Why more Tanzanian aviation students are choosing training in South Africa
Tanzanian aviation students are increasingly flying south for their pilot licences and here’s why you should too.
If you’re thinking about an aviation career, you might find something surprising: more students from Tanzania are heading to South Africa to train.
While the skies may be wide in East Africa, it’s the training path south of the border that often wins on cost, quality and opportunity.
Here’s what’s driving that shift, and what you should know if you’re deciding where to fly high.
Schools and cost comparison
Tanzania Pilot Training Centre (located at Julius Nyerere Airport) offers Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and related ratings.
Tuition details are vague but the cost is notably high for local students. Tanzania lacks many full scale flight schools, forcing many nationals to study abroad.
In South Africa many schools offer integrated flight training. One guide lists prices: PPL starting around R155 000, full CPL training reaching R450 000 to R650 000 or more [depending on the student].
Why South Africa draws Tanzanian students
South Africa’s training environment has over 300 flying days annually for its aviation students, which helps students complete hours faster.
Licences issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) align with international standards, giving graduates broader job options.
Cost-effectiveness: while still a significant investment, South African schools are more affordable compared with many other international destinations.
Pros and cons of each country
Tanzania’s pros:
- Familiar environment
- Ease of cultural fit
- Growing local demand for aviation professionals.
Cons: fewer licensed flight schools for aviation students, limited aircraft hours, less international recognition of local training.
South Africa’s pros:
- Robust infrastructure
- Recognised licences
- Faster hours logged
- Greater selection of schools.
- Diverse flying landscapes
- Strong airline hire-back programmes
- Internationally recognised training standards
Cons: higher tuition overall, need for visa and relocation
If you’re a Tanzanian student with your eyes on the cockpit, consider your budget, visa requirements and long-term job prospects; training in South Africa might just be the runway your career needs.