportunity to receive additional funding

The published 2027 application description states that recipients may accept additional grants and awards from other sources.

Therefore, receiving the Zonta Women in STEM Award does not automatically prevent a successful applicant from pursuing other legitimate funding opportunities.

Funding clarification: The international award does not automatically include a separate airfare allowance, accommodation, monthly living allowance, health insurance or visa sponsorship. These benefits should not be assumed when planning an application.

Priority Study Areas and Eligible Fields

The Zonta Women in STEM Award supports women studying or contributing to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

However, not every course with a scientific or technical component will automatically qualify. Zonta International uses a designated degree programme list to help determine whether a particular field meets its STEM eligibility requirements.

Relevant areas may include:

Science

• Biological sciences

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Environmental science

• Agricultural science

• Biotechnology

• Biomedical science

• Other recognised scientific disciplines

Technology

• Computer science

• Software engineering

• Information technology

• Artificial intelligence

• Data science

• Cybersecurity

• Information systems

• Other recognised technology disciplines

Engineering

• Civil engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Chemical engineering

• Computer engineering

• Aerospace engineering

• Biomedical engineering

• Other recognised engineering disciplines

Mathematics

• Applied mathematics

• Statistics

• Mathematical modelling

• Computational mathematics

• Other recognised mathematical disciplines

These are examples of potential subject areas, not a guarantee that every degree title qualifies. Applicants should compare their actual degree programme with the designated STEM degree list linked on the official Zonta website.

For Nigerian applicants, this is particularly important when checking programmes offered by universities, polytechnics and other recognised higher education institutions.

Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028 Eligibility Requirements

Although the 2028 requirements have not been separately published, Zonta International’s current programme page and 2027 application description provide the following eligibility information.

Applicants should use these requirements as a preparation guide rather than treating them as final 2028 rules.

1. Applicants must be women

The programme is specifically designed to recognise and support women contributing to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

2. Applicants must meet the academic-level requirement

The published requirements cover women who are currently in their second year of an undergraduate programme through the final year of a master’s programme.

This means first-year undergraduate students and applicants who have already completed their master’s programme do not meet the stated academic-level requirement.

3. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful STEM contributions

Candidates should demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Groundbreaking research.

• Pioneering discoveries.

• Exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in STEM.

Your contribution may come from academic research, employment, a professional project or another relevant activity.

4. The applicant’s field must qualify as STEM

Your programme or area of professional contribution must fall within the recognised STEM fields.

Check the official designated degree programme list before starting the application.

5. Applicants must not be previous international Women in STEM Award recipients

Previous recipients of the international Zonta Women in STEM Award cannot apply to renew the same award for another year.

6. Certain Zonta members and employees are excluded

The published requirements exclude Zonta club members, individuals with direct membership in Zonta International, and employees of Zonta International or the Zonta Foundation for Women.

Z Club and Golden Z Club members are eligible to apply.

There are also specific exceptions for recipients of other Zonta awards who hold complimentary supporting memberships, provided they are not applying for the same award they previously received.

7. Applicants must follow the application and submission rules

Applications must be submitted through the appropriate Zonta club, e-Club or authorised district.

The international evaluation requires applications in English. Applicants should confirm the language accepted by their local submission body before submitting their documents.

What about Nigerian applicants?

Nigerian women should not assume that they are excluded simply because they are not studying in the United States or Europe.

The award is international, and the published programme does not specify a US-only citizenship requirement. Applicants in Nigeria should contact the relevant Zonta club or district to confirm the correct submission arrangement.

The current official application materials also do not list a separate minimum GPA, IELTS score, TOEFL score or age range as a general eligibility requirement.

These details should not be confused with requirements from older application cycles or unrelated scholarships.

Documents Required for the Zonta Women in STEM Award

The 2027 application materials identify several documents that applicants should prepare. The 2028 application checklist has not yet been separately confirmed.

The published documents include:

• Completed application form: Applicants must complete the official Zonta Women in STEM Award application form.

• Academic transcripts: Official transcripts or equivalent academic records from all universities, colleges or institutions attended.

• Grading system explanation: Each transcript must include an explanation of the grading system used by the institution.

• Professional achievements essay: A written explanation of the applicant’s research, discoveries, innovations and contributions to STEM.

• Two recommendation letters: Recommendations from appropriate academic or professional referees who are not related to the applicant.

• Verification of current enrolment: A completed verification form from the applicant’s school or institution, where applicable.

• Employment verification letter: Applicants applying through a professional employment background should provide an employer’s letter confirming their employment, job title and date of hire, where applicable.

• Signed application declaration: The applicant must complete the required declarations and signature sections.

• Privacy and publicity authorisation: Applicants must review and complete the applicable privacy and publicity documentation.

Important document preparation instructions

The 2027 application requires official academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted under the published application instructions.

