SACAA Bursary Programme (Cadet Pilot Training, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering & Aeronautical Engineering)
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), a public entity of the Department of Transport, runs a full-cost bursary programme that develops the next generation of South African aviation professionals. Funding spans three streams — Cadet Pilot Training (fixed-wing and helicopter), Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering — and covers tuition, training, materials and, for the engineering streams, accommodation and a stipend. Recipients also receive mentorship from experienced pilots and certified aviation engineers.
Eligible Fields of Study
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) — administered in-house by the SACAA Human Resources office via its mcidirecthire recruitment portal supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Aged between 18 and 35
- ✓ In Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric
- ✓ Strong academic record with high achievement in Pure Mathematics, Physical Science and English (roughly Level 5-6 / 60-79% in Maths and Physical Science, depending on the stream)
- ✓ Demonstrated financial need
- ✓ Genuine passion for and commitment to a career in aviation or aviation engineering
- ✓ Conditional acceptance or registration intent at a recognised, accredited training institution (for the relevant stream)
What's Included
- ✓ Cadet Pilot Training: full tuition fees, flight training, examination fees and mentorship from experienced pilots and aviation professionals (fixed-wing training may include a component in China)
- ✓ Aircraft Maintenance Engineering: full tuition and registration fees, tools, textbooks and learning materials, accommodation, a stipend, practical training and mentorship with certified aviation engineers
- ✓ Aeronautical Engineering: full tuition and registration fees, textbooks and study materials, accommodation and a stipend
- ✓ Structured mentorship and exposure to South Africa's civil aviation regulator and industry
- ✓ Pathway into professional aviation and engineering careers
Work Commitment
As a full-cost public-entity bursary, recipients are typically expected to commit to a period of service in the aviation sector or with SACAA after completing their studies/training; applicants should confirm the exact work-back conditions for their stream in the bursary contract.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) — administered in-house by the SACAA Human Resources office via its mcidirecthire recruitment portal bursary application
- 1
Visit the official SACAA careers page (caa.co.za) and the bursary portal at sacaa.mcidirecthire.com/bursary/external/currentopportunities
- 2
Review the current opportunities and confirm which streams are open and their live closing dates
- 3
Register and complete the online bursary application on the SACAA mcidirecthire portal
- 4
Upload your certified ID copy, latest academic results (Matric or Grade 11/12), proof of household income and supporting documents
- 5
Submit your application before the advertised closing date — incomplete applications are not considered
- 6
Wait for shortlisting; shortlisted applicants may be invited to assessments and interviews
- 7
For queries, contact the SACAA Bursary Applications office by email or phone
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Latest academic results (Matric certificate or Grade 11/12 results)
- 📄 Proof of household income / proof of financial need
- 📄 Curriculum vitae (CV)
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration intent at a recognised training institution (where applicable to the stream)
- 📄 Motivation letter outlining your interest in an aviation career
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which fields does the SACAA bursary cover?
- The SACAA Bursary Programme funds three streams: Cadet Pilot Training (fixed-wing and helicopter), Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering. Each stream is a full-cost bursary, with the engineering streams also covering accommodation and a stipend.
- Who is eligible for the SACAA bursary?
- You must be a South African citizen aged 18 to 35, in Matric or with a completed Matric, with a strong academic record in Pure Mathematics, Physical Science and English. You also need to demonstrate financial need and a genuine commitment to a career in aviation or aviation engineering.
- How do I apply for the SACAA bursary?
- Applications are made online through the SACAA mcidirecthire recruitment portal at sacaa.mcidirecthire.com/bursary/external/currentopportunities. Register, complete the application, upload your supporting documents and submit before the advertised closing date.
- When does the SACAA bursary close?
- The programme runs on an annual recurring cycle. Recent cycles have closed around 30 September (for example 30 September 2025), while the 2026 cycle has been reported closing around 15 April 2026. Dates vary by year and stream, so always confirm the live deadline on the official SACAA portal before applying.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 15 April 2026
Apply on South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) — administered in-house by the SACAA Human Resources office via its mcidirecthire recruitment portal's official siteNeed help? Contact South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) — administered in-house by the SACAA Human Resources office via its mcidirecthire recruitment portal:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 011 545 1126 / 011 545 1580 / 011 545 1468
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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