7 Pilot Training Scholarships for Developing Countries

You’ll agree with me that the cost of studying any degree is getting higher, it’s even worse for international students pursuing any career including a career in aviation. And, this high cost has almost crumbled the dreams of some students or even made them further their careers in programs they never wanted.

The good news is that there are pilot training scholarships for developing countries, where students, especially those with quality results are likely to pay part or no fees.

Also, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and so many others provide the best flight schools in the world. Moreover, even if you are still waiting for your scholarship, you can still try some of the free pilot training programs, I believe there are some skills you can learn from them.

Without much ado, let’s go ahead to list these scholarships.

pilot training scholarships for developing countries
pilot training scholarships for developing countries

Pilot Training Scholarships for Developing Countries

1. EAA Flight Training Scholarships

This is one of the best pilot training scholarships for developing countries that are provided for students to study in either the United States or Canada. And, the good news is that this scholarship is fully funded, which means you don’t have to pay for your fees, it even goes as long as covering International Student Fees (ISF).

EAA is able to award these scholarships because they are supported by lots of donors, benefactors, and others who “pass it forward” by endowing these programs. Moreover, you don’t need to be a current EAA member to apply.

Learn More!

2. Harvey Fellow Program

This is one of the pilot training scholarships for both developing and other countries, that is exclusively for Christian Students that are pursuing graduate programs at premier universities in fields considered to be underrepresented by Christians. These students need to have a unique vision to impact both their society and the world through their vocations.

Winners of these scholarships will be awarded a $16,000 stipend each, and these can be renewed as long as students maintain high-quality education and are found worthy in character. The scholarship can be used in any field including for pilot training.

3. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Scholarships

 This scholarship is awarded to both graduates and undergraduate students annually that are furthering their degree in Science and Engineering Programs. Also, if winners maintain good academic results, their scholarships will be renewed until they reach graduation.

For graduates to stand a better chance of winning, they need to do excellent research in the air and space sciences.

4. Richard L. Taylor Flight Training Scholarship

This is one of the pilot training scholarships for developing countries awarded to college or university students continuing their education in the aviation industry. To be eligible, you need to;

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university
  • Be enrolled in a flight program through the college/university with aspirations to become a professional pilot (general or commercial aviation)
  • Have a private pilot’s license – a copy must be included in the application of the packet
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. (Applicant must submit an official transcript)
  • Complete the official application
  • Be a senior in high school planning a career in the general aviation field

5. Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to college students that are pursuing careers in engineering-related programs in vertical flight technology. Just like most aviation scholarships for developing countries, this award is also merit-based, and the value ranges from $1,000 up to $6,000.

Moreover, this scholarship is open to full-time students attending a university or college located anywhere in the world and regardless of a student’s nationality. You don’t even need to be a member of the Vertical Flight Society to be eligible.

6. The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships & Awards

Annually, Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships are usually awarded to qualified members for five different scholarship types for pilots in developing countries. These scholarship types include;

  • Vicki Cruse Memorial Scholarship for Emergency Maneuver Training
  • Kitty Houghton Memorial Scholarship
  • Technical Training Scholarship
  • Flight Training Scholarship
  • Academic Scholarship

7. NBAA – National Business Aviation Association

NBAA offers various kinds of scholarships for both enrolled Business Aviation Students and working professionals in business aviation, including pilots, maintenance professionals, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants, and flight technicians. So they provide;

  • Hank Hilsmann Memorial Scholarship
  • International Operators Scholarship
  • Fred and Diane Fitts Aviation Scholarship
  • Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship
  • UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship

And many more.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are few pilot training scholarships for developing countries, and you must have noticed that some of these scholarships are also for aviation-related programs, and engineering courses. So, you will also need to be at your best game to qualify for the awards, especially the fully-funded scholarships.

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