Graduate Diploma in Advanced Flying
- Commencing Terms
- Summer Term, 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 5545
- CRICOS code -
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $55,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $55,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- -
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- -
Fees
Fees
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Experienced instructors
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Specialised facilities
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Career advancement
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Prepare for a career in the clouds with UNSW's Graduate Diploma in Advanced Flying. Designed for aspiring pilots, this program provides the essential ground and simulator training required for type endorsement. Learn the concepts and practices of Multi-Crew-Coordination and tackle Aeroplane Systems training to confidently operate an airline-category aeroplane.
This program offers a unique blend of practical training and theoretical knowledge, setting a new standard for aviation education. Grow your knowledge with four specialised postgraduate theory courses, where you’ll cover aviation safety management systems, human factors, accident investigation techniques, airworthiness for transport category aircraft and flight deck ops.
This one-year, full-time program involves a mix of online and in-person study with blocks of hands-on training at UNSW’s Flying Operations Unit at Bankstown Airport. Open exclusively to Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens.
Why study at UNSW?
Leader in aviation education
UNSW School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years. Our courses are written and coordinated by experts with substantial industry experience and our aviation programs are constantly updated to keep pace with the evolving aviation industry.
Flying Operations Unit (FOU)
UNSW’s exclusive Flying Operations Unit is based at Bankstown Airport and operates a suite of aircraft, including Diamond DA40 and Piper PA44 training aeroplanes, along with state-of-the-art flight simulators and training equipment. Our ground and flying instructors are meticulously selected to deliver the highest quality training to UNSW students.
Standards
UNSW holds an Air Operators Certificate for flying training issued under CASR Parts 141/142. Safety and quality of training are of first priority. All training is managed by the University’s Head of Operations and in accordance with a precise syllabus approved by CASA. Flight training includes ongoing monitoring of students and instructors’ proficiency, with the student progression being dependent on the attainment of specific achievement levels at the end of each phase.
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Entry requirements
For entry into this program you must have/provide all of the following:
- Commercial Pilot Licence and a Command Instrument Rating (Multi-Engine), ATPL theory subjects
- be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident
- provide a CV
- attend an interview with Head of School or Nominee to ascertain background and motivation (if not QantasLink approved)
Note: This course is available for CPL and instrument rating holders with a pass in all theory components of the Air Transport Pilot Licence – no prior degree is required.
Advanced Standing
Applicants who have completed the following cognate degrees will be given 12 UoC advanced standing toward the 24 UoC of required AVIA courses.
- Bachelor of Aviation (Management or Flying)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical or Aerospace)
Additionally, applicants who have completed the Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC) training in AVIA3014 of the BAvFlying will be given 12 UoC advanced standing for AVIF5915 Multi Crew Coordination course.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Program structure
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Flying provides the ground and simulator training that pilots are required by airlines to complete prior to type endorsement. In addition to practical training, students must complete four related aviation postgraduate theory courses.
The program can be completed in one year with full-time attendance. Part-time options are available. Whether full-time or part-time, there are two mandatory courses – AVIF5915 and AVIF5916 – which require full-time attendance for six weeks each at the Flying Operations Unit, Bankstown Airport. For a more detailed schedule, please contact Rodney Hyde – r.hyde@unsw.edu.au.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 1 year with full-time study (part-time available). Students must complete:
Training courses – Full-time and in-person
AVIF5915 Airline Pilot Multi-Crew Coordination (12 UOC)
AVIF5916 Aeroplane Systems (12 UOC)
Prescribed electives – 24 UOC
Students must choose four of the following theory courses:
AVIA5015 Safety Management Systems (6 UOC)
AVIA5018 Aviation Human Factors (6 UOC)
AVIA5022 Aircraft Accident Investigation Techniques (6 UOC)
AVIA5024 Flight Deck Ops for Advanced Transport Aircraft (6 UOC)
AVIA5039 Airworthiness for Transport Category Aircraft (6 UOC)
Note: Courses AVIA5015, AVIA5018, AVIA5022, AVIA5024 and AVIA5039 are offered in distance mode. AVIF5915 and AVIF5916 require attendance in Sydney.
Assessment
The duration of this program depends on which pattern of attendance option is selected. Assessment for AVIF5915 and AVIF5916 will include practical assessments of capability on the simulation equipment used for training as well as academic knowledge.
Articulation
Students completing the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Flying will be granted 48 UOC toward the Master of Aviation Management , and will then need to undertake another 48 UOC to be awarded the master’s degree.
Future careers
Australia is a global leader in aviation, home to leading airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia. We also have significant hubs for airlines based in Asia, the Americas and Europe.
Pilots typically begin their journey in general aviation, gaining the necessary experience before branching out into varied aviation careers, including roles as airline, charter, or corporate pilots, as well as flight instructors. The industry provides numerous opportunities for international piloting, helicopter flying, aerial survey work and even leadership roles in aviation management.
UNSW is the highest-ranked global university with a stand-alone aviation school that offers aviation degrees, operates flight training under its own Air Operator’s Certificate and undertakes research. As a graduate from our School of Aviation, you’ll be recognised as a highly employable, expertly trained pilot-to-be.
Jobs in aviation, flying and airlines
Commercial airline pilot
Private airline pilot
Technical support officer
Flight operations manager
Chief Operating Officer
Flying Instructor
Cabin Crew Manager
Fleet Planner
Flight Crew Scheduler
Airfreight Manager
Airport Planner
Aviation Safety Manager
- Airline partnerships
At this stage enrolment in this program does not give any official advantage to applicants seeking later appointment as a pilot in any airline. However, completion of the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Flying indicates an ongoing motivation for a career as a pilot, and provides a greater depth of background, which overall may provide a competitive edge to Direct Entry pilot applicants of any airlines.
How to apply
- Submit an admission application online at: applyonline.unsw.edu.au
- Provide your CV, and Proof of completion of UG Degree and transcript (if applicable) and attach these to the online application.
- Complete a separate Internal Application for the GradDip Adv Flying and return it to the School of Aviation.
- The School of Aviation will contact you for an interview when we receive both your admission and interview applications.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review by the university and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol in, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (6 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
A FEE-HELP loan scheme is available to eligible students to assist with the payment of these fees up to the combined HELP loan limit which is $108,232 in 2021. Please note, this program is NOT eligible for the higher combined HELP loan limit which applies to the GradDipFlying.
The fees indicated below are for each postgraduate AVIF and AVIA course in 2021. Fees are based on a cost per Unit of Credit (UoC) of AUD$ 1,270 for AVIF courses and AUD $685 for AVIA courses. For further information, please visit the UNSW Fees and Payment website.
| AVIF compulsory course | AVIA elective course |
AUD $15,240 ($1,270 x 12 UoC) |
AUD $4,110 ($685 x 6 UoC) |
Students are charged tuition fees for each of the courses enrolled in the program. The current fee rates can be viewed at UNSW Science for Domestic Full Fee-Paying table. Note the rate charged for ‘AVIF’ courses, i.e. AVIF5915 and AVIF5916, is different to ‘AVIA’ courses due to the intense one-on-one training in simulators delivered as part of the AVIF course curriculum.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
