SACAA Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Runs each year Last closed 30 September 2026
Provider: SACAA
Field of study: Engineering
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The SACAA closes its bursary on 30 September at midnight each year.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 30 September 2026 the SACAA closes its bursary on 30 September at midnight each year. Latest update ↓

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulates civil aviation safety and security. To grow the pool of pilots and aircraft engineers, and to transform the industry, it runs an annual bursary that pays for cadet pilot training and aeronautical and aircraft maintenance engineering studies for young people who could not otherwise afford them.

About the SACAA Bursary

The bursary funds four programmes:

Cadet pilot training, fixed wing.
Cadet pilot training, helicopter.
Aeronautical engineering.
Aircraft maintenance engineering.

Coverage depends on the programme but includes tuition, textbooks, accommodation, a stipend, practical training and mentorship. Cadet pilots receive full flight training and examination fees, which can exceed R1 million per student, making this one of the most valuable bursaries in the country.

SACAA Bursary eligibility requirements

South African citizen aged 18 to 35.
In Matric, or have completed Matric, with at least level 6 (70%) in pure Mathematics and Physical Science.
Demonstrated financial need.
A strong work ethic and a genuine interest in aviation or engineering.
For pilot training: able to pass the Class 1 aviation medical and the SACAA’s aptitude assessments.

How to apply for the SACAA Bursary

Go to the bursary section of caa.co.za and open the online application portal for the year.
Complete the form and upload: a certified ID; your Matric results or certificate; your current academic results if you are already studying; your parents’ or guardians’ proof of income; and a motivation letter.
Submit before midnight on 30 September. Shortlisted candidates complete aptitude tests, medicals and interviews before selection.

SACAA Bursary closing date

30 September at midnight each year. For 2027 studies, apply by 30 September 2026.

Contact details

Email: BursaryApplications@caa.co.za
Telephone: 011 545 1126, 011 545 1580 or 011 545 1468
Website: www.caa.co.za

Aspiring pilots and aircraft engineers should also look at the Transport Education and Training Authority and the airlines’ cadet programmes. See our government bursaries page and engineering bursaries list.

FAQs

1. When does the SACAA bursary close for 2027? +

The SACAA closes its bursary on 30 September each year, at midnight. The 2026 round closed on 30 September 2025, so applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026. Confirm on the SACAA bursary portal.

2. Which programmes are funded? +

Aeronautical engineering, aircraft maintenance engineering, and cadet pilot training for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

3. Who qualifies? +

South African citizens aged 18 to 35, in Matric or with Matric, with at least level 6 (70%) in pure Mathematics and Physical Science, from households that cannot afford the training, with a strong work ethic and a passion for aviation.

4. What does it cover? +

Tuition, textbooks, accommodation, a stipend, practical training and mentorship. Cadet pilots receive full flight training and examination fees.

5. Is there a work-back? +

Bursars are expected to work in the aviation sector, and the SACAA gives preference to its own graduates for vacancies. Confirm the terms in the bursary agreement.

6. How do I apply? +

Online through the SACAA bursary portal, uploading a certified ID, Matric results or certificate, current academic results if enrolled, your parents' or guardians' proof of income and a motivation letter. Queries go to BursaryApplications@caa.co.za.

Update note (checked September 2026): the SACAA closes its bursary on 30 September at midnight each year. The 2026 round closed on 30 September 2025, so applications for 2027 studies close on 30 September 2026. Confirm the date and apply on the SACAA bursary portal. We could not find this date on the funder’s own website on 22 September 2026. It comes from bursary listings, so confirm it on the official application page before you rely on it.

Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.

Apply on the provider’s website

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.