Documents that are not originally in English should be translated into English where required for international evaluation. Applicants should confirm the acceptable translation and certification arrangements with their local Zonta club.

Recommendation letters must be submitted directly to the relevant Zonta club or district, rather than being passed to the applicant for submission.

The professional achievements essay must not exceed 500 words. Applicants should follow the exact instructions and word limits on the application form.

How to Apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award

The application process begins with a local Zonta club. Applicants should not assume that submitting documents through an unrelated scholarship website completes their application.

Follow these steps when preparing for the next application cycle.

Step 1: Visit the official Zonta International website

Start by visiting the official Zonta Women in STEM Award page.

Read the award description, eligibility conditions, application instructions and available documents. Check whether updated 2028 materials have been published.

Official page: https://www.zonta.org/Web/Web/Programs/Education/Zonta_Women_in_STEM_Award.aspx

Step 2: Find a Zonta club near you

Use the official Zonta Club Locator to identify a club that can receive your application.

Nigerian applicants can begin by checking clubs in Lagos, Ibadan and other locations through the official locator.

If you cannot identify an appropriate club, contact Zonta International Headquarters at programs@zonta.org for assistance.

The organisation also allows applicants in geographic areas within a Zonta district without a local club to apply through an e-Club or directly to the district, where applicable.

Step 3: Confirm the application deadline

Each Zonta club determines its own deadline for receiving applications.

This means the deadline displayed on another club’s website may not apply to you.

Contact the club before preparing your final submission. Ask for its application deadline, submission address, accepted documents and any additional instructions.

Step 4: Download the official application form

Download the application form from the official Zonta International website.

Read the instructions carefully before completing it. The form requests personal details, academic background, professional experience, previous awards and other relevant information.

Use accurate information throughout the application.

Step 5: Prepare your professional achievements essay

The essay is an important part of the application because it allows the selection committee to understand your contributions to STEM.

The published 2027 form sets a maximum of 500 words for this section.

Your response should explain:

• Your significant research achievements or professional contributions.

• The discoveries, innovations or developments you have worked on.

• The impact of your work on your field, organisation or community.

• How the award would help you advance your academic or professional objectives.

Use specific examples and evidence rather than making general claims about your abilities.

Important: The application declaration states that applicants must not receive assistance in completing the essay portions, except for translation into English for progression to district and international levels. Therefore, write your own essay and do not use AI-generated or third-party-written essay content.

Step 6: Request your recommendation letters

Identify two suitable referees who can provide meaningful assessments of your academic or professional achievements.

Potential referees include university lecturers, research supervisors, employers, professional supervisors and academic advisers.

Give them sufficient time to prepare their recommendations and ensure they submit the required documents directly to the relevant Zonta club or district before the deadline.

Step 7: Obtain your academic or employment verification

If you are currently enrolled in a university or other qualifying institution, arrange for the appropriate school official to complete your verification of enrolment.

If you are applying through your professional employment background, obtain an employment verification letter on official company letterhead, signed by the employer and stating your job title and employment commencement date.

Follow the specific instructions applicable to your circumstances.

Step 8: Review all application documents

Before submission, check that your form is complete and that the required supporting documents are available.

Pay particular attention to:

• Your personal and academic information.

• Official transcripts and grading explanations.

• The essay word limit.

• Recommendation letters.

• Required signatures.

• English translations, where applicable.

• The club’s submission instructions.

Avoid sending additional documents that have not been requested, as the published application description states that unrequested supporting materials will not be considered.

Step 9: Submit your application to the appropriate Zonta club

Send your completed application and required supporting documents to the club or district using the submission method it has provided.

Do not send your application to a random email address found on an unofficial scholarship listing.

Confirm that your application has been received and that your referees have submitted their recommendations.

Step 10: Prepare for possible interviews

Zonta clubs, districts or Zonta International may interview candidates during the selection process.

Be prepared to discuss your research, professional achievements, future goals and the impact of your work.

The organisation’s application form specifically states that candidates may be interviewed at the discretion of the sponsoring club, district or Zonta International.

Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028 Application Deadline

As of 31 October 2026, Zonta International has not published a separate opening date or closing deadline for the 2028 application cycle.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on dates circulated by scholarship blogs or individual Zonta clubs as confirmed 2028 deadlines.

The latest published application description is for the 2027 award cycle. Its timetable states:

These are 2027 programme dates, not confirmed 2028 dates.

If you intend to apply in 2028, begin preparing your academic records, research evidence and recommendation requests early. However, wait for the relevant official application materials before relying on any deadline or submission instruction.

Zonta Women in STEM Award Selection Process

The published selection system involves three levels of assessment.

1. Initial eligibility assessment

The local Zonta club reviews applications to determine whether candidates meet the stated eligibility conditions and have submitted the required documents.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not satisfy the requirements may not progress.

2. Club-level selection

The club’s evaluation committee assesses applicants and selects its candidate for district consideration.

