Over the past decade, Scholarships worth over £2 million have been allocated to young people across the UK. We look for individuals that have a passion for aviation and aerospace and the determination to succeed.
2020 will see significant changes being to our scholarships and bursaries. New opportunities will be introduced for the benefit of future pilots, aspiring aerospace engineers and other aviation professionals.
The Air League offers the broadest range of scholarships and bursaries in the UK, with over 100 opportunities being awarded annually.
If you are considering a career in aviation and aerospace, the Air League can offer you unrivalled support and help. Please visit our individual scholarship pages to find out more.
If you are a company, individual, trust or organisation looking to change a life through aviation, please get in touch at [email protected]
Scholarship FAQs
How old do you have to be to apply for the scholarships?
Some of our programmes and scholarships are intended for 14-18 year olds, others have no age limit! Each scholarship, bursary and programme has slightly different criteria as we try help a range of people at different stages of their careers.
For instance, for the 12-hour flying scholarship, you must be a minimum of 17 when applying and turn 18 by the 1st April 2020. We accept applications from anyone up to the age of 35.
Other scholarships, bursaries and programmes have different age requirements so please check the T&Cs at the beginning of each application before applying.
When will the scholarships be open for applications?
We launch the 12-hour flying scholarships in November, with other scholarships to follow from December onwards.
We do also offer scholarships at other times of the year so please follow us on social media and check our website for regular updates.
How can I take part in introduction to aviation events which include taster flights?
We will announce when applications for these opportunities are open on social media and via our website. You may also wish to follow our partner organisations such as British Airways for further opportunities and updates.
With some of our programmes, we work directly with schools which means that applications will not be open to a wider audience.
I already have a PPL. Can I apply for the 12-hour scholarship?
No. The 12-hour scholarships are intended for those yet to achieve a PPL.
Should you require support post-PPL, you may wish to consider applying for our Flying Bursary Scheme. The bursary funding can be used for a range of purposes including hours building, instrument ratings etc.
What do you look for in scholarship winners?
We treat each person on individual merit as well as paying attention to certain criteria such as:
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Motivation/ dedication/ passion towards a career in aviation
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Continued interest in aviation and aerospace
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Ability to articulate and prove how the scholarship will help you with your future career
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Willingness to give back to others and volunteer / fundraise for the Air League
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Behavioural criteria e.g. pilot competencies (for flying scholarships).
This is not an exhaustive list and criteria we measure you against will be different depending on the programme.
Do you have to be British to apply?
No. But you do have to be a resident in the UK or be studying here permanently.
How should I approach my scholarship application form?
Please answer all questions fully and spend some time thinking about your responses especially to the essay questions and ensure you provide us with sufficient information in order for us to understand how the scholarship would benefit you personally.
Also ensure you have read all the Terms and Conditions and that you meet the criteria set for the scholarship. If you do not meet the specific criteria, we are unable to progress with your application.
How do you choose the scholarship and bursary winners?
For each scholarship, bursary and programme, you will be asked to complete an application form as well as submit your CV.
We will shortlist the most suitable applications for an interview. This may either be face-to-face, on Skype/ telephone or take the form of a video CV or interview. The specific process for each scholarship will be communicated as part of the application process.
Final decision about who to award scholarships and bursaries to will be made by a panel of experts across the Air League and in some cases, by the organisations sponsoring the scholarship.
Outside of the scholarship, do you fund flying training on a case-by-case basis?
We support individuals through our scholarships and bursaries. We are unfortunately unable to provide further ad hoc assistance towards flying training outside of these programmes.
What qualifications do I need to have?
Each scheme is different and for many, no qualifications are required. For some of our flying scholarships which are intended for those individuals aspiring to become pilots, the academic requirements are line with industry minimum requirements.
What’s new in 2020?
The Air League is going through a huge time of change. Please keep in touch with us over the next few months as we launch brand new programmes to help kick start your career with:
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Beginners Flying opportunities
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Gliding courses
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Aerospace Engineering courses
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Flying taster days and industry events