Women Scholarships

The aviation industry has long been dominated by men, but the tide is changing as more women take to the skies and pursue careers in aerospace. Despite this progress, financial barriers remain one of the biggest challenges for aspiring female pilots and aviation professionals. Scholarships specifically designed for women in aviation are playing a transformative role in breaking these barriers. These programs not only provide critical funding for flight training and advanced certifications but also offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to role models who inspire the next generation of female aviators.

Organisations like Women in Aviation International (WAI), The Ninety-Nines, and others are leading the charge with scholarship initiatives that empower women to achieve their dreams in aviation. With financial support and a growing sense of community, these scholarships are helping women overcome obstacles, diversify the industry, and redefine what it means to soar. Whether you’re just starting your journey or advancing your career, these opportunities are paving the way for a brighter future in aviation for women worldwide.

FAA AND GENERAL AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships

Offers numerous scholarships for career pilots, private pilots, and advanced ratings, including:

• Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Pilot Scholarship

• Delta Air Lines Propel Pilot Scholarship

• ISA+21 Financial Scholarship

• CAE 2025 Citation Bravo Type Rating Scholarship

Eligibility: WAI membership required before October 1, 2024.

2. The Ninety-Nines: Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supports advanced flight training, educational tuition, and technical training for women pilots.

Open to women worldwide with a history of supporting over 750 women since 1941.

3. AAAE Women in Aviation Scholarship

Annual $5,000 scholarship for female students enrolled in aviation programs.

Eligibility: Full-time students with junior standing or above and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

4. Whirly-Girls International Scholarships

Focuses on helicopter aviation but includes opportunities for fixed-wing pilots:

• Whirly-Girls Memorial Flight Training Scholarship ($8,000)

• Bristow Group Initial Helicopter Flight Training Scholarship ($5,000)

• Coptersafety FAA AW139 Type Rating Scholarships

Membership required by October 4, 2024.

5. PAL Women in Aviation Scholarship

$10,000 annually for prospective female pilots or Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in Canada.

Eligibility: Enrolment at MFC Training or Southern Interior Flight Centre.

6. CAE Women in Flight Program

Offers scholarships through partnerships with airlines worldwide.

Includes funding for cadet training programs and networking opportunities

EASA AND OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) Women in Aviation Scholarship

   Two annual scholarships of $10,000 each for MSc students in Air Transport Management or Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University.

   Open to applicants from the EU, UK, and globally.

   
   

2. Captain Judy Cameron Scholarships (Canada)

For Canadian women pursuing commercial pilot licenses.

Offered by Air Canada in partnership with CAE.

3. European Cockpit Association (ECA) Female Pilot Scholarships

Financial aid for European women pursuing EASA pilot licenses.

These scholarships provide financial support as well as networking and mentorship opportunities to empower women in aviation. Be sure to carefully review eligibility requirements and deadlines for each program.