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.
- Check if you Qualify for this Bursary before you Apply
- Track your Daily Career Score Here
- Create and Download your CV for this Bursary Application here
- Create a Motivational Letter for this Bursary Application here
- Check if you also Qualify for NSFAS Funding here
- Check if you Qualify for TVET College Enrolment here
- View more 2026 Bursaries here
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.
Quick Overview
| Item | Details |
| Programme Name | Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone Pilot) |
| 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 | RPAS2026 |
About Flyfofa Aviation Training
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.
What the Drone Pilot Course Covers
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
- Practical drone flight skills
- SACAA-aligned assessments and exams
Once training is completed, learners will demonstrate their skills to a qualified examiner before certification.
Entry Requirements
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
Who Can Apply?
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.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online only.
Application Steps:
- Visit: www.flyfofa.co.za/online/form
- Select Remote Pilot Certificate – Drone Pilot
- Use the application code: RPAS2026
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
Required Documents:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID
- Proof of residence
- Grade 12 certificate or statement of results
Important: Incomplete or late applications will NOT be accepted.
Selection Process Explained
Applicants who meet the minimum criteria will go through a structured selection process:
- Pre-screening of applications
- Personality testing
- Medical examination
- Panel interviews
This ensures that selected learners are physically fit, mentally prepared, and suited for aviation-related work.
How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare
At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.
Recommended Tools:
- Edupstairs Financial Literacy Mini-School
- Grow your Confidence – 30-day Challenge
- SA Bursary Probability Checker
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- SA Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Quiz
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
- Learnership and Internship Readiness Quiz
Edupstairs Advice (Read This Carefully)
At Edupstairs, we see drone piloting as a high-value future skill — but only if approached seriously.
Our advice:
- Prepare for the medical and interview stages early
- Practice basic aviation knowledge and safety awareness
- Ensure your documents are clear and certified
- Use December wisely to prepare — don’t rush in January
We also encourage applicants to explore:
- Learnerships linked to aviation and ICT
- Technical short courses that complement drone skills
- Entrepreneurship training if you plan to go freelance
Remember: Certification + discipline + consistency = employability.
Career Growth Path After This Programme
Completing a Remote Pilot Certificate opens multiple career pathways:
Entry-Level Opportunities:
- Junior Drone Pilot
- Drone Operations Assistant
- Surveying Assistant
- Security Drone Operator
Advanced Career Progression:
- Commercial Drone Pilot
- UAV Operations Manager
- Drone Instructor
- GIS & Mapping Specialist
- Film & Media Drone Operator
- Drone Entrepreneur / Service Provider
Many certified pilots go on to start their own drone businesses, offering services to farms, construction companies, municipalities, and security firms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this bursary really fully funded?
Yes. Training, accommodation, and a monthly stipend are included.
- Do I need prior drone experience?
No. Training starts from beginner level.
- Can I apply if I live outside Gauteng?
No. This opportunity is strictly for Gauteng residents.
- What happens after the 12 weeks?
You will receive your Remote Pilot Certificate, enabling you to seek work or further licensing.
- Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be 18–23 years old.
CLOSING DATE: 15 JANUARY 2026
You can also:
- View latest Internships
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- View Latest Bursaries
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- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Disclaimer
Edupstairs is not the funding provider or training institution. We share verified opportunities for informational purposes. Final selection, funding decisions, and programme outcomes rest with Flyfofa Aviation Training, NSF, and DHET.
Always apply via official platforms only and beware of scams.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR SCAM/FRAUD ALERT PAGE HERE