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Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)

Join one of Australia's top science faculties
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) degree will prepare you for a successful career as a pilot. Our flying program includes all the theoretical and practical training required to launch a career in aviation. Gain real-world experience and graduate with the confidence to take on the skies.
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration
3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Other
Codes
UAC code 429500
Program code 3980
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
80 + Interview
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$9,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$175,500*
A student and educator in the UNSW flight simulator

Join us at the UNSW Aviation Information Session!

Thursday, 6 March 8pm - 9pm AEDT | Online

Discover the world of aviation at UNSW as our speakers share insights into diverse career opportunities. Connect during the Q&A to learn about student experiences and get your questions answered.

Overview

Launch your flying career at one of the top 20 universities in the world.* The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) will prepare you to become a confident, licensed pilot. 

Our flying program focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional pilot working either as a single pilot in a general aviation organisation or as a multi-crew team in an airline. Designed in collaboration with key aviation industry partners, students gain real-world experience through mentorships and partner programs to accelerate their pathway to becoming a first officer.  

Tourism is experiencing a huge upswing and airlines around the world are growing their fleets. With a brand-new airport opening in Sydney’s west, there’s never been a better time to take to the skies as a pilot. UNSW graduates are highly respected and in high demand in Australia and internationally, thanks to the School of Aviation’s industry reputation and our global alumni network.

*QS World University Rankings, 2024

Key features

  • Taught across two campuses
    You'll spend half of the program at UNSW’s Kensington Campus, where you'll complete academic courses. The other half of the program includes flying theory and flight training. Our flight training is held at UNSW’s Flying Operations Unit (FOU), located at Bankstown Airport.
  • Professional Pilot Program
    The Professional Pilot Program provides the flight training required to obtain your flying licences and ratings. The program includes up to 200 hours of flight training and approximately 30 hours of simulator training. The Professional Pilot Program must be taken on a full-time basis.
  • 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 airplanes, 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. During your flight training, you’ll develop the necessary discipline to succeed in your career as a pilot and form life-long friendships along the way.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Join the School of Aviation

As the only Go8 university to offer aviation, UNSW is the go-to place to become a pilot in Australia. The School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years. We’re 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. 

Learn from expert educators

Our courses are written and coordinated by experts with substantial industry experience. Our industry facilitators bring a wealth of aviation experience, while our academic staff regularly engage with regulatory authorities, industry bodies and research collaborators. UNSW Aviation educators have come directly from leadership roles within organisations such as Qantas, Airservices Australia, CASA, ATSB and the Federal Airports Corporation. 

Gain industry connections through mentorships

You’ll be assigned an airline pilot as your mentor in your final year, courtesy of the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA). This program aims to provide you with career guidance and consultation about specific airline operations. 

Kickstart your career with the Qantas Aviation Career Enrichment (Q-ACE) Program

Our second-year Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) and Graduate Diploma in Flying students now have the opportunity to participate in Q-ACE – a program delivered by the Qantas Group that helps prepare aspiring airline pilots for direct entry employment opportunities after completing their university study.  

 

Program Code
3980
CRICOS Code
017227G
Campus
Other
UAC Code
429500
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144

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Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank 1
80 + Interview
2024 A levels 2
10 + Interview
2024 IB Diploma 3
29 + Interview
2024 Lowest ATAR 4
69.35

Additional Selection Criteria

In addition to your UAC or direct application (via Apply Online), you must complete the internal application form, opens in a new window. This form is available on the School of Aviation Website, opens in a new window. You can also request one from the Undergraduate Coordinator at aviation@unsw.edu.au or by calling +61 2 9385 5756. Interviews are scheduled in November for UAC applicants. For direct applicants, interviews will be scheduled upon receiving confirmation of meeting the English language requirements.

Students need to obtain a CASA Class 1 medical certificate before beginning flying training.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

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:

Please note, this program has stricter English Language requirements than other UNSW programs which must be adhered to in order to be eligible to gain entry into this program. Please refer to the English Language Requirement webpage for confirmation of acceptable means of proving English language competency.

