If you love gadgets, flying, and dreaming about a future where you can control a machine from the sky, the latest chance for students in Gauteng is just here. A brand‑new Drone Pilot Bursary is open for young South Africans. The program will train you for a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) – a skill that is exploding in demand because more businesses need drones for mapping, photography, delivery, and even farming. With this certificate, you could start a career in an industry that grows every year and can pay well, even if you’re still in your teens.
Quick Facts About the Flyfofa Drone Pilot Bursary 2026
| What you’ll learn | What you’ll get | Where it happens | When it ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drone operations, laws, safety, flight plans, weather basics | Free training, room and board, a monthly allowance | Flyfofa Aviation Training, South Africa | 15 January 2026 (midnight) |
Only people who live in Gauteng can apply.
You need a valid South African ID and a Grade 12 certificate.
Use the application code “RPAS2026” to start your form.
About the Training School
Flyfofa Aviation Training is a well‑known school in South Africa that teaches people how to work with unmanned aircraft, or drones. All of their courses follow rules from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). This means that after you finish, you will have a legally recognised certificate that lets you fly drones in the country for work or for fun.
Why Choose Flyfofa’s Drone Course?
- The course is set up to match SACAA rules, so you’re ready for any real job.
- You’ll spend as much time learning theory as you do flying the drones.
- Tests and exams are part of the program, so you’ll know you’re ready when you get certified.
- Instructors are experienced pilots who know how to keep everyone safe.
When you finish, you won’t just have a certificate – you will have flown drones on real missions and handled real equipment.
What You’ll Learn
- Rules of the sky – understand the laws that keep everyone safe.
- How to keep drones safe – manage risks and avoid accidents.
- What makes a drone work – study its parts and how they fit together.
- Planning a flight – learn how to chart a route and navigate.
- Weather for drones – simple weather basics that affect flights.
- Emergency plans – know what to do if something goes wrong.
- Hands‑on flying – practice with real drones.
You will prove your skills to a qualified examiner and then receive the RPC.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is meant for people who have faced some disadvantages in life. The specific rules are:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You should be between 18 and 23 years old.
- You live in Gauteng.
- You finished Grade 12 at a school that is a Quintile 1, 2, or 3 school in Gauteng.
- You need a minimum of Level 5 English and Level 4 math (or Level 5 maths literacy).
- You must pass an aviation health check.
- Good judgment, clear communication, and the ability to handle many tasks at once are important.
If you also receive a SASSA Child Grant, you are eligible, too.
How to Apply
You can only apply online. Here’s what to do:
- Go to the Flyfofa website and find the application page.
- Pick “Remote Pilot Certificate – Drone Pilot.”
- Type the code RPAS2026 in the field.
- Fill out all the questions in the form.
- Attach the required documents:
- A copy of your South African ID
- Proof of where you live
- Your Grade 12 certificate or the most recent results
Finish everything before midnight on 15 January 2026 – after that, applications will not be considered.
To start the application, click Apply for the Drone Pilot Bursary. (You can copy this link: https://flyfofa.co.za/remote-pilot-bursary)
A Chance to Build a Future
The Drone Pilot Bursary is not only a scholarship – it’s a path into a field that’s growing fast. If you’re curious about technology and have the drive to learn new skills, this is a solid step toward a future career in aviation. Don’t miss this chance to get a top‑grade certificate, live with other students, and earn a monthly allowance while you learn.
Apply now, and start building a skill that could lead to a bright future in South Africa’s drone industry.