SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

Pursuing a career in aviation can be a long and costly pursuit. At PAPA, we strive to do our part in helping ensure that no qualified individual who aspires to become an aviation professional has to give up on their dream, solely because of financial reasons.

Since 2021, we have awarded over $3 million in scholarships to PAPA members. We usually open up our scholarship window twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Anyone can apply as long as they are a PAPA member and meet the criteria outlined by the sponsoring partner. Most scholarships will be paid directly towards the recipient’s institution.

We are proud to provide annual scholarships in conjunction with our partner organizations. Here’s to breaking down barriers in aviation!

The 2026 Fall Scholarship window will open September 15th-30th, 2026.

Please log into your Members Area and click on the ‘Scholarship’ tab to apply. The window will close at 23:59 PT.

Scholarships Available:

United Aviate Academy Scholarship:

Number available: TBD, $150,000 in funds
Award: Partial or Full

Requirements: United Airlines has partnered with PAPA and is offering our
members over $600,000 annually in scholarship funds to attend the Aviate
Academy and achieve their dream of becoming a future United Airlines Pilot. In
order to qualify for this scholarship, you must meet the following eligibility criteria in addition to the general requirements:
● Must have acceptance letter to the United Aviate Academy
● Must not have graduated from the United Aviate Academy by the application close date

Republic Airways Airline Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship:

Number available: 1
Award: $5,000


Requirements: Republic Airways will award one $5,000 scholarship to a student at a Part 147 pursuing a career as an Airline Maintenance Technician (AMT).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The website will be updated for each Spring and Fall Scholarship window so check back around those times.

  • No. You must be a member of PAPA to receive a scholarship award. To become a member, visit our Members Area.

  • General requirements include being at least 18 years of age, high school diploma or GED equivalent, Each scholarship has its own independent requirements. Log in with your PAPA membership credentials to view each individual scholarship.

  • Yes! Everyone is eligible regardless of race and ethnicity. Some scholarships may be decided based on past or current involvement in the Asian community.

  • Scholarships range anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500 generally. These are subject to change yearly depending on sponsorship.

  • The application process takes our scholarship team about 2-3 weeks after the window closes to review and finalize our scholarship recipients.

  • The scholarship windows open in the Spring and Fall, providing two scholarship application opportunities.

  • Yes, you may apply to any scholarship that you are eligible for.

  • Yes. You must be able to work in the United States and be a green card holder.

  • Yes, you may apply as long as you have a conditional acceptance letter from the United Aviate Academy and be an active student at the application close date.

  • Funds will be disbursed directly to your flight school/university via check.

  • Your funds can be used as soon as it is awarded. It is to be used within one year of awarding.

  • Yes, you can be awarded a scholarship as a past recipient.

  • Our scholarship team can be reached at scholarship@asianpilots.org. Please review the above FAQ first and only contact us if your query was not addressed.

Please direct all scholarship inquiries to scholarship@asianpilots.org.