NSF Bursary 2026 Opens for Cabin Crew Training with Flyfofa | Full Funding & SACAA Licence

Authoritative Note: This article is compiled from the official announcement by Flyfofa Aviation Training in partnership with the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is structured to provide clear, actionable, and trustworthy information for prospective applicants.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

For many, a career as a flight attendant symbolizes adventure, professionalism, and global opportunity. Historically, a significant barrier has been the substantial cost of the mandatory Civil Aviation Authority-approved training. A transformative opportunity now exists to remove that barrier entirely.

The Initial Cabin Crew Training NSF Bursary 2026 is officially open for applications. This initiative, a partnership between Flyfofa Aviation Training and the National Skills Fund (NSF) under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), offers comprehensive funding for aspirant cabin crew from specific backgrounds in Gauteng. This is not a loan; it is a full bursary designed to create a direct pipeline of skilled, licensed professionals into the aviation industry.

Executive Summary: The Bursary at a Glance

Aspect	Detail
Bursary Name	Flyfofa Initial Cabin Crew Training NSF Bursary 2026
Field	Cabin Crew / Flight Attendant
Training Duration	12 Weeks (Full-time)
Funding Coverage	Full Tuition, Accommodation, Monthly Stipend
Key Outcome	SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) Cabin Crew Licence
Eligible Province	Gauteng Only
Application Deadline	15 January 2026, at Midnight
Application Code	BCCT2026
Training Provider	Flyfofa Aviation Training
Funding Partner	National Skills Fund (NSF), DHET

---

The Training Programme: Rigorous and Industry-Aligned

The Flyfofa Initial Cabin Crew Training is an intensive 12-week full-time programme meticulously crafted to mirror the exacting standards of major airline training academies. It transitions successful candidates from novices to job-ready, licensable professionals.

Core Training Components:

The curriculum is built on safety-first principles, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and intensive practical simulations.

1. Aviation Safety & Emergency Procedures: The cornerstone of cabin crew responsibility. Training includes aircraft evacuations, ditching procedures, and the use of all onboard emergency and safety equipment.
2. Aircraft Specifics & Door Operations: Detailed knowledge of aircraft types, cabin configurations, and the critical safe operation of aircraft doors and slides.
3. Firefighting & Smoke Containment: Hands-on training in identifying and combating onboard fires and managing smoke in a pressurized cabin environment.
4. First Aid & Medical Emergencies: Advanced first response training for in-flight medical situations, from minor incidents to CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and medical kits.
5. Dangerous Goods Awareness: Understanding the regulations and procedures for handling and identifying potentially hazardous materials on aircraft.
6. Passenger Service & Excellence: The art of professional service, conflict resolution, and managing diverse passenger needs while maintaining safety and protocol.
7. Crew Resource Management (CRM): Essential training in teamwork, communication, and decision-making within a multi-crew environment.
8. Security Awareness & Aviation Regulations: In-depth knowledge of SACAA regulations, security threats, and the crew’s role in maintaining a secure aircraft.

Certification & Assessment:

The programme culminates in both internal and external SACAA examinations. Success in these assessments leads to the issuance of a Cabin Crew Licence, which is the non-negotiable legal requirement to work for any commercial airline in South Africa and is highly respected internationally.

---

Eligibility Criteria: Designed for Targeted Upliftment

This bursary has stringent eligibility criteria established by the funding partners to ensure it reaches its intended demographic: talented youth from previously disadvantaged backgrounds in Gauteng.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Nationality: Must be a South African citizen.
• Age: Must be between 18 and 23 years old at the time of application.
• Residence: Must be a permanent resident of Gauteng province.
• Education: Must have completed Grade 12 (Matric).
• Schooling: Must have attended and matriculated from a Quintile 1, 2, or 3 school located within Gauteng. (This is a critical and non-negotiable filter).
• Language: Minimum of Level 5 (60-69%) in English (Home Language or First Additional Language).
• Medical Fitness: Must be willing and able to pass a Class IV Aviation Medical Examination prior to the practical flight training components.
• Physical Attributes:
  • Minimum height of 1.6 meters (without shoes).
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) not exceeding 24.5 kg/m².

