Aviation Courses in Australia: Study Options, Careers & Pilot Training

Dreaming of becoming a pilot? Or perhaps you are more interested in managing airports, airline operations or aviation safety?

Aviation courses in Australia cover much more than learning how to fly. International Students can explore programmes in professional piloting, aviation management, airport and airline operations, safety and other areas of the aviation industry.

Australian universities including UNSW Sydney, RMIT University, Griffith University and CQUniversity offer aviation-related degrees, although the course structure and amount of practical flight training can vary considerably.

Before choosing a course, it is important to understand whether you want a career in the cockpit or elsewhere in the aviation industry.

Why Study Aviation in Australia?

Australia offers aviation programmes ranging from university degrees focused on aviation operations and management to courses incorporating professional flight training.

Depending on the programme, students can develop knowledge in areas such as:

Some degrees also incorporate simulator and practical flying experience.

What Types of Aviation Courses Can You Study?

The right aviation course depends heavily on your career goal.

Which Universities Offer Aviation Courses in Australia?

International Students can explore aviation-related programmes at several Australian institutions. Some options include:

Course availability, International Student eligibility and flight-training arrangements can change, so always check the current programme before applying.

How Long Is an Aviation Degree in Australia?

Many bachelor’s-level aviation programmes are around three years of full-time equivalent study, although the structure can vary.

UNSW’s Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) and Bachelor of Aviation (Management), for example, are three-year programmes. RMIT’s Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) is also three years full time for International Students.

Some universities may use accelerated academic structures. Griffith’s Bachelor of Aviation, for instance, is listed as three years full-time equivalent delivered over two years.

Always compare the actual programme calendar rather than assuming all aviation degrees follow the same structure.

Do All Aviation Degrees Include Pilot Training?

A degree called Aviation does not necessarily include enough practical flying to qualify you as a commercial pilot.

For example, UNSW separates its Bachelor of Aviation into distinct Flying and Management programmes. RMIT similarly offers both pilot-training and broader aviation study options.

If becoming a pilot is your goal, check:

• Whether flight training is included
• Which pilot licences the programme works towards
• Number of flying and simulator hours
• Whether flying fees are included in tuition
• Medical requirements
• Additional selection tests
• Extra costs if additional flight hours are needed

These details can make a major difference to both your study experience and total budget.

What Are the Entry Requirements for Aviation Courses?

Requirements vary between universities and programmes.

International applicants generally need to meet academic and English language requirements, but pilot-training programmes can have additional conditions.

For example, UNSW’s Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) requires applicants to complete an Aviation Aptitude Admission Test. Students must also obtain a CASA Class 1 medical certificate before commencing flight training.

Academic prerequisites can also apply. UNSW lists Mathematics Advanced as assumed knowledge for its flying programme.

Always check the specific requirements early because medical assessments, aptitude testing and other aviation-related processes may take additional time.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Aviation in Australia?

Aviation costs vary significantly depending on whether practical flight training is involved.

Flying programmes can be considerably more expensive because aircraft use, instructors, fuel, simulator training and licensing activities add to the cost.

These examples demonstrate why students should compare total course and flight-training costs, not just annual university tuition.

What Careers Can Aviation Studies Lead To?

Your career options will depend on your programme, licenses and experience.

Pilot careers have additional licensing, medical, flight-hour and employer requirements. Completing an aviation degree alone does not automatically qualify someone for every flying position.

RMIT, for example, notes that its pilot-training degree can prepare graduates for commercial flying as well as operational roles within aviation.

How Do You Choose the Right Aviation Course?

Start with your intended career.

If your goal is to become a pilot, focus on programmes incorporating appropriate professional flight training and investigate the licensing pathway and total flying costs.

If you want to work in airports, airlines, operations or aviation management, a non-flying aviation degree may provide a more suitable pathway.

Then compare course content, location, entry requirements, English requirements, medical requirements, flight training, total fees and career outcomes before applying.

FAQ: Aviation Courses Australia