Vertical Flight Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Vertical Flight Foundation

Each year, Vertical Flight Foundation (VFF) scholarships are awarded to college students demonstrating an interest in pursuing engineering related careers in vertical flight technology. The Foundation scholarship awards are made possible solely by tax deductible donations that have been established and contribute to an endowment.

The VFF scholarships are solely merit-based and the value of the scholarships range from $4,000 up to $6,000 (USD). The program is open to full-time students attending a university or college located anywhere in the world and regardless of a student's nationality.

The overall top ranking applicant receives the $6,000 Bell scholarship award, provided by a VFF endowment from the company. In addition, the applicant who shows the most interest and appreciation on the importance of improving vertical flight affordability will be considered for the Jing Yen Cost Awareness scholarship worth up to $6,000, generously donated by Dr. Jing Yen.

History

The Vertical Flight Society's philanthropic arm, the Vertical Flight Foundation (VFF), was established in 1967. The Foundation is an independent charitable trust for the support of education in rotorcraft and vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft technology. The Foundation's awards are made possible solely by tax deductible donations.

Since 1977, the Foundation has awarded over 700 scholarships to students from throughout the world who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing engineering careers in the vertical flight industry. All scholarships are thanks to the generosity and support of our contributors.

VFF Scholarship Application Process
The Vertical Flight Foundation (VFF) scholarships are awarded solely on merit to exceptional college students who demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing engineering careers related to vertical flight technology. Theses scholarships, ranging from $4000 to $6000 (USD), are funded entirely through tax-deductible donations for the Foundation's endowment.

The program is open to full-time students attending a university or college located anywhere in the world and regardless of a student's nationality.

The top-ranked applicant is awarded the prestigious $6,000 Bell Scholarship, funded through a dedicated VFF endowment established by Bell. Additionally, the Jing Yen Cost Awareness Scholarship – also valued at $6000 - is awarded to the applicant who who best demonstrates a deep understanding of and commitment to improving the affordability of vertical flight. This award is generously funded by Dr. Jing Yen.

How to Apply

• Review the Eligibility and Application Guidelines thoroughly and completely before applying – this information is also summarized below.
• Preference is that students apply online: the VFF online form usually opens in December and can be accessed via Apply Online link above.
• Or download a PDF copy of the VFF Application and submit to the VFS Coordinator.

Eligibility

To qualify for a VFF scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Field of Study: Must be enrolled in a program related to vertical flight engineering or closely related discipline e.g. complex aeronautics or aviation systems.
• Students pursuing degrees outside traditional vertical flight fields will receive equal consideration if their studies are relevant
• Academic Status
  • Must be a full-time student at the time of application (February)
  • Must be enrolled in a relevant engineering degree program for a least one academic term following the award, which is presented at the Society's Annual Forum in May.
  • High school students are not eligible.
• Award Limits: A student may receive a VFF scholarship once per academic level – once as an Undergraduate, once as a master's student, and once as a doctoral student.
• Jing Yen Cost Awareness Scholarship: To be considered for this special $6000 award, applicants must clearly demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to improving the affordability of vertical flight. This should be addressed in both the applicants personal narrative and resume.

Degree Eligibility

Undergraduate / Bachelor's (BS) Degree Category: to be eligible in this category, applicants must meet the following criteria.

• Currently pursuing an eligible engineering undergraduate degree.
• Must have at least one academic term remaining, in their undergraduate program after the scholarship awards are presented at the Annual forum in May 2027.
• Students graduating with a BS degree in May 2027 are not eligible to apply in the BS category.
• However, seniors graduating in May 2027 who have been accepted into a graduate program (MS or combined MS.PhD) should apply under the Master's (MS) category.

Master of Science (MS) Degree Category: to be eligible in this category, applicants must meet the following criteria.

• Currently:
  • Enrolled in a qualifying Master of Science (MS) engineering program OR
  • Accepted into and planning to undertake in a qualifying MS engineering program
  • Must have at least one academic term remaining in their MS program after the scholarship awards are presented at the Annual Forum in May 2027.
• Students enrolled in a combined Masters/PhD program are eligible to apply in the MS category if:
  • They have not passed PhD qualifying exams as of the application deadline (February 1, 2027)
  • They have not already previously earned an MS degree.

Doctoral (PhD) Degree Category: to be eligible in this category, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Currently:
  • Enrolled in a PhD program in an eligible engineering discipline, OR
  • Accepted into and planning to undertake a PhD engineering program
• Must either:
  • Already hold an MS engineering degree or
  • Be enrolled in a combined MS/PhD program and formally met doctoral candidacy requirements e.g. passed qualifying  or comprehensive exams by the application deadline in February 2027.
• Must have at least one academic term remaining in their PhD program, after the scholarships are presented at the Annual Forum in May 2027.

Application Information:

Scholarship Application Requirements:

to be considered for review an application must include the following:

• Scholarship Application Form
• Personal Narrative
• Resume
• Official University/School Transcript*
• Letter of Recommendation from a Professor*

*Important:

• Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the issuing institution or the recommending professor.
• Transcripts or letters provided by the applicant will not be accepted or reviewed.