ATSA Bursary Programme

ATNS is proud to provide bursaries in order for motivated and interested people to train to become Air Traffic Services Assistants (ATSA’s).

An ATSA performs a support function to an Air Traffic Controller and is an important member of the team who ensures the safe, orderly and expeditious travel by air of millions of passengers per annum.

ATNS is the sole air traffic and navigation services provider (ANSP) in South Africa and provides all of the training for career opportunities in air traffic control and related services at our training academy (ATA) in Johannesburg.

Bursary overview

The bursary programme facilitates an opportunity to perform the necessary studies and to obtain the relevant exposure necessary in order to qualify as an ATSA.

The study bursary provides each bursar with an opportunity to conduct their studies at the ATA and includes a practical exposure period. The following is offered as part of the bursary:

• Transport to the guest lodge in Johannesburg at the beginning of the training programme and returning at the end of the programme (if the bursar is from outside Gauteng)
• Cost of tuition
• Accommodation, on a sharing basis, at a guest lodge arranged by the ATA
• Transport to and from the ATA and operational control center for practical exposure, as per study and practical requirements
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• A monthly allowance
• 10 days of non academic activities as determined by the study programme co-ordinators.

After the initial part of the course, when bursars are posted to an operational control center for operational exposure learning, bursars may elect to take care of their own accommodation, meals and transport. ATNS will then provide a monthly allowance to cover these expenses. Bursars must ensure that they are on time for their classes and shifts. Punctuality will be strictly enforced.

Bursary requirements

Bursars are required to pass all of their modules, courses and examinations in order for the bursary to continue. Should a bursar not successfully complete an examination or assessment, but achieve more than 50%, he/she may be given the opportunity to rewrite or be re-assessed. Should he/she still not be successful, the bursary will be terminated.

Once a bursar has successfully completed the bursary programme, he/she will have graduated with an ATSA license rating qualification. The next step in becoming an ATSA is to validate this rating on operational positions.

In order to validate the ATSA rating, ATNS may offer the bursar a six months fixed term contract to complete the necessary operational work to validate the rating. In terms of the bursary contract, the successful bursar accepts this contract. During this time, the bursar receives a salary and is no longer eligible for company accommodation, transport etc. Medical aid and pension are not provided as benefits during this contract period.

Should a bursar chose not to undertake the fixed term contract, ATNS may claim the investment made to date by the company. During the fixed term contract the bursar must complete all of the necessary validations required to perform solo duties as an ATSA. The bursar’s performance is continually monitored during this time and feedback is provided on an ongoing basis.

Within one month of the end of the fixed term contract, the line manager will take a decision regarding offering the bursar permanent employment as an ATSA with ATNS. The offer of permanent employment will include an ATSA salary and full benefits (including medical aid, pension etc.). On acceptance of the offer, the ATSA becomes a fully fledged member of the ATNS air traffic services team. He/she will be obliged to work for ATNS for one year in terms of the bursary agreement.

Apply now

To apply please send your CV, letter of motivation and a copy of your Grade 12 results to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you are still in Grade 12, please send your interim or mid year results.

Minimum Requirements

Age:          18
Grade:       12 with Maths and English HG D or SG C
Medically fit
South African Citizen

Note: If you apply for a bursary and do not hear from ATNS 60 days after application, please consider your application unsuccessful.