The club may also offer its own additional award, depending on its funding and arrangements. Local club awards are separate from the international US$5,000 awards.

3. District-level selection

The district evaluation committee reviews applications received from participating clubs.

Under the published 2027 description, each district could submit one applicant for international consideration, while districts with at least 1,200 members as of 31 May 2026 could submit two.

4. International evaluation

The International Zonta Women in STEM Award Jury reviews the district applicants and selects 16 international recipients.

The jury considers applicants’ academic or professional achievements, contributions to STEM and potential impact.

5. Announcement of successful applicants

Successful international recipients are announced according to the programme timetable.

The 2027 application description identifies April 2027 as the expected announcement period for that intake. The 2028 announcement date has not been published.

Important Conditions Successful Applicants Should Know

Before accepting an award, applicants should understand the following conditions.

The award cannot be deferred: The published programme description states that recipients are not permitted to defer the Zonta Women in STEM Award.

Additional funding is allowed: Successful applicants may accept grants and awards from other sources.

There are tax considerations: The published application description explains that non-US residents receiving the money as an unrestricted award may be subject to 30% US tax withholding, subject to applicable tax treaty adjustments. Different tax treatment applies when funds are used for qualifying educational expenses. Applicants should seek clarification about their individual circumstances.

The scholarship is not automatically a full-ride package: The US$5,000 international award should not be confused with a comprehensive scholarship covering every university, travel and living expense.

Accurate information is essential: Applicants must certify that their application details are accurate and comply with the programme’s conditions.

Personal information is subject to privacy rules: Applicants should read the programme’s privacy and publicity authorisation documentation before submitting their personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028

1. Can Nigerians apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award?

Yes. Nigerian women can explore the international award, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and follow the appropriate application procedure. Applicants in Nigeria should contact a local Zonta club or the relevant district to confirm the submission arrangements.

2. Is the Zonta Women in STEM Award fully funded?

No. The international award provides US$5,000 to each of 16 recipients under the current 2026–2028 programme. It is a financial award rather than a comprehensive scholarship package covering all tuition, accommodation, travel and other expenses.

3. How much is the Zonta Women in STEM Award worth?

Each international recipient receives US$5,000. Successful international recipients also receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International.

4. When will the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028 applications open?

The official opening date for the 2028 application cycle has not been announced as of 31 October 2026. Applicants should monitor the official Zonta International website for updated application information.

5. What is the deadline for the Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028?

The 2028 deadline has not been published. Each Zonta club determines its own application deadline, so applicants must contact their appropriate club for the correct submission date.

6. What are the academic requirements for the Zonta Women in STEM Award?

The currently published requirements cover women from their second year of undergraduate study through the final year of a master’s programme. Applicants must also demonstrate meaningful achievements, research, discoveries or contributions to innovation in an eligible STEM field.

7. Can working professionals apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award?

Yes. The published programme recognises women making meaningful contributions to STEM through their professional work as well as academic activities. However, applicants must still meet the programme’s academic-level eligibility requirements and provide the appropriate supporting documentation.

8. Is there an age limit for the Zonta Women in STEM Award?

The current official eligibility information does not specify a general age limit. Applicants should follow the updated 2028 application documents when they become available rather than relying on age restrictions from older application cycles.

9. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply for the Zonta Women in STEM Award?

The published application requirements do not specify IELTS or TOEFL as mandatory requirements. However, applications must be submitted in English for international evaluation. Applicants should confirm any additional language instructions with their local Zonta club.

10. Can I apply directly to Zonta International?

The standard application process begins with a local Zonta club. Applicants must contact a club to obtain its deadline and submission instructions. Where there is no club in an applicant’s geographic area within a Zonta district, the programme permits an alternative route through an e-Club or directly to the district, where applicable.

Conclusion

The Zonta Women in STEM Award provides an important opportunity for women whose academic research, professional achievements and innovations contribute to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For Nigerian women pursuing STEM education or building careers in scientific and technological fields, the programme offers international recognition and financial support. The US$5,000 international award, together with the complimentary Zonta supporting membership, can help successful applicants advance their professional and academic objectives.

Although the specific Zonta Women in STEM Award 2028 application dates have not been announced, interested candidates can begin preparing their academic records, research evidence and professional recommendations.

Visit the official Zonta International website, identify the appropriate local club and confirm the latest eligibility requirements before applying. Always use the official application documents and follow the instructions for your particular application cycle.

Official Links and Application Resources

Use these verified Zonta International resources to obtain accurate information and prepare your application.

1. Official scholarship page: Zonta Women in STEM Award

2. Official application form: Zonta Women in STEM Award Application

3. Application description: Zonta Women in STEM Award Application Description

4. Find a local Zonta club: Official Zonta Club Locator

5. Zonta International contact: programs@zonta.org

For scholarship updates and additional education opportunities, readers can also visit Savina Academy. Savina Academy is an additional information resource, not the official scholarship administrator or application portal.