What it costs and how to pay
Training for a Commercial Pilot Licence costs about R800,000 or more, paid as you go for each licence and flying hour. Cadet programmes, bursaries, and the Air Force are ways to train without paying it all yourself.
Flight training is very expensive, often R800,000 or more. Funding is hard to get, but there are a few ways.
Airline cadet programmes
South African Airways and some airlines run cadet programmes that fund training for chosen students, who then fly for the airline. Selection is very competitive.
Learn more →SACAA pilot training bursary
The government aviation authority (SACAA) runs a bursary that can cover your full pilot training: tuition, flight hours, and exams. You must be a South African citizen aged 18 to 35. Apply through the SACAA.
Learn more →Air Force (SAAF)
The closest thing to a public route: the Air Force trains pilots for free, and you serve in the military afterwards. Apply through SAAF recruitment.
Learn more →Student loans
Some banks give study loans for flight school. Be sure you can pay it back.
Learn more →Ready to apply?
When you have picked a way in, apply before the closing date.
Questions people ask
Related careers
Not sure yet? These jobs use some of the same school subjects and ways to study.
Engineering & technologyEngineer
Engineers use maths and science to design and build things that solve problems, from roads and power to machines and computers.
From R 35 000/mo · In demand
How to become a engineer
Health & social servicesDoctor
Doctors find out what is wrong with sick and hurt people and help them get better. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
From R 40 000/mo · In demand
How to become a doctor
Advertisement