South Africa’s aviation sector plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of passengers, cargo, and national airspace. At the heart of this system are highly trained air traffic services professionals who manage aircraft movements with precision and discipline. Training these specialists is complex, expensive, and highly regulated, which is why access to aviation careers has traditionally been limited to those with financial means. Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026

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The Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026 changes that reality.

Offered by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), this fully funded bursary provides deserving South African students with the opportunity to receive world-class aviation training without financial barriers. Using verified information from the official ATNS careers platform, this guide explains what the bursary is, who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply correctly.

If you are serious about a career in aviation, this is one of the most important bursary opportunities in South Africa.

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What Is the Air Traffic Services Bursary2026 ?

The Air Traffic Services (ATS) Bursary is a career-focused aviation funding programme designed to develop scarce and critical skills within South Africa’s airspace management sector.

Unlike general university bursaries, this programme is tightly aligned with operational needs in aviation. Successful applicants are trained for specific air traffic and air navigation service roles that directly support the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.

Training is intensive, structured, and delivered in accordance with international aviation standards. Graduates who successfully complete the programme are typically considered for placement within ATNS, subject to operational requirements and performance.

This makes the bursary not just financial assistance, but a structured pathway into one of the country’s most safety-critical professions.

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Why the Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026 Matters

South Africa continues to invest heavily in aviation safety, airport infrastructure, and regional airspace management. As experienced air traffic professionals retire, ATNS must ensure a steady pipeline of skilled replacements to maintain international safety standards.

The Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026 is particularly important because it:

• Targets young South Africans with strong academic potential
• Supports skills development and transformation in aviation
• Reduces financial barriers to entering a high-skill profession
• Aligns education directly with real employment opportunities

Because of this strategic importance, the ATS Bursary is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and prestigious aviation bursaries in South Africa.

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Fields Covered by the Air Traffic Services Bursary

The bursary focuses on specialised aviation disciplines required by ATNS. While training streams may vary depending on operational needs, they generally include:

• Air Traffic Services (ATS)
• Air Traffic Control–related training
• Aviation technical and operational programmes
• Specialised air navigation service disciplines

All programmes follow strict regulatory standards and require a high level of discipline, concentration, and commitment from trainees.

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Who Can Apply for the Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026?

ATNS seeks candidates who demonstrate academic strength, responsibility, and suitability for safety-critical environments.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens
• Have completed Grade 12 (Matric) or be in the process of completing it
• Achieve strong results in Mathematics and English
• Meet required medical and psychometric standards
• Be willing to undergo background checks and assessments

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Due to the high-risk nature of aviation operations, the selection process is extremely competitive.

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What Does the Air Traffic Services Bursary Cover?

The Air Traffic Services Bursary is a fully funded programme. Depending on the training stream, it typically covers:

• Full education and training costs
• Prescribed study materials
• Accommodation where applicable
• A stipend or allowance during training
• Practical, institutional, and simulation training expenses

This comprehensive funding allows students to focus entirely on their training without financial stress.

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026

Applying correctly is critical. Many applicants are rejected each year due to avoidable errors.

Step 1: Visit the Official ATNS Application Portal

All applications must be submitted online only through the official ATNS careers website. Avoid third-party platforms, as ATNS does not accept applications through external sites.

Official application link:
https://atns.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=cd00b91a-3b9d-4664-a2c2-86355d662cc2

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Step 2: Create an Online Profile

First-time applicants must:

• Register an account on the ATNS system
• Provide accurate contact details and a valid email address
• Create secure login credentials

Keep your login information safe, as you may need it for updates, assessments, or communication from ATNS.

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Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill in all required sections carefully, including:

• Personal information
• Educational history
• Subject results
• Any additional information requested by ATNS

Ensure that all details match your official documents exactly.

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Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Applicants are usually required to upload certified copies of:

• South African ID document
• Latest academic results or Matric certificate
• Any additional documents specified on the portal

Documents must be clear, legible, and correctly labelled. Poor-quality uploads may result in disqualification.

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Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submitting:

• Double-check all information
• Confirm that documents are uploaded correctly
• Ensure no mandatory fields are left blank

Once submitted, changes may not be allowed.

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Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026 Closing Date

Closing date: 28 February 2026

Late applications are not accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.

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Selection Process Explained

After applications close, ATNS follows a multi-stage selection process, which may include:

• Academic shortlisting
• Aptitude and psychometric assessments
• Medical examinations
• Structured interviews

Selection standards are extremely high due to the safety-critical nature of air traffic services.

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Career Opportunities After Completing the Bursary

Graduates of the Air Traffic Services Bursary may be considered for roles such as:

• Air Traffic Services Officers
• Operational aviation specialists
• Air navigation support professionals

Employment is subject to successful completion of training and ATNS operational requirements. However, the programme is widely viewed as a direct pipeline into the aviation industry.

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Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Many strong candidates are rejected due to simple errors, including:

• Applying through unofficial websites
• Uploading uncertified or unclear documents
• Missing the closing date
• Providing incorrect academic information

Attention to detail is essential when applying.

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Is the Air Traffic Services Bursary Worth Applying For?

Yes. For students interested in aviation, this bursary offers:

• World-class professional training
• Financial security during studies
• Strong long-term career prospects
• Entry into a respected national aviation organisation

The programme is demanding, but the rewards are substantial.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply if I am still in matric?

Yes. Learners currently completing Grade 12 may apply using their latest available results.

Is there an application fee?

No. Applications are submitted free of charge via the official ATNS portal.

Can I apply if I studied outside South Africa?

Applicants must be South African citizens and meet local qualification requirements.

Does the bursary guarantee employment?

Employment is not guaranteed but successful graduates are typically considered for placement based on operational needs.

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Final Thoughts

The Air Traffic Services Bursary 2026 is more than financial assistance. It is a structured, career-focused pathway into one of South Africa’s most respected and high-responsibility professions.

Opportunities like this are rare and highly competitive because aviation safety remains a national priority. Applicants are advised to prepare early, apply carefully, and rely only on verified information from the official ATNS careers platform.

For motivated young South Africans with a passion for aviation, this bursary could be the first step toward a lifelong career in the skies.