Professional Asian Pilots Association Scholarships
Spring and fall pilot scholarships generally worth $2,500 to $7,500, plus a youth discovery-flight program.
- Award
- Generally $2,500 to $7,500; discovery flights up to $250
- Deadline
- July 31, 2026 for discovery flights; fall scholarship dates forthcoming
- Best for
- Aspiring and advancing aviation professionals who meet partner-award requirements
- Geographic eligibility
- United States training; eligible U.S. work authorization required for most awards
- Number of awards
- Multiple spring and fall awards plus 10 discovery flights in 2026
- Total program funding
- More than $3 million awarded since 2021
- Membership
- PAPA membership is required for scholarship awards, but not the 2026 youth discovery-flight program
- Application cycle
- Twice yearly plus youth outreach
FlightSchoolList summarizes the program for planning. The sponsor's current rules and application always control.
View official applicationAbout this opportunity
The Professional Asian Pilots Association operates a large partner-funded scholarship portfolio while keeping eligibility open across racial and ethnic backgrounds. It supports professional training and introduces teenagers to aviation through separately administered discovery-flight vouchers.
Who can apply
Most scholarships require active PAPA membership, age 18 or older, a high-school diploma or equivalent, U.S. work authorization, and the criteria of the sponsoring partner. Applicants of any race or ethnicity may apply. The youth discovery-flight program has separate age and membership rules.
What the award may cover
Partner scholarships generally provide $2,500 to $7,500 toward flight school, university, ratings, or professional aviation training and are paid to the institution. Youth vouchers cover up to $250 for a first discovery flight.
How to apply
Join PAPA, review the awards posted for the current spring or fall window, and submit separate applications for each eligible scholarship through the association's portal.
- Verify the current deadline and every eligibility requirement.
- Confirm how funds are paid and when they must be used.
- Prepare transcripts, certificates, logbook totals, references, and essays early.
- Save the confirmation and a complete copy of your submission.
Selection and application notes
PAPA and sponsoring partners select recipients under award-specific experience, training, career, service, community, and application criteria.
Planning tip: Applicants may apply for multiple awards. Join before the window opens and confirm each sponsor's independent certificate, acceptance, and training requirements.