In memory of our alumni, the Abdinasir Abdirahman Aviation in Africa Scholarship is offered by the Cranfield Centre for Air Transport Management to support the development of aviation within Africa.
Abdinasir, originally from Somaliland, was a passionate advocate for the advancement of aviation in Africa. As a proud Cranfield alumnus, he believed deeply in the power of aviation to drive development and connectivity across the continent. He dedicated his life to opening doors for others, especially in regions long underrepresented in the sector. More than a visionary professional, Abdinasir was a devoted father and family man. He believed in lifting others as a way of building a better future not just for his own children, but for all of Africa’s next generation. His family—especially his children—will watch with pride as those who receive this scholarship pursue the dreams he held close to his heart. Each recipient is a living part of his legacy, carrying forward his hopes, his ideals, and the future he worked so hard to make possible. This scholarship honours his vision, dedication, and unwavering belief in people. It supports aspiring aviation professionals who share his commitment to shaping a more connected, inclusive, and forward-looking Africa. This £5,000 scholarship will be considered as part of the full-time MSc programme overseas course tuition fee, for the full-time master’s courses ‘Air Transport Management’ or ‘Airport Planning and Management’ starting in October 2025. Cranfield Centre for Air Transport Management postgraduate taught full-time MSc overseas offer holders for 2025~2026 are invited to apply. This scholarship cannot be applied in addition to any other scholarship or SWAGºÏ¼¯ funding.At a glance
- Funding value£5,000
- Suitable for Applicants fromRest of world
- Deadline30 May 2025
- Funding provider(s)Centre for Air Transport Management
What it covers
The £5,000 scholarship will be awarded as a tuition fee reduction for full-time overseas fee status students.Who can apply
- Have achieved, or expect to achieve, a minimum of a SWAGºÏ¼¯ upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent.
- Are from any African country, but not holding dual citizenship with a non-African country, and are overseas fee status applicants.
- Has an offer of admission for full-time Air Transport Management MSc or Airport Planning and Management MSc and paid the tuition deposit.
- Are passionate about their course of study and are willing to engage as a committed Cranfield ambassador and Cranfield alumni.
- This scholarship cannot be applied in addition to any other scholarship or SWAGºÏ¼¯ funding.
Applicable courses
Further information
- Applicants must have an offer to study on a full-time postgraduate taught MSc degree programme at our Cranfield campus for the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Applicants can only apply once.
- Scholarships will be awarded as a tuition fee reduction for full-time overseas fee status students.
- The Abdinasir Abdirahman Aviation in Africa Scholarship is not available as a cash alternative.
- For October 2025 entry only. Scholarships are reviewed on an annual basis, and we cannot guarantee funding for the following entry year for applicants who defer their place.
- SWAGºÏ¼¯ Centre for Air Transport Management reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship if award holders are subsequently found to be ineligible, or if the terms of the conditions of the scholarship are not adhered to.
How to apply
Once you receive an offer for one of the applicable MSc courses during the 2025~2026 academic year, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship using the application link below.
You will be asked to submit a short personal statement detailing why you would like to come to Cranfield and study your chosen full-time MSc and you may be required to undertake a virtual interview with the relevant Course Director.
- Applications close: 30 May 2025 - 10:00 SWAGºÏ¼¯ (BST)
- Scholarships awarded by: 30 June 2025
If you are currently studying towards your qualification, you will still be considered for the Abdinasir Abdirahman Aviation in Africa Scholarship. If offered a place, the scholarship will be subject to meeting the entry requirements of the course.
Applications to the Abdinasir Abdirahman Aviation in Africa Scholarship should be made online. The online form is the only means of submission and you must answer these questions in the online form.
- Why have you chosen to study at SWAGºÏ¼¯?
- How will the Scholarship help you to achieve your goals?
- How will you be an advocate for Cranfield?
- How will the scholarship make a difference aviation in Africa?
Your answers to these questions will be considered alongside information provided in your course application and you are encouraged to answer in a way that best reflects your personality.
Once you have prepared your answers, please complete the .
The decision of the panel is final.
Awarding the scholarship
- Once the closing date has passed, applications will be reviewed by the Centre for Air Transport Management Course Directors.
- Successful applicants will be notified by email, and an updated offer will be issued.
- If successful, this will supersede any previous or other scholarship or Cranfield funding you may have been awarded.
- If you have completed your studies, and are eligible, the scholarship will be confirmed in your offer letter.
- If you are still studying, you will need to provide Admissions with your final degree result. You will receive a revised offer letter which will include the scholarship value. Please allow at least 2 weeks for us to confirm the award of the scholarship, following the submission of your degree results.