Our 2025-2026 Scholarship Program will start accepting Applications from December 1, 2025
until April 1, 2026
The Alberta AAD recognizes the challenges that come with pursuing aviation training. To support individuals in advancing their aviation careers, we offer a range of scholarships. We provide five distinct scholarships across Alberta, awarding a total of seven candidates. Applicants must be Alberta residents and attend either a post-secondary institution or a certified training facility. Scholarship funds will be directed to the recipient's institution on their behalf. We encourage passionate individuals with a clear commitment to aviation to apply, following the specific criteria outlined below.
Emerging Aviator Scholarship
This scholarship is for students actively enrolled in flight training and pursuing their Private Pilot License (PPL). There are two awards available, each valued at $1,000, for a total of $2,000 annually. The funds can be used to support training for the Private Pilot License and may be applied to either fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft training.
(Two $1,000 scholarships award for this category)
This scholarship is valued at $1,000 annually and is designed to assist students pursuing training to obtain the Transport Canada Basic or Advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Pilot Certificate.
UVS Robotics Technology
This $1,000 scholarship is for students actively working toward their Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or pursuing an advanced rating, such as a multi-engine rating or instrument rating. The scholarship may be applied to either fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft training.
Two $1,000 awards are available. One is designated specifically for a full-time second-year student in the Mount Royal University Commercial Pilot program. Both successful candidates must hold a Private Pilot License at the time of application.
Commercial Pilot Advanced Training
This scholarship has a value of $1,000.00/year. One scholarship is awarded through the Alberta Provincial Committee of the Air Cadets for a cadet who is pursuing a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME). The second scholarship is available to students registered in the AME program at SAIT, Transport Canada AME licensed programs ‘E’, ‘S’ and ‘M’ licenses.
AME/Avionics
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded in honor of Alex Lanovaz, a dedicated Flight Instructor at the Alberta College of Aeronautics. The scholarship is available to a student pursuing their Flight Instructor Rating. The candidate must hold a Commercial Pilot License and be enrolled in a flight instructor training program.
Flight Instructor Rating award
Sarah Stahlke Memorial Bursary
presented by Elevate Aviation
Elevate Aviation, in collaboration with the Alberta Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Council (Alberta AAD), proudly presents the Sarah Stahlke Memorial Bursary. This bursary honours the memory of Sarah Stahlke, an extraordinary individual whose passion for lifelong learning, resilience, and mentorship left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Sarah’s journey into aviation was unique and inspiring. After beginning her professional life as a nurse, she earned a PhD in Sociology and served as a professor at the University of Alberta before fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Her dedication to her students as a flight instructor and later as a Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) was unparalleled. She remained closely connected to aviation until the end of her life, flying with friends and former students whenever possible.
The Sarah Stahlke Memorial Bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals embarking on a career in aviation after pursuing a different professional path. The award celebrates candidates who embody Sarah’s love of learning, well-rounded lifestyle, and commitment to giving back to the aviation community.
The Sarah Stahlke Memorial Bursary stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those embarking on their own transformative journeys into aviation. Through this bursary, Elevate Aviation and the Alberta Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Council aim to uphold Sarah’s legacy by empowering the next generation of aviators to achieve their dreams.
This $1,000 bursary honours the memory of Sarah Stahlke.
Together, we can ensure that Sarah’s spirit soars through the skies, carried forward by those she continues to inspire.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials to scholarships@albertaaviationcouncil.com to be considered for the bursary:
A personal essay describing:
Their career change journey into aviation.
Their passion for aviation and how it aligns with Sarah’s values of lifelong learning, adventure, and mentorship.
A reference letter from a mentor, instructor, or colleague that speaks to their character, dedication, and potential in aviation.
A brief outline of financial need explaining how the bursary will support their transition into aviation.
Applications must be submitted by April 10th, 2026. Only the successful candidate will be notified.
Basic Scholarship Criteria
Please ensure the nomination application includes all the following. These criteria apply to all scholarships, excluding the Sarah Stahlke Memorial Bursary. Additional requirements for individual awards are listed below the scholarship name.
The application can be accessed by using the following link:
You must be an Alberta resident
The educational institution must be in Alberta
You can self-nominate.
Applications must be received no later than March 1, 2026
A Scholarship Application will accompany your submission.
include proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
aviation certificates (pilots only)
logbook (pilots only), last two pages of your logbook (digital log books also accepted)
Please use the online application form for your scholarship.
*Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Scholarships will be presented on May 5, 2026 at the Alberta AAD Summit Gala in Edmonton, AB - 2 tickets will be reserved for each recipient
Please contact scholarships@albertaaviationcouncil.com with any questions.