The University of South Africa (UNISA), through the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, invites eligible applicants to apply for the INSETA-Funded Drone Data Science Training Programme. This pilot cohort offers a fully funded training opportunity for qualifying candidates who want to develop skills in drone technology, aviation and data science.
The programme will take place at the UNISA Florida Campus in Florida Park, Roodepoort, Gauteng. It is funded by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) under a signed Service Level Agreement with UNISA.
Successful applicants will receive training at no cost. The programme is designed to equip participants with aviation-related qualifications and practical competencies in drone operations and drone data science. It is particularly relevant to unemployed young South Africans, with preference given to unemployed UNISA graduates, especially those who have studied science-related fields.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and be available to attend the full-time programme in person for its entire duration.
Programme Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Drone Data Science Training Programme |
| Institution | University of South Africa (UNISA) |
| Faculty/College | College of Science, Engineering and Technology |
| Funding Provider | Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) |
| Training Venue | UNISA Florida Campus, Florida Park, Roodepoort, Gauteng |
| Funding Status | Fully funded for successful applicants |
| Target Group | Eligible unemployed South African youth |
| Programme Type | Full-time, in-person training |
| Closing Date | Not specified in the supplied announcement |
| Application Method | Follow the official UNISA application instructions |
About the Drone Data Science Training Programme
Drone technology is increasingly used across various industries, including agriculture, infrastructure, surveying, environmental monitoring, logistics and insurance. Drone operators can collect aerial information that may be processed and analysed to support decision-making, inspections and other technical activities.
The UNISA Drone Data Science Training Programme combines aviation training with drone data science competencies. Participants will receive theoretical instruction and flying training at the Florida Campus.
The programme is intended to prepare successful candidates for the relevant drone aviation certifications while developing their understanding of data generated through drone operations.
As this is a pilot cohort funded by INSETA, the opportunity provides eligible applicants with access to specialised training without having to pay the programme’s training costs.
Qualifications and Training Included
Successful applicants will undertake training covering several aviation and drone-related areas.
1. Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)
The programme leads to the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), which is relevant to individuals pursuing a career in professional drone operations.
Training will cover the knowledge and practical competencies required for the relevant remote pilot certification. The ability to operate drones safely and responsibly is an important part of professional aviation training.
2. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Certification
Participants will also receive training towards Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) certification.
BVLOS operations involve flying a drone beyond the pilot’s direct visual line of sight, subject to applicable aviation requirements and operational authorisations. This area of drone technology is relevant to specialised operations where drones may need to cover larger distances.
3. Drone Data Science Competency
Drone data science is incorporated throughout the programme. This competency connects drone operations with the collection and use of data.
The combination of drone flying skills and data science knowledge may be useful in technical environments where aerial information is collected, interpreted and applied to practical problems.
4. Radio Telephony
Radio Telephony training forms part of the programme. It supports aviation communication knowledge and the use of appropriate communication procedures in relevant aviation environments.
5. Aviation Security (AVSEC)
Participants will receive Aviation Security training, which introduces important security principles relevant to aviation activities.
6. Dangerous Goods Training
The programme also includes Dangerous Goods training. This covers an important area of aviation safety concerning dangerous materials and their handling in applicable aviation contexts.
7. Aviation Medical and English Proficiency Assessments
The programme includes the aviation medical and English proficiency assessments required for RPC candidates.
Applicants must be able to pass these assessments. The announcement states that the programme does not cover the cost of rewrites or a failed medical. Candidates should therefore understand this requirement before applying.
All theory and flying training will take place at the UNISA Florida Campus.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out for the pilot cohort.
1. Age requirement
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
2. Employment status
- Applicants must currently be unemployed. The programme is intended for people who can commit their time to full-time training.
3. South African citizenship
- Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid, certifiable identity document.
4. Availability for in-person training
- Applicants must be able to attend training at the UNISA Florida Campus in Florida Park, Roodepoort, every day for the full duration of the programme.
- Preference will be given to applicants who live within easy daily travelling distance of the campus. Candidates should carefully consider transport arrangements and their ability to attend consistently before submitting an application.
5. Preference for UNISA graduates
- Preference will be given to unemployed UNISA graduates, particularly graduates from science-related fields.
