12 Aviation Scholarships to Help Start Your Flying Career

Lack of funding continues to be a main reason students put off furthering their aviation education, and with so many superior aviation scholarships available, this doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be the case. Read on to learn about a few major organizations that offer aviation scholarships. 

The Experimental Aircraft Association is generous with their aviation scholarships each year and continues to look for aspiring pilots who are active in their community. If your interest in aviation propels you and you’re looking to attend flight school within the year, then apply for this superior aviation scholarship today. 

Whether you’re currently in flight school or looking to soon pursue it, the aviation scholarship can help you soar. 

Eligibility Requirements: The EAA aviation scholarships must be used within one year from the date they are awarded and the applicant must be eligible for flight training at the time of submission. 

 When to Apply: 

Where to Apply: Apply at https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/Aviation-Scholarships

Award Amount: Each EAA scholarship awards a minimum of $5,000. Annually, the EAA awards over $1 million in aviation scholarships. 

The University Aviation Association (UAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) team up to provide this scholarship for students currently enrolled in programs related to aviation. Named for the late Janice K. Barden, this scholarship is intended for those who are looking to make a difference in the aviation industry. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must be:

When to Apply: The application period is generally open from early-September to mid-January. 

Where to Apply: Apply at https://nbaa.smapply.io/prog/Barden/

Award Amount: Annually, five undergraduates are awarded a minimum $1,000 scholarship.

While this aviation scholarship is for those who have yet to obtain their private pilot’s certificate, applicants must be able to complete the training program within 12 months, if selected. 

The AAERO scholarship strives to help committed aviation students complete flight school in a timely and effective manner. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must be:

When to Apply: The AAERO scholarship application will be available online starting April 1, 2022.

Where to Apply: Be the first to apply at https://www.aaero.com/aviation-scholarships/ —when this scholarship reopens.

Award Amount: $150 to $2,500

The Women in Aviation International scholarships are for more than just those interested in flying. WAI has scholarships available for those interested in aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance, dispatch, professional development, and more. 

When you’re looking to advance in aviation, there’s a great chance that WAI has an aviation scholarship for you. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must be:

When to Apply: The 2022 application period has closed. Applications are generally due by mid-October with scholarships awarded the following March at the annual Women in Aviation International Conference. The 2023 application period should open sometime following the March conference.

Where to Apply: https://www.wai.org/education/scholarships

Award Amount: Scholarships vary. In 2021, WAI awarded 149 scholarships valued at $731,805. 

This aviation scholarship is for those looking to earn a private pilot certificate. LeRoy Homer was the First Officer onboard United Flight No. 93 on September 11, 2001. 

This scholarship was created to honor his integrity and to help support young adults with a love for aviation. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must be: 

When to Apply: The application window is typically open from October 31 to January 31.

Where to Apply: When open, apply at https://leroywhomerjr.org/scholarships/application/

Award Amount: Generally, two scholarships are awarded annually for varying amounts. 

There are five different Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships available, all differing in the aviation and aerospace departments. 

From flight training to technical training, to emergency maneuver training and more, the Amelia Earhart aviation scholarships are there to support women in all areas of their aviation careers. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Generally, applicants must: 

Additional requirements vary depending on the AE scholarship for which you apply. 

When to Apply: Application deadlines are generally January 1.

Where to Apply: Apply at https://www.ninety-nines.org/scholarships.htm

Award Amount: Varies depending upon each scholarship and its financial requirements. 

Focusing on providing assistance for youth aviation education, the Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association offers scholarships for aviation students.  

With an ever-changing aviation industry, these aviation scholarships are geared toward ensuring the younger generation is prepared to help the industry thrive. 

Eligibility Requirements: Requirements vary, but applicants must be currently enrolled in an aviation program at an accredited institution

Applicants must: 

When to Apply: Application period typically closes in May.

Where to Apply: Apply at https://www.adma.org/scholarship

Award Amount: Varies, usually between $2,000 to $4,000.

The National Aviation Explorer Scholarships were created to encourage Aviation Explorers to advance their education in the aviation industry. Aviation Explorers is a program offered by Learning for Life, which is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Helping to build future leaders in aviation, these aviation scholarships support those eager and determined Aviation Explorers. 

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be current and active with an Aviation Explorer post. Additional requirements are listed in the application. 

When to Apply: Applications are due March 31, 2022

Where to Apply: Apply at https://www.exploring.org/scholarships/

Award Amount: Varies, usually between $5,000 and $20,000

The Ninety-Nines is an organization that has been inspiring women pilots since 1929 and they have more than 30 different aviation scholarships available, some of which are based on your location. 

These aviation scholarships are intended to help women with a passion for aviation complete their goals—regardless of their financial state. 

Eligibility Requirements: Varies based on scholarship and location

When to Apply: Varies based on scholarship

Where to Apply: Apply for the many different Ninety-Nines Scholarships at https://www.ninety-nines.org/other-scholarships.htm

Award Amount: Varies based on scholarship and location

The University Aviation Association has six different aviation scholarships available. The goal of the UAA aviation scholarships is to promote and enhance the quality of aviation education. 

This organization works to ensure education is available to those with a love and determination to pursue a career in aviation. 

Eligibility Requirements: Varies based on scholarship

When to Apply: Scholarship applications are accepted beginning April 1, 2022.

Where to Apply: Apply at https://www.uaa.aero/uaa_scholarships.php

Award Amount: Varies based on scholarship

With more than 30 different types of scholarships and awards available, the Aviation Education and Career EXPO aims to assist young aviation enthusiasts in furthering their education. 

Flight school awards and scholarships are available, both monetary and tuition awards. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

When to Apply: Deadlines are typically in early October. The winners are announced at the EXPO in late October; selected applicants must attend the EXPO to receive their scholarship/award.

Where to Apply: Apply at https://projetaviation.com/aviation-expo/

Award Amount: Varies based on scholarship

The Boeing Company has been supporting students in the aviation and education fields for years. They work directly with universities to help students reach their aviation goals. 

Reach out to your university relations department to learn more about the many aviation scholarships Boeing offers. 

Eligibility Requirements: Varies based on scholarship

When to Apply: Varies based on scholarship

Where to Apply: To learn more about scholarship opportunities, email UniversityRelations@boeing.com

Award Amount: Varies based on scholarship 

With an incredible number of aviation scholarships available, it can be tough to know which one is the best fit for you. If funding is the only thing holding you back from your dream aviation career, don’t waste any more time, look through the available aviation scholarships and apply today!

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