Flyfofa Aviation Training Drone Pilot Bursary Programme; Remote Pilot Certificate

home » flyfofa aviation training drone pilot bursary programme (remote pilot certificate) 2026

south african youth with a passion for technology, aviation, and future-ready careers have just received a major opportunity. A fully funded flyfofa aviation training drone pilot bursary has officially opened for gauteng province candidates only
, offering training towards a remote pilot certificate (rpc) — one of the most in-demand skills in today’s digital and aviation economy.

this bursary is delivered by flyfofa aviation training
, in partnership with the national skills fund
, through the department of higher education and training
.

if you are a young person in gauteng who has completed matric at a quintile 1–3 school (or is a sassa child grant recipient
), this could be a life-changing pathway into the fast-growing drone and aviation industry.

item
details

type fully funded bursary

duration 12 weeks (full-time)

funding includes training, accommodation, monthly stipend

province gauteng only

training provider flyfofa aviation training

regulatory authority sacaa-aligned

closing date
midnight, 15 january 2026

application code
rpas
2026

flyfofa aviation training is a recognised aviation training institution in south africa, specialising in unmanned aircraft systems (uas) and aviation-related skills development.

their training programmes are designed to meet south african civil aviation authority (south african civil aviation authority) standards, ensuring that graduates are legally certified and industry-ready.

what makes flyfofa’s training stand out?

• sacaa-aligned curriculum
• combination of theory + hands-on practical flight training
• internal and external examinations included
• qualified aviation instructors
• focus on safety, compliance, and professionalism

graduates leave with more than just a certificate — they leave with real flight experience and operational knowledge
.

this remote pilot certificate (rpc) programme is comprehensive and covers everything required to legally operate drones in south africa.

you will learn:

• drone aviation regulations and air law
• safe flying practices and risk management
• how drones operate (systems and components)
• flight planning and navigation
• meteorology for drone operations
• emergency procedures
• sacaa-aligned assessments and exams

once training is completed, learners will demonstrate their skills to a qualified examiner before certification.

to qualify for this bursary, applicants must meet all minimum requirements
:

• must be a south african citizen
• must be between 18 and 23 years old
• must be residing in gauteng province
• must have matriculated in gauteng at a quintile 1–3 school only
• must have level 5 in english
• must have level 4 in mathematics or level 5 in mathematical literacy
• must be willing to undergo an aviation medical examination
• must have good communication, judgement, and decision-making skills
• must be able to multitask with strong hand-eye coordination
• must be technically and safety-orientated and culturally sensitive

this bursary is strictly targeted to support previously disadvantaged youth.

eligible applicants include:

• south african citizens of all race groups residing in gauteng
• learners who attended quintile 1, 2, or 3 high schools in gauteng
  , or
• sassa child grant recipients

this aligns with nsf and dhet’s goal of inclusive skills development
.

• use the application code:
  rpas
  2026
• complete the online application form
• upload all required documents

required documents:

• certified copy of a valid south african
• proof of residence
• grade 12 certificate or statement of results

important: incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

applicants who meet the minimum criteria will go through a structured selection process:

• pre-screening of applications
• personality testing
• medical examination

this ensures that selected learners are physically fit, mentally prepared, and suited for aviation-related work.

at edupstairs
, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them
.

at edupstairs
, we see drone piloting as a high-value future skill — but only if approached seriously.

our advice:

• prepar…