Aviation Scholarships

Montana is fortunate to have many generous individuals and organizations that support aviation by offering scholarships to qualified persons. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Aeronautics Division helps to match these scholarships to qualified applicants, and encourages individuals interested in aeronautics to apply for scholarships. The scholarships are offered to help defray costs of education (e.g., flight instruction, aircraft airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic school, etc.). Recipients will be announced in January 2026, and awards will be presented at noon on February 27, 2026, at the Montana Aviation Conference in Missoula. Winners will be provided a complimentary aviation conference registration and a free Friday lunch (sponsored by the Aviation Organizations of Montana) for themselves and up to two guests.

How to Apply

To apply for scholarships, go to Funding Opportunity Details - MT Grants + Loans click on Apply.

Then choose Citizen Login. You will be prompted to log into your Okta account to continue. To create an Okta account, choose Citizen Login and click Sign up to create your new account.

Once you are logged in, you will be able to review each scholarship’s requirements again and select the scholarship you want to apply for. You will be allowed to apply for one scholarship per submission. Repeat the application process to apply for multiple scholarships.

• You must be a Montana resident to apply.
• All applications must be submitted online.
• No emailed, mailed or incomplete applications will be accepted.
• Candidates must submit a separate application for each individual scholarship. Tailoring each application to the specific scholarship you are applying for is highly recommended.
• The Montana Ninety-Nines scholarships are reimbursement awards only. You must provide them with your eligible receipts for up to the dollar amount you were awarded within 12 months.
• The EAA Chapter 344 scholarship will be paid directly to Helena College.

Available Scholarships

38 North Aviation, LLC Aviation Training Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship is available to help defray the costs of flight instruction in pursuit of a pilot rating, certificate, endorsement or A&P mechanic school.

Aerotronics Maintenance Training-Avionics Technician Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship is available to help defray the costs of aircraft mechanic certifications. Preference will be given to applicants interested in pursuing a career as an avionics technician.

Aviation Organizations of Montana Flight Training Scholarship

Aviation Organizations of Montana (AOM) has established a $2,000 scholarship to financially assist a student pilot in obtaining their FAA certificates.

Aviation Organizations of Montana Aircraft Mechanic Scholarship

Aviation Organizations of Montana (AOM) has established a $2,000 scholarship to financially assist a student aircraft mechanic in obtaining their FAA certificates.

Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation scholarship

Three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded in memory of pilot Brett Thoft. The awards will be given to those who best demonstrate financial need, and a financial plan of action, and a detailed outline of their aviation goals.

Briar Creek Scholarship

This $4,000 scholarship is open to an active student or pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation.

EAA Chapter 344 A&P Training Scholarship

One $500 scholarship towards Helena Colleges A &P program. Student must be currently enrolled in Helena Colleges A&P program and may be in their first of second year. Funds paid directly to Helena College.

Edwards Jet Center Scholarship

Edwards Jet Center, a full-service Fixed Based Operator, Part 135 Charter Operator, and Part 145 Repair Station based at Logan International Airport in Billings, is offering a $2,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of flight instruction or A&P mechanic school.

Montana Ninety-Nines Scholarship

The Montana Ninety-Nines offer two scholarships of $2,500 to qualified female candidates interested in and passionate about aviation. The dollar amount of this scholarship must be used within 12 months of date awarded.

Montana Pilots Association Arlin Wass Memorial Maintenance Technician Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship is to be used for aviation mechanic training. Applicants must outline a financial plan to achieve their aircraft mechanic certifications and must demonstrate how their achievements of becoming a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic will impact aviation in Montana.

Montana Pilots Association Aviation Maintenance Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship is to be used for aviation mechanic training.

Montana Pilots Association Central Montana Flight Training Scholarship

This $4,000 scholarship is open to an active pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation.

Montana Pilots Association (MPA) Junior Pilot Scholarship

The recipient of this $4,000 scholarship is chosen for outstanding interest in aviation, citizenship in their community, and demonstrated academic achievement. The recipient must have previously soloed. Preference is given to younger applicants who are new pilots or pursuing a profession in aviation.

Montana Pilots Association Mike Ferguson Flight Training Scholarship

This $4,000 scholarship is open to an active pilot who has considerable interest in aviation and is seeking advanced flight training or pursuing a profession in aviation.

Ridgeline Aviation Flight Training Scholarship

This $2,000 scholarship is available to help defray the costs of flight instruction in pursuit of a pilot rating, certificate, endorsement. Preference will be given to applicants who choose to pursue their flight training at either Ridgeline Aviation location.

Theresa (Nistler) Colley Flight Scholarship

The Theresa (Nistler) Colley Flight Scholarship is sponsored by the Nistler family. This scholarship is to honor the memory of Theresa, who loved flying and was working toward her private pilot certificate. This $2,000 Aviation Scholarship will be awarded to a student pilot actively working toward a private pilot certificate.

Additional opportunities might become available. Please check our website for the most up-to-date list of scholarships.