The British Women Pilots’ Association (BWPA) has opened applications for its 2026 aviation scholarships, which support women in the UK of all ages and backgrounds in training and finding employment within the aviation industry.
BWPA 2026 scholarships launched today
The 2026 programme offers 15 scholarships for all levels of experience and all types of flying for women of all ages and backgrounds.
The scholarships are designed to support women in pursuing their aviation ambitions, from gaining their first qualifications to developing advanced skills and working towards a career as a professional pilot.
BWPA was founded in 1955 and has spent more than 70 years supporting women in aviation and promoting training and employment opportunities across the sector. Members from the association are involved in a wide range of aviation activities, including commercial and recreational flying, flight instruction, air traffic control and aviation engineering.
The 2026 programme includes opportunities for both new and experienced pilots. For those starting their aviation dreams, there are three BWPA Flying Start Scholarships, one BWPA SkyDemon Flying Start Scholarship, and two BWPA Easy PPL Scholarships.
Licensed pilots can apply for three BWPA Flying High Scholarships or two BWPA SkyDemon Flying High Scholarships. There is also a BWPA CATS Aviation Scholarship supporting an aspiring pilot undertaking ATPL(A) modular distance-learning ground school, alongside two BWPA Bristol Groundschool ATPL Scholarships offering 50% off online or in-person ATPL ground school courses.
Beyond the application
Applicants will be asked to outline their current aviation experience, what they enjoy most about flying, why they believe they should receive a scholarship and how they would use the award. A judging panel will then shortlist candidates based on their potential for future flying.
The BWPA works closely with partner organisations to broaden the range of scholarships available and increase opportunities for women entering and progressing within aviation.
Dr Stuart E. Smith of CATS said the organisation was “delighted” to offer an aspiring female pilot the opportunity to pursue a commercial flying career.
BWPA Chair Annabel Cook said the scholarships had helped women at a range of stages in their aviation journeys:
“Our scholarships continue to set a high standard across the industry and can make a real and lasting difference to the women who receive them. They have helped women at many different stages of their flying, from taking their first steps into aviation to developing new skills and progressing their careers.”
The BWPA says the 2026 scholarships programme will form a part of its broader mission to encourage women to participate in all areas of aviation and all types of flying.
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