Discover the top 6 Colleges and Universities in South Africa to study to become a pilot with the information contained in this article.
Pilot is one of the greatest career choices in the aviation industry. Besides the fun of traveling round the world, the earnings are mouth watering. However, becoming a pilot comes with rigorous training and lots of financial involvement.
According to College reporters, there is a wide range of pilot careers [6] Here are some careers as a pilot:
- Airline pilot
- Flight instructor
- Air Ambulance pilot
- Sport pilot
- Flight Engineer
To become a pilot in South Africa, you are required to enroll in a flight school or any University that offers such a course to acquire the necessary pilot qualifications and license. In this article, our main focus is helping you to identify the Universities you can enroll in to become a pilot. So, do you want to become a pilot? Here are reputable Universities and Flight Schools to Consider:
1. University of Cape Town
First on our list of Universities is the University of Cape Town. It is one of the top universities in South Africa that focuses on aeronautics via the University’s Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering.
The faculty has a team of experts who teach you the fundamentals of engineering, both theoretically and practically. If you wish to study aviation-based programs, you will need at least a high school Diploma. If you’re pursuing a degree, you will need a Matriculation certificate or the equivalent.
Interestingly, earlier this year, UCT introduced a digital learning platform, Amathuba [4] that includes over 50 pilot courses [7] amongst other courses being offered.
2. Vista University
Vista University [2] is one of the private institutions in the South that offers Aviation and Aeronautical science. Studying at Vista University gives you the opportunity to select from a wide range of courses like aeronautical engineering, aviation management, air traffic control, piloting, etc.
If you wish to study aviation-based programs at Vista, you will need at least a high school Diploma. If you’re pursuing a degree, you will need a Matriculation certificate or the equivalent. To apply for B.Sc in Aeronautical Science, you will need a pass in (10+2) with physics or equivalent (or) Three years of Diploma from a recognized board.
It takes 3 Years (6 Semesters) to complete this program is about
Bear in mind that the application requirements may differ from school to school.
3. University of Stellenbosch
This is one of the best universities in South Africa when it comes to offering courses and programs related to aviation. The university has several aviation-based programs that are accredited by the South African Qualifications and Accreditation Authority (SAQAA). The best thing about studying at the University is that it has a Flight Academy that is specialized in flight and ground training for General Aviation Professional and Private pilots.
This Institution has several accreditations [3] that enables them to offer many advanced training courses.
Like other Universities, to study aviation at the University of Stellenbosch, you’ll need at least a high school Diploma. If you are applying for a degree, you will need a Matriculation certificate or the equivalent.
4. University of Witwatersrand
The University of Witwatersrand is also a top university in South Africa that offers opportunities to those who are aspiring to pursue a career in the aviation industry via the faculty of Engineering. The university has many aviation-based programs that are accredited by the South African Qualifications and Accreditation Authority (SAQAA).
5. Tshwane University of Technology
Established in the year 2004, the Tshwane University of Technology also offers courses and programs that are related to aviation. If you are interested in studying in the university’s Johannesburg campus, then you will be able to study at the university’s Faculty of Aeronautical where you will be taught the fundamentals of engineering by experts. Also, the faculty has lab facilities where you can work on real-life aviation problems.
6. Stenden College
Also on the list of Colleges to study to become a pilot in South Africa is Stenden College, which was established in 2017. According to Uni24 [8], the college has been set up as an international school with a focus on aviation. If you.are interested in studying in the university, you have a range of aviation-related programs to choose from, such as flight training, aviation management, air traffic control, commercial aviation, etc.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot involves a lot of work and training. However, if you are passionate to fly above the clouds, a strong undergraduate degree from an accredited university in South Africa is a great place to start.
Although there are different avenues to become a pilot, most airlines require that pilots get a 4-6 year degree program from a University [1], as this makes them more competent,
Therefore, if you are looking to study at a top university in South Africa that focuses on aviation, then consider studying at one of the following universities listed in this article. When choosing a university to study aviation, you’ll need to ensure that the university has a strong aviation-focused faculty. This is to enable you to get hands-on experience during your studies. To apply for university at one of these universities, you can create an account with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQAA).
If you want to study aviation in South Africa, you have several options to choose from.
Apart from Universities and colleges, there are a series of flight schools [5] in South Africa.
References:
[1] “10 Best Degrees for Becoming a Pilot.” College Consensus, 22 May 2020, https://www.collegeconsensus.com/degrees/become-a-pilot/.
[2] “Department of Aviation.” Best Deemed University in Chennai, 21 Apr. 2021, https://vistas.ac.in/academics-1/department-of-aviation/.
[3] Eileen, Denza. Multiple Accreditation. Oxford University Press, 2016.
[4] Fortune, Catherine, et al. “Amathuba.” Uct.Ac.Za, http://www.cilt.uct.ac.za/cilt/amathuba. Accessed 5 Apr. 2023.
[5] “How To Become A Pilot in South Africa.” 2023/2024, 30 Nov. 2020, https://myhealthbasics.site/how-to-become-a-pilot-in-south-africa/.
[6] Philip, Omale. “How to Become A Pilot in South Africa – Everything You Need to Know.” College Reporters, 16 Sept. 2022, https://collegereporters.com/how-to-become-a-pilot-in-south-africa/.
[7] “UCT’s New Learning Platform in Pilot Phase.” Uct.Ac.Za, https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2022-07-14-ucts-new-learning-platform-in-pilot-phase. Accessed 5 Apr. 2023.
[8] Za, Uni24 co. “Which University Can I Study Pilot in South Africa.” Uni24.Co.Za, 27 July 2022, https://uni24.co.za/which-university-can-i-study-pilot-in-south-africa/.
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