International direct entry

Qualifications Direct entry requirement
International ATAR
75.0
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA
6.9
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
10.0

All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
27.0

Entry criteria is based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2024 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
1130.0

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Additional Selection Criteria

In addition to your UAC or direct application (via Apply Online), you must complete the internal application form, opens in a new window. This form is available on the School of Aviation Website, opens in a new window. You can also request one from the Undergraduate Coordinator at aviation@unsw.edu.au or by calling +61 2 9385 5756. Interviews are scheduled in November for UAC applicants. For direct applicants, interviews will be scheduled upon receiving confirmation of meeting the English language requirements.

Students will need to obtain a CASA Class 1 medical certificate before beginning flying training.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

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:

Please note, this program has stricter English Language requirements than other UNSW programs which must be adhered to in order to be eligible to gain entry into this program. Please refer to the English Language Requirement webpage for confirmation of acceptable means of proving English language competency.

Program structure

Over this three-year full-time program, you’ll complete a total of 144 units of credit (UOC). This includes core courses (126 UOC), prescribed electives (6 UOC) and general education courses (12 UOC).  

You'll spend half the program studying academic courses at our Kensington Campus and the other half at our Flying Operations Unit (FOU) where you'll learn to fly under the guidance of aviation experts. 

The academic program includes courses in commercial aircraft knowledge, aviation transport economics and flight planning. In addition to theoretical studies, you will have up to 200 hours of flight training and approximately 30 hours of simulator training. You can put 6 UOC towards a work placement through the UNSW Work Integrated Learning program, giving you first-hand experience with industry partners.

Full program structure

Students must complete 144 units of credit (UOC) to graduate with a Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). This three-year full-time course includes core courses (126 UOC), prescribed electives (6 UOC) and general education courses (12 UOC). 

Students are reminded that the maturity rule (see handbook) requires students to pass all Level 1 Core courses before progressing to Level 2 (2nd year). Students who fail one or more core courses at Level 1, particularly in terms 1 or 2, should consult the undergraduate programs coordinator for a revised study plan. Students who don't pass all core courses at Level 1 may not be permitted to proceed to AVIA1111 and/or Flight Selection until the requirements are satisfied.

Professional Pilot Program Assessment

Flight training within the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) requires separate enrolment in the Professional Pilot Program in addition to the academic enrolment. Enrolment in the Professional Pilot Program enables students to undertake flight training for the purpose of obtaining the licences and ratings included in the program. There are no academic units of credit allocated to the Professional Pilot Program. However, the School of Aviation provides successful students with UNSW Wings and a certificate at a Wings and Awards ceremony. The theory lessons undertaken to gain the various ratings and licenses are part of the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) academic program. 

The Professional Pilot Program covers flight training and flight tests to a minimum of Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), together with Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory. 

The Professional Pilot Program is conducted in block periods throughout the degree program. It includes up to 200 hours of flight training and approximately 30 hours of simulator training to CPL and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane status. The flight training and associated theory are taught in an integrated format and delivered over two years, in addition to the demanding main campus academic commitment. Students may elect to complete further academic work in lieu of flight training for the elective in the final phase of third year. 

Students undertaking the Professional Pilot Program begin the academic year in mid-February of first year, and complete the first two terms of the academic core before commencing Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) in September of first year. Flight training is scheduled continuously from November in first year to mid-December in second year; completing training for the Recreational and Commercial Pilot Licences, and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane. Students complete the academic core in term one of third year and then return to Bankstown Flying Operations Unit for the final stage of flight training, which covers Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory, examinations and their elective. 

Students are expected to make themselves available on a full-time basis during training. At times, students may be expected to fly earlier or later or occasionally on weekends if necessary due to scheduling pressures or delays due to maintenance or weather.  

Future careers

Australia has one of the most highly developed aviation industries in the world. It's home to some of the best global airlines and has significant hubs for airlines based in Asia, the Americas and Europe. 

Becoming a pilot with an airline usually requires working in the general aviation sector to gain additional flying experience. Most flying graduates will spend time working as a flying instructor, charter pilot, or in other general aviation flying activity.  

For qualified pilots, there is a wide variety of work in aviation which includes becoming an airline pilot (international and regional), a flight instructor, charter or corporate pilot, corporate jet flying, helicopter flying and aerial survey work. There is also the potential to transition into an aviation management role, working as part of a leadership team for an airline, airport or aviation business.  

Potential careers

  • Commercial airline pilot
  • Private airline pilot
  • Flight instructