The British Women Pilots' Association is offering scholarships for aviation in 2026
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The British Women Pilots' Association (BWPA) has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programme, offering a range of opportunities designed to support women at different stages of their aviation careers. From introductory flight training to advanced qualifications and ATPL studies, the scholarships aim to help aspiring and experienced aviators develop their skills and progress within the industry.
Published: 4 September 2026
Written by: Shreya Majumder
Applications are now open for the British Women Pilots' Association's (BWPA) 2026 aviation scholarship programme, which will award 15 scholarships to women across the UK who are looking to begin, develop, or advance their aviation careers.
The scholarships are available to women at various stages of their aviation journey, including those taking their first steps into flying, licensed pilots seeking to expand their qualifications, and aspiring professionals pursuing commercial aviation careers.
Since its foundation in 1955, the BWPA has supported women in aviation and encouraged greater participation across the industry for more than 70 years. Its membership spans a wide range of aviation-related professions and activities, including commercial and recreational flying, flight training, air traffic control, and engineering.
Scholarships for Aspiring and Experienced Pilots
The 2026 programme offers several opportunities for both new and experienced pilots.
For those beginning their aviation journey, the BWPA is offering:
Three BWPA Flying Start Scholarships
One BWPA SkyDemon Flying Start Scholarship
Two BWPA Easy PPL Scholarships
For licensed pilots looking to further develop their skills and experience, the programme includes:
Three BWPA Flying High Scholarships
Two BWPA SkyDemon Flying High Scholarships
The programme also includes several specialist opportunities.
Two BWPA Bristol Groundschool ATPL Scholarships will provide recipients with a 50% discount on online or classroom-based ATPL ground school courses. In addition, the BWPA CATS Aviation Scholarship will support an aspiring commercial pilot pursuing ATPL(A) modular distance-learning ground school studies.
The programme also includes the BWPA Members Special Mission Scholarship, offering one recipient the opportunity to take part in a unique aviation mission and flying experience.
Additional Benefits for Scholarship Winners
The scholarships offer more than just financial support.
Recipients of the five Flying High Scholarships will each receive a £100 Pooleys voucher, while the four Flying Start Scholarship winners will receive a Pooleys Pilot's Starter Kit.
Winners of the SkyDemon scholarships will also receive a one-year SkyDemon subscription to support their ongoing flight planning and training activities.
How the Selection Process Works
Applicants will be asked to explain their previous aviation experience, the aspects of flying they enjoy most, why they believe they are suitable candidates for the scholarship, and how they would use the opportunity to further their aviation goals.
Applications will be assessed by a panel of judges, who will shortlist candidates based on their potential for development within the aviation industry.
Previous scholarship recipients have highlighted the impact these opportunities can have on aviation careers. Ava Udwadia, recipient of the 2025 BWPA SkyDemon Flying High Scholarship, discovered a passion for aerobatics during her early flight training and subsequently used the scholarship to further develop her aerobatic flying skills.
Supporting the Next Generation of Women in Aviation
The BWPA continues to work with industry partners to increase both the number and variety of scholarships available to women pursuing careers in aviation.
Dr Stuart E. Smith of CATS Aviation said the organisation is pleased to support women who aspire to become commercial pilots.
BWPA Chair Annabel Cook also emphasised the long-term value of the scholarship programme, noting that it has supported women at various stages of their flying careers, from those entering aviation for the first time to experienced pilots developing new skills and qualifications.
The 2026 scholarship programme reflects the BWPA's wider mission of encouraging greater female participation across all areas of aviation. Through financial assistance, training opportunities, and access to industry resources, the organisation continues to help more women pursue their aviation ambitions.
Key Facts
The BWPA is offering 15 aviation scholarships for 2026.
Scholarships are available to women at various stages of their aviation careers.
Opportunities include Flying Start, Flying High, Easy PPL, SkyDemon, Bristol Groundschool, and CATS Aviation scholarships.
Two Bristol Groundschool ATPL Scholarships provide a 50% discount on ATPL ground school courses.
The programme supports both beginner and experienced pilots.
Scholarship winners may receive additional benefits including Pooleys vouchers, pilot starter kits, and SkyDemon subscriptions.
Applications are assessed based on candidates' aviation experience, goals, and development potential.
The BWPA has supported women in aviation since 1955.
The programme aims to encourage greater female participation across the aviation sector.
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Author: Shreya Majumder Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
