The 10 Top Women in Aviation Scholarships: Soaring to New Heights!

The skies are no longer the limit for women in aviation. However, financial barriers can still stand in the way of aspiring engineers, pilots, and aviation professionals. Thanks to the many women in aviation scholarships, finances are going to be the least of your worries. These scholarships not only offer crucial funding for flight training, technical education, and advanced degrees but also create a supportive community that empowers women to achieve their goals. In this blog, we will take you through the 10 top aviation scholarships for women.

Why are Women in Aviation Scholarships Important?

Aviation scholarships for women go far beyond their monetary value – they serve as catalysts for transformative change in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. As per the Center of Aviation, the world’s airline pilots who are female vary in the range of 4-6%. Multiple factors, such as financial constraints, lack of representation, and limited access to resources stop women from pursuing their aviation dreams. This is why women in aviation scholarships are essential. Beyond finances, these female pilot scholarships provide women with mentorship opportunities, professional networks, and visible role models. Not to forget, they also create a more inclusive aviation community.  

The 10 Top Women in Aviation Scholarships

The path to the skies for aspiring female aviators has never been this easy! With several prestigious aviation scholarship programs, women get vital financial assistance and opportunities for career advancement in the aviation industry. While the competition for these flight scholarships for women can be fierce, the rewards make them well worth pursuing. Let’s explore the top women in aviation scholarships.

1. Women in Aviation International (WAI) Scholarships

Offered By: Women in Aviation International
Award Amount: $3,000
Grade Level: College students
Deadline: 10 October 2025

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the number of women in all areas of aviation and aerospace. WAI awards over $750,000 annually across numerous awards. They offer several scholarships, covering many aspects of aviation, including flight training, engineering, and even space exploration. The best thing about this women in aviation scholarship is that it is not just for pilots but also covers maintenance training, dispatch programs, and aviation management studies. For 2026, the application for general WAI scholarship will open on July 1, 2025. To apply, one must be a member of WAI and submit an application along with letters of recommendation and a personal essay. 

Eligibility Requirements for Women in Aviation International Scholarships

• Be a member of WAI
• Two letters of recommendation
• One 500-word essay
• Resume
• Current medical certificates

2. The Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships

‍Offered By: The Ninety-Nines
‍Award Amount: $6,000
‍Grade Level: Student Pilot members
‍Deadline: 1 April 2025 & 1 October 2025

One of the top women in aviation scholarships, it is named after the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, the first president and aviation pioneer. The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships are awarded each year to eligible members across five categories. These include the Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship and the International Scholarship for pilots in developing countries. This women in aviation scholarship provides financial aid for flight training, advanced certifications, and academic studies. Wait, there’s more! The Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF), with awards ranging from $5,000 - $40,000, offers Research Scholarship Grants and First Wings Awards for Student Pilot members. The fund is supported by donations from 99s members, individual contributors, and estate bequests.   

Eligibility Requirements for The Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships

• Be a Student Pilot member for at least three months
• Have logged five hours of flight times within the preceding six months

3. Nancy Stratford Student Pilot Flight Training Scholarship

‍Offered By: San Diego Ninety-Nines
‍Award Amount: $5,000
‍Grade Level: College freshman & graduate students
‍Deadline: TBA

Are you just starting your career in aviation? Then The Nancy Stratford Student Pilot Flight Training Scholarship, one of the best women in aviation scholarships, is for you. It was introduced by Nancy Stratford, a trailblazer in aviation, who flew over 100 different aircraft in her lifetime. This women in aviation scholarship covers the cost of flight training, instructor fees, and necessary training materials. This scholarship also supports women who are starting their journey later in life. To apply for this women in aviation scholarship, one must be a female, reside in San Diego County, and have a passing score on a written test.

Eligibility Requirements for Nancy Stratford Student Pilot Flight Training Scholarship

• Be a female
• Reside in San Diego County
• Current medical certificate
• Pass the written test

4.  International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships

‍Offered By: International Society of Women Airline Pilots
‍Award Amount: $10,000
‍Grade Level: College and graduate students
‍Deadline: 1 November 2025

Next on our list of the top women in aviation scholarships is the International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships. It is best for women pilots who aspire to advance their careers by obtaining two B737 or A320 type ratings on a specific aircraft. Women who already own a commercial pilot’s license but need financial assistance to finish type-rating training can opt for this women in aviation scholarship. Do keep in mind that you’re allowed only one Type Rating Scholarship in a lifetime but you can apply as many times as you want. Eligibility for International Society of Women Type Rating Scholarships 

• An ATP or ICAO equivalent license
• A minimum of 2500 hours total flight time
• A minimum of 500 multi-engine turbine flight times included in the total time
• A current first class medical certificate

5. Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship

‍Offered By: Women in Aviation International
‍Award Amount: $3,000
‍Grade Level: High school seniors & college students
‍Deadline: One of the best women pilot scholarships, the Bonita Jean Olson Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Bonita Jean Olson. Women who demonstrate a strong passion for aviation and a commitment to excelling in their field are awarded this scholarship. It covers tuition, flight training expenses, and certification costs. No matter what you aim to become, be it a private pilot, commercial pilot, or flight instructor, this scholarship in pilot training can fuel your dreams. Additionally, this scholarship allows pairing recipients with experienced female pilots who can offer guidance throughout their training. 

Eligibility Requirements for Bonita Jean Oldon Memorial Scholarship

• Enrolled at an accredited institution
• Experience volunteering in STEM or aviation-related events
• A personal essay

6. Dottie Sanders Memorial Flight Scholarship

‍Offered By: San Diego Ninety-Nines  
Award Amount: $1,000
‍Grade Level: College & graduate students
‍Deadline: TBA
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Introduced after Darline Dottie Sanders, a dedicated aviator and advocate for women in aviation, it is one of the top women in aviation scholarships. It is awarded to women who are working towards their pilot certificates and ratings. From pilot training and certification to instrument and commercial ratings, this ladies-in-flight training scholarship offers funding for various stages of your training.  

Eligibility Requirements for Dottie Sanders Memorial Flight Scholarship

• Be a female
• Be a member of any chapter of the Southwest Section of the Ninety-Nines
• Reside in San Diego, Riverside, Orange, or Imperial counties
• Pass the written test
• Have a Private Pilot certificate if applying for an advanced rating/certificate

7. The Len Neufeld Memorial Aviation Scholarship

‍Offered By: The Vernon Flying Club
‍Award Amount: $1,000
‍Grade Level: College students
Deadline: 31 March 2025

Next on our list of the top women in aviation scholarships is the Len Neufeld Memorial Aviation Scholarship. You can have this award if you showcase a strong dedication to aviation and a desire to contribute to the industry. Offering $12,000 annually, this women in aviation scholarship supports female pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and aviation professionals. Plus, applicants can leverage these funds for additional certifications like dispatcher licenses, aircraft maintenance certificates, and advanced instructor ratings.  

‍Eligibility Requirements for The Len Neufeld Memorial Aviation Scholarship

• Undergoing or about to undergo advanced (post-PPL) pilot training
• Be a resident of the Okanagan Area of British Columbia

8. Mary Swain Memorial Aviation Training Scholarship

Offered By: British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC)
Award Amount: $1,500 - $20,000
Grade Level: College and graduate students
Deadline: 30 April 2025

This women in aviation scholarship supports women in aviation training programs, including flight school, aircraft maintenance courses, and aeronautical engineering studies. One can obtain this scholarship on merit, financial need, and a demonstrated passion for aviation. It covers tuition, training materials, and licensing fees, ensuring you have all the necessary resources to complete your education. BCAC provides over $150,000 worth of scholarships annually. Out of which, students can apply for cash awards ranging from $1,500 - $20,000. To increase your chances of getting this scholarship, ensure to exhibit your potential to contribute to the advancement of women in the sector through leadership and community service. 

Eligibility for Mary Swain Memorial Aviation Training Scholarship

• Reference Letters, transcripts, and a complete application
• Proof of financial need

9. Marian R. DeLano Memorial ScholarshipOffered By: San Diego Ninety-NinesAward Amount: $1,500Grade Level: College & graduate studentsDeadline: 24 May 2025One of the best female pilot scholarships, it offers $15,000 annually to women pursuing advanced flight instructor certifications like Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), or Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI). To get this women in aviation scholarship, one must demonstrate exceptional flying skills and a passion for teaching and mentoring. It covers advanced training costs and also gives access to a network of experienced female flight instructors. 

‍Eligibility Requirements for Marian R. DeLano Memorial Scholarship

• Be a female
• Have solo sign-off and pass the written test
• Be a member of the 99s chapter in the Ninety-Nines Southwest Section
• Current medical certificate

10. AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship

Offered By: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Award Amount: $10,000
Grade Level: Graduate students
Deadline: 31 December 2025

Named after Marillyn Hewson, former CEO of Lockheed Martin, this women in aviation scholarship offers up to $25,000 annually. It focuses on women pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, or related fields. Along with financial support, you also get access to internship opportunities at Lockheed Martin and mentorship from leading women in aerospace engineering. Through innovative thinking, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing diversity in aerospace technology, you can increase your chances of getting your hands on the AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship, one of the top aviation scholarships for females.

Eligibility Requirements for AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship

• Pursuing or about to pursue an aerospace STEM major 
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.50/4.00
• Must be a US citizen 
• Proof of financial need
• A 500-1000 word essay (learn how to write a winning essay, thank us later!)
• Letter of recommendation

Women in aviation scholarships are powerful game-changers for an industry that needs diverse perspectives and talents. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, these female pilot scholarships can make all the difference. Beyond aviation, students across multiple fields can also benefit from scholarships that ease financial burdens. The Amber Scholarship is one such opportunity, supporting students to pursue their dreams. Just as flight scholarships for women, amber ensures students have the resources they need for a smooth academic journey.