Priority Consideration:

Highest priority will be given to applicants who are verified beneficiaries of the SASSA Child Grant system. This further focuses the opportunity on youth facing significant financial hardship.

---

The Selection Process: What to Expect

Flyfofa employs a multi-stage selection process to identify candidates with not only the right qualifications but also the essential soft skills and attitude for a safety-critical aviation career.

1. Initial Application Screening: Incomplete applications or those not meeting the basic criteria are filtered out.
2. Psychometric & Aptitude Assessments: These tests evaluate personality traits, logical reasoning, and service orientation aligned with cabin crew roles.
3. Aviation Medical Evaluation: A mandatory step to ensure candidates meet the health standards required for flying.
4. Panel Interview: The final stage assesses communication skills, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, motivation, and safety consciousness.

Key Selection Factors: Airlines consistently seek candidates with exceptional interpersonal skills, resilience, a calm demeanor under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Your attitude throughout the process is as important as your paperwork.

---

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these instructions precisely. Late or incomplete submissions cannot be considered.

1. Prepare Your Documents: Have digital copies (clear scans or photos) of the following ready:
   • Certified copy of your South African ID document.
   • Proof of Gauteng residence (utility bill, affidavit, official letter).
   • Certified copy of your Grade 12 Certificate or Statement of Results.
   • Qualification Verification Letter from your matric school (on official school letterhead, confirming you attended and completed matric at that Quintile 1-3 school in Gauteng).
   • Proof of SASSA Child Grant beneficiary status (if applicable).
2. Complete the Online Application:
   • Visit the official application portal: www.flyfofa.co.za/online/form
   • Enter the crucial Application Code: BCCT2026.
   • Fill in every field of the form accurately.
   • Upload all required documents in the specified formats.
   • Review your application thoroughly before submission.
3. Submit Before the Deadline:
   • You must submit your complete application by Midnight on 15 January 2026.

---

Career Pathway: Beyond the Licence

This bursary is a launchpad, not a final destination. Upon successful graduation and obtaining your SACAA Cabin Crew Licence, you are qualified to apply for positions with domestic and international airlines. Typical career progression can include:

• Junior Flight Attendant → Senior Cabin Crew
• Cabin Crew Supervisor → Purser / Cabin Manager
• Move into airline training, recruitment, or safety departments.
• Transition to corporate aviation or VIP flight attendant roles.
• Become a Cabin Crew Trainer or Aviation Safety Instructor.

The international experience, customer service expertise, and safety training open doors to numerous roles within and beyond the aviation industry.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this bursary guarantee me a job with an airline?
A: No. The bursary guarantees fully funded training and the opportunity to earn your SACAA Cabin Crew Licence, which is the essential qualification required to apply for airline positions. Your employability will depend on your performance during training and in airline interviews.

Q2: I attended a Quintile 1-3 school, but it was outside Gauteng. Can I apply?
A: No. The eligibility criteria are specific and non-negotiable. You must have attended and matriculated from a Quintile 1-3 school within Gauteng province, and be a permanent resident of Gauteng.

Q3: Are accommodation and the stipend definitely included?
A: Yes. This is a comprehensive bursary. It covers 100% of the tuition fees, provides approved accommodation for the duration of the 12-week training, and includes a monthly stipend for personal expenses.

Q4: Do I need any prior aviation or flying experience?
A: No. This is an Initial Cabin Crew Training programme designed for beginners. The curriculum starts from first principles.

Q5: I am 24 years old. Am I eligible to apply?
A: No. The age limit is strictly 18 to 23 years old. This is a condition set by the funding agreement.

Q6: What is the single most important document for proof of schooling?
A: The Qualification Verification Letter from your matric school on its official letterhead. This letter must confirm your attendance and that the school is classified as Quintile 1, 2, or 3 within Gauteng. This is crucial for NSF validation.

---

Final Authoritative Advice: This is a highly competitive opportunity due to its comprehensive funding and prestigious outcome. Treat your application with the seriousness of a job application. Present yourself professionally, ensure all documents are certified and clear, and demonstrate in your interactions a clear understanding that the primary role of a flight attendant is safety. Preparation and attention to detail are what distinguish successful candidates.

Application Deadline: 15 January 2026.