The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation is actively engaged in helping young people develop careers in aviation by offering scholarships of up to $US10,000.

Administered by the ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Committee, the programme partners with Cranfield University to nominate students annually for the scholarship.

At a glance

  • Funding valueUp to $US10,000
  • Suitable for Applicants fromEU, Rest of world, UK
  • Deadline08 Jan 2026
  • Funding provider(s)International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation


What it covers

Up to $US10,000 toward tuition fees.

Who can apply

Applications are open to students of any nationality who are applying to commence study in one of the eligible master's courses listed below in the September course intake.

This is a two step process. First, you must complete the application form in the 'How to apply' section below. Selected candidates will then be invited to submit an additional application to the ISTAT Foundation, with support from the Student Funding Team.

Further information

Please visit the for further information.

How to apply

The application form below must be submitted by the deadline of 17.00 UK time on Thursday 8 January 2026.

 

Firstly, you will need to have secured an offer to study at Cranfield on an applicable course.

As part of the application, you will be asked to provide a statement of up to 500 words to justify why you should be selected for the nomination. Please prepare this in advance.

Your statement should demonstrate the following criteria, which is a combination of ISTAT and Cranfield requirements which will be used to assess your statement:

  • Your need for financial support for university tuition fees.
  • United States grade point average (GPA) requirement: 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale; outside of the United States or global equivalent. 
  • A clear interest in pursuing a career in aviation.
  • Why are you interested in Cranfield University and your specific course at Cranfield.
  • Your interest in the sector - what are your passions and goals within aviation. 
  • Any transferable skills you have and why they are relevant to the sector.
  • Highlight any involvement in extra-curricular/community activities indicating leadership qualities.

 

Eligibility requirement: In order to be nominated for this scholarship you must have achieved a United States grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or an international equivalent.

Please refer to our International entry requirements to identify whether your undergraduate qualifications are equivalent - look for the upper second-class entry requirement, which is comparable to a United States grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

 

Please note that applications from candidates with a career goal to become a pilot will not be accepted.

 

If you have any questions, please email studentfunding@cranfield.ac.uk.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of this scholarship by the end of January 2026.