VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Aviation: Training

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 2 February 2026UIN 105279

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has assessed the potential merits of extending eligibility for government-backed student finance to standalone commercial pilot training courses; and what discussions her Department has had with the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority on the potential merits of recognising pilot training as an eligible education route.

Answered by Josh MacAlister

The courses designated for higher education student finance are set out in secondary legislation. To attract funding, students studying in England must generally be undertaking a course leading to a designated qualification at a provider registered with the Office for Students.

The funding available for designated programmes, including pilot training, does not normally extend to costs associated with the commercial pilot’s licence and flying experience.

The department has previously explained this position to the Department for Transport.

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