Australian Women Pilots’ Association Opens 2026 Scholarships for Female Aviators

Australia – The Australian Women Pilots' Association (AWPA), in partnership with long-time supporter Airservices Australia, has announced two flight training scholarships for 2026, each valued at up to AUD $10,000. These scholarships aim to support aspiring female pilots at key milestones in their training towards a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), reinforcing industry efforts to increase gender diversity in Australian aviation.

• Two scholarships—each worth up to AUD $10,000—will support flight training for women pursuing careers as fixed-wing or rotary aircraft pilots.

• Funding can be applied to any stage of flying proficiency, from post-solo to CPL, provided the training is conducted with a CASA-approved Part 141 or 142 flying school.

• Category 1: Open to student pilots who have completed their first solo flight.

• Category 2: Open to pilots who have logged at least 5 hours of cross-country flight as Pilot in Command during CPL training.

• Applicants must be financial members of AWPA by 1 January 2026, hold a valid CASA Class 1 or 2 medical, and be at least 15 years old.

• Selection will consider aviation ambition, leadership potential, community involvement, and instructor recommendations.

• The scholarships will be awarded at the AWPA Awards and Presentation Dinner on 9 May 2026 in Airlie Beach, Queensland.

• Funds are available from 1 February 2026 to 30 June 2027, with partial retrospective reimbursement for training after application close.

• Scholarship disbursement includes AUD $8,000 for training costs and AUD $2,000 in milestone bonuses tied to key achievements such as PPL or CPL attainment.

Source: Australian Women Pilots’ Association (AWPA) Photo Credit: Australian Women Pilots’ Association (AWPA)