ISA+21 Financial Scholarships
Offered by International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)
About This Scholarship
ISA+21, the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, was founded in 1978 by 21 pioneering female airline captains and has since awarded more than $1.5 million to women pursuing airline flying careers. Its Financial Scholarships provide a minimum of two $5,000 awards each year toward advanced flight training — the expensive final ratings such as CFI, CFII, and MEI that stand between a commercial pilot certificate and an airline job. In 2025 the organization awarded 12 scholarships across its programs valued at over $50,000.
This is a scholarship for pilots already deep in the pipeline: applicants must hold an FAA commercial pilot license or the international equivalent, carry a current first-class medical certificate, and be pursuing a career as an airline pilot. Funds must be used within 12 months of the award, and each woman can win only once in her lifetime, though unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future years.
Beyond the financial awards, ISA+21 also offers type rating scholarships, the Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship, and an international conference scholarship on the same annual cycle. The 2027 application window opened in July 2026, with entries due by November 1.
Eligibility
- Identify as female on your pilot certificate
- Hold an FAA Commercial Pilot License or international equivalent
- Currently enrolled in or have completed advanced flight training, pursuing an airline pilot career
- Current first-class medical certificate
- One ISA+21 scholarship award per lifetime (reapplying after an unsuccessful year is allowed)
How To Apply
- Gather the required documents: application form, essay, resume, pilot and medical certificates, logbook pages, transcript, and two letters of recommendation
- Submit the complete application through the online form at isa21.org/apply or by email to [email protected]
- Apply by November 1, 2026; winners are announced in March
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the money be used for?
Financial Scholarships fund advanced flight training such as CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings, and the funds must be used within 12 months of the award.
Do I need to be an airline pilot already?
No, but you need a commercial pilot certificate, a first-class medical, and a demonstrated path toward an airline career. The program is designed for women finishing the advanced ratings that airlines require.
Can I win more than once?
No. ISA+21 limits each woman to one scholarship award per lifetime, though you can reapply annually until you win.