Aviation Pride UK launches scholarship to support LGBTQ+ aviation careers

Aviation Pride UK (APUK) has announced the launch of The APUK Scholarship, a new funding initiative designed to support people pursuing training, education and career development across the aviation sector.

Under the campaign message “Fund your aviation future”, the scholarship will offer financial assistance to help reduce the cost of aviation-related opportunities, recognising that fees and training expenses can be a major barrier to entry or progression.

The programme is open to a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the breadth of modern aviation. As well as commercial pilot training, applicants can seek support for recreational flying, engineering, airport operations, education, professional development, air traffic management, cabin crew roles, safety, aerospace and other aviation-related fields.

Funding may be awarded in full or in part, depending on the strength of the application and the funds available. Each application will be reviewed on its individual merits by APUK’s Scholarship Committee, with recommendations then submitted to the charity’s Board of Trustees.

The scholarship represents a major step forward for APUK, which became a registered charity in 2023 with the aim of making aviation more accessible, inclusive and safe for the LGBTQ+ community, and of providing direct financial support to those looking to build their futures in the sector.

Richard Walker, Vice-Chair of Aviation Pride UK, said the scholarship delivers on one of the charity’s core goals:

“One of the reasons APUK became a registered charity was so that we could provide direct support to people pursuing their ambitions in aviation. The APUK Scholarship is an important milestone because it allows us to do exactly that… Thanks to the continued support of our members and corporate partners, we're now able to help more people move closer to achieving their aviation ambitions while continuing our work to make aviation more accessible, inclusive and safe.”

Applications for The APUK Scholarship open on 1 August 2026 and close on 31 August 2026.

Applicants must be active Aviation Pride UK members. APUK welcomes both LGBTQ+ people and allies who support the charity’s aims, and new members can join via the organisation’s website before applying.

Full eligibility criteria and application details are available here.