South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) bursary

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – SACAA

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), established on in 1998, is a public entity and agency of the Department of Transport (DoT). The national aviation authority is responsible for overseeing civil aviation and governing investigations of aviation accidents and incidents.

ABOUT THE SACAA BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for studies within the following fields:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
• Cadet Pilot Training: Fixed Wing Pilot Training
• Cadet Pilot Training: Helicopter Pilot Training

MORE ABOUT THE SACAA BURSARY PROGRAMME – SELECTION

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses:

• Cadet Pilot Training applicants: full tuition fees, flight training, examination fees and mentorship from experienced pilots and aviation professionals.
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering applicants: full tuition fees, registration fees, tools, textbooks, learning materials, accommodation, stipend, practical training and mentorship with certified aviation engineers.
• Aeronautical Engineering applicants: full tuition fees, registration fees, textbooks, study materials, accommodation and a stipend.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by SACAA – if you do not receive any feedback, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SACAA BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
Cadet Pilot Training applicants:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between 18 and 35 years old
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must achieve a minimum of Level 6 or 7 for Mathematics (Pure) and Physical Science in Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards a Cadet Pilot qualification: Fixed Wing or Helicopter Pilot Training
• You must have proven financial need
• You must be passionate about engineering and innovation
• You must be passionate about aviation and be committed to excellence
• You must have a strong work ethic and high discipline
• You must be dedicated and motivated

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering applicants:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between 18 and 35 years old
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must achieve a minimum of Level 6 or 7 for Mathematics (Pure) and Physical Science in Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards a Aircraft Maintenance Engineering qualification
• You must be accepted or provisional accepted to study at a recognised and accredited institution in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must have proven financial need
• You must be passionate about engineering and innovation
• You must be dedicated and technically inclined

Aeronautical Engineering applicants:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between 18 and 35 years old
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must achieve a minimum of Level 6 or 7 for Mathematics (Pure) and Physical Science in Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying towards an Aeronautical Engineering qualification
• You must be accepted or provisional accepted to study at a recognised and accredited institution in South Africa
• You must have a strong academic record
• You must have proven financial need
• You must be passionate about engineering and innovation

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SACAA BURSARY

Applications must be submitted online at: SACAA Bursary Application 2026

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the SACAA bursary.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric latest results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
• Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
• Latest academic results, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead)
• Parent or guardians proof of income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed)