Aviation scholarships for international students provide financial support to help them achieve their goals in the field of aviation. These scholarships cover expenses like tuition fees, flight training, and living costs.
By receiving these scholarships, you can pursue your aviation education and training without facing financial barriers. Scholarships in aviation are generally awarded by various generally awarded by various organizations, including:
- Government bodies
- Aviation companies
- Educational institutions
- Non-profit organizations
Here are 10 aviation scholarships for international students that are currently available. Take a look if you’re interested!
Top 10 Active Aviation Scholarships for International Students
1. AOPA Flight Training Scholarships
AOPA Flight Training Scholarships are funded by donations to the AOPA Foundation. They provide over $1 million in scholarships to AOPA members, aiding them in achieving their aviation aspirations.
The scholarships cover primary flight training, advanced ratings/certificates, and aviation maintenance, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $14,000. Eligibility is open to AOPA members who are either U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent legal residents.
By submitting a single application, you’ll automatically be considered for all AOPA scholarships you qualify for.
2. Amelia Earhart Scholarship
Established in 1938 to honor the renowned pilot Amelia Earhart, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship supports aviation scholarships for female students. This prestigious fellowship awards $10,000 annually to around 30 women pursuing Ph.D. or doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
The scholarship can be utilized at accredited universities or colleges offering post-graduate programs in these fields. Eligible candidates include women from any nationality with exceptional academic records in research applied to aerospace engineering or space sciences.
3. Airbus Fly Your Ideas Competition
Airbus presents “Fly Your Ideas,” a global biennial competition promoting aviation scholarships for international students. This prestigious event allow students worldwide to apply their academic knowledge and research to real-life aviation challenges.
Since its inception in 2008, over 22,000 students have registered to participate, showing their innovative proposals. The victorious team earns a remarkable prize of €25,000. Meanwhile, the runner-up project is awarded €10,000. Furthermore, the remaining finalist teams share an additional €10,000.
4. ISTAT Foundation Scholarships
The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation supports the career development of young individuals in aviation through fully-funded aviation scholarships for international students.
The application period begins on January 23 and is by invitation only, limited to specific universities. To apply for the ISTAT Foundation Scholarships, you must obtain a nomination from the university you plan to attend.
Eligibility criteria require completion completion of a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies or enrollment in graduate or post-graduate programs. Additionally, applicants must maintain an academic ranking within the top 25% or possess a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
5. Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships
Every year, deserving individuals can apply for Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships through The Ninety-Nines, Inc. These memorial scholarships are exclusively available to student pilot members who meet specific criteria.
To be eligible, you must have been student pilot members for a minimum of three months prior to the submission deadline. Also, you must have logged at least five hours of flight time within the last six months.
The scholarship award, which can reach up to $6,000, is granted as recipients achieve specific milestones.
6. OBAP United Aviate Scholarship
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in aerospace careers, specifically offering aviation scholarships for black students. OBAP typically awards more than $135,000 in scholarships.
To be eligible for the OBAP United Aviate Scholarships, applicants must have an active OBAP membership prior to applying. Also, make sure you are at least 17 years old and currently enrolled as a student pursuing flight training at the United Aviate Academy.
The deadline for applications is July 15.
7. Canada-ASEAN SEED Program
The Government of Canada introduced the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchange for Development (SEED) program on August 6, 2017. This program aims to provide aviation scholarships for international students in Canada from ASEAN member countries.
To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of an ASEAN member state, enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution, and paying tuition fees to that institution throughout the exchange period.
The program offers a scholarship amount of up to $15,900 for a duration of eight months. Finally, the application deadline for SEED is on March 28.
8. EAA Flight Training Scholarships
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Flight Training Scholarships offer a golden opportunity to turn your aviation dreams into reality. With over $1 million in aviation scholarship funds awarded annually, EAA is committed to providing significant support.
Scholarsips typically start at a minimum of $5,000, helping to alleviate the financial burden of flight training at non-university programs in the U.S. and Canada. Don’t worry if you’re not an EAA member yet; you can still apply for a scholarship.
Applications open on November 1 and close on March 1 each year. To be eligible for this non-renewable scholarship, you must be at least 16 years old.
9. WAI Scholarships
Membership in Women in Aviation International (WAI) brings valuable opportunities. This includes scholarship awards to support career advacement in aviation and aerospace.
During the 34th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference held in Long Beach, California, 121 scholarships were awarded to WAI members, totaling an impressive sum of $883,340.
WAI Scholarship applications open in July, providing a chance to explore various scholarship offerings with different criteria and requirements. The application deadline is October 12. Please note that these scholarships are exclusively available to WAI members.
To take advantage of this, visit the membership section to join WAI.
10. NBAA Charities Scholarship Programs
Thanks to the generous contributions of NBAA member donors, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Charities Scholarship Programs provide significant support eacy year. With nearly $100,000 in cash awards, enrolled students can receive tuition reimbursement.
On the other hand, working professionals in business aviation, such as pilots, maintenance professionals, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants, and flight technicians, can benefit from substantial monetary and training awards.
These scholarships are typically offered annually, and the application for each scholarship becomes available at 30 days before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
Ready to take your aviation dreams to the new heights? Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities provided by these aviation scholarships! Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, an aerospace engineer, or interested in aviation management, these scholarships can help you achieve your goals.
With financial support, you can pursue flight training, advance your education, or gain valuable experience in the aviation industry. The application process is straightforward, and the rewards are significant. Apply now and soar towards a brighter future!