- Eligible applicants who have completed studies in relevant scientific or technical disciplines may therefore be well positioned for consideration. However, preference does not guarantee selection.
6. Medical and English proficiency requirements
- Applicants must be able to pass the aviation medical and English proficiency assessments required for the RPC.
- The programme does not cover the cost of rewrites or a failed medical. Applicants should be prepared for these requirements before committing to the training.
7. Full-time commitment
- Successful candidates must be available for the full duration of the programme.
- The training is not compatible with other employment, internships or study. Applicants who are working, participating in an internship or studying another programme should take this restriction into account when assessing their eligibility.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The UNISA Drone Data Science Training Programme offers several potential benefits to qualifying applicants.
- Fully funded training: Successful applicants will not pay for the programme.
- Aviation certification pathway: Training leads to the Remote Pilot Certificate and BVLOS certification.
- Drone data science skills: Participants will develop competencies in an area that combines technology, aviation and data.
- Additional aviation training: Radio Telephony, Aviation Security and Dangerous Goods training are included.
- Practical flying experience: Both theoretical and flying training will be conducted at the Florida Campus.
- Support for unemployed graduates: The programme gives preference to unemployed UNISA graduates, especially those from science-related fields.
Although the programme may support future career development, completion should not be interpreted as a guarantee of employment. Career opportunities will depend on the individual’s qualifications, competencies, applicable aviation requirements and available vacancies.
Important Information Before Applying
Applicants should confirm that they meet every eligibility requirement before proceeding.
The programme requires daily attendance at the Florida Campus, so candidates living far from Roodepoort should consider whether travelling to the campus every day is practical. Preference is given to those within easy daily reach of the venue.
Candidates must also be willing to participate in intensive full-time training without other employment, internships or study during the programme.
The aviation medical and English proficiency requirements are important considerations. Applicants should be aware that the programme does not cover the cost of rewrites or a failed medical.
The supplied announcement does not specify the application closing date, programme duration, application link or required supporting documents. Interested candidates should consult the official UNISA announcement for the complete application procedure and any additional instructions.
Final Reminder
The INSETA-funded UNISA Drone Data Science Training Programme is an opportunity for eligible unemployed South African youth to pursue specialised training in drone operations, aviation and data science without paying the programme’s training costs.
Applicants aged 18 to 35, particularly unemployed UNISA graduates from science-related fields, are encouraged to check the official announcement and confirm all requirements.
Application deadline: Not provided in the supplied announcement. Check the official UNISA website for the latest application details before submitting an application.
Application Form and Selection Process
The UNISA Drone Data Science Training Programme application form is intended for candidates seeking a fully funded place in the INSETA-funded pilot cohort.
There are only 25 places available in this cohort. Applicants are required to complete every section of the application form accurately and provide truthful information.
The information submitted will be used for screening and selection purposes and will also be submitted to the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) for vetting.
Applicants should carefully review their information before submitting the form to ensure that all details are correct and complete. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection, as the programme has a limited number of places.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should access the official UNISA Drone Data Science Training Programme application form and complete every section accurately.
Before applying, ensure that the following requirements are met:
- The applicant is between 18 and 35 years old.
- The applicant is currently unemployed.
- The applicant is a South African citizen with a valid, certifiable identity document.
- The applicant can attend full-time training at the UNISA Florida Campus in Florida Park, Roodepoort.
- The applicant can commit to the programme for its entire duration without other employment, internships or study.
- The applicant is able to meet the required aviation medical and English proficiency assessments.
Preference will be given to unemployed UNISA graduates, particularly those from science-related fields, and applicants who live within easy daily travelling distance of the Florida Campus.
Important: There are only 25 places available. Complete the application form accurately and consult the official UNISA announcement for the application link, deadline and any additional instructions.
Interested and qualifying applicants should visit the official University of South Africa website and look for the announcement titled INSETA-Funded Pilot Cohort for Drone Data Science: Call for Applications.
Applicants should follow the application instructions published by UNISA and confirm the closing date, submission process and supporting documents required before applying.
Only candidates who meet the stated eligibility criteria and can commit to the full-time programme should proceed with an application.