Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) is looking for South African students to join its Bursary Programme 2026. If you are 18 to 35, love flying or anything that keeps planes safe, and just finished high school, this could be a great start to a career in aviation. The program runs out of the Aviation Training Academy in Bonaero Park, Gauteng and will start a new training block each year. You’ll learn how to help keep air traffic flowing smoothly, how airports stay organized, and how to manage the information that pilots need. The contract is fixed‑term and is a full‑time training opportunity, not a permanent job right away. The bursary deadline is 31 January 2026.
Why a Bursary?
A bursary is basically free training that also pays you while you learn. ATNS offers four intake periods in a financial year so you can start whenever a slot opens. You’ll get both classroom lessons and hands‑on work at the academy. The training covers a wide range of duties that keep the skies safe, from talking to pilots to managing airport schedules.
What Jobs Could You Do?
After finishing the program, you can move into one of five main paths:
- Air Traffic Services Officer (ATSO) – the people who guide planes in and out of airports.
- Aeronautical Information Management Officer (AIMO) – those who keep all the data pilots need up to date.
- Target Generating Officer (TGO) – specialists who plan flight paths for aircraft.
- Airport Management Centre Liaison Officer – a link between flight operations and airport staff.
- Simulator Support Officer (SSO) – technicians who keep flight simulators running smoothly.
These roles are real jobs in the aviation industry, and many former bursars have moved into paid positions after their training.
What You Need to Apply
- High‑school diploma (Grade 12 or Matric).
- Good marks in Pure Mathematics and English (level 4 or higher).
- South African citizenship and a valid ID.
- Be in good health and ready to take a medical test if you choose the ATSO track.
- Show proof of your Grade 12 results and a copy of your ID when you apply.
- You must be unemployed, between 18 and 35, and able to move anywhere in South Africa for training.
- If you’ve already taken an ATNS bursary, you cannot apply again.
What You’ll Get
- A market‑based bursary payment that covers your living costs while you study.
- Extra support during training, such as mentoring and practical drills.
- Real world experience that makes your resume shine in the aviation field.
How to Apply
- Click the link below to open the application page.
- Fill out the form and upload the documents listed above: Grade 12 results, a certified ID copy, an updated CV, and any other paperwork that the system asks for.
- Submit before the 31 January deadline.
Apply now for the ATNS Air Traffic Services Bursary Programme 2026 – it’s easy to do, and it could change the rest of your life.
Don’t wait until the last day – the sooner you start the process, the better your chances.
Why This Is a Good Move
A bursary is a way to jump into the world of aviation without paying for a university course. After training, you could become an air traffic controller, an information officer, a simulator technician, a target generation specialist, or an airport operations liaison. All of these jobs are in demand and pay well.
If you love the idea of making air travel safe and efficient, and you’re ready to work hard and learn quickly, then this bursary is worth looking at. The training is full of theory and practice, so you’ll come out ready to help keep the skies clear and safe for everyone.
Take the first step today – a future in aviation could be just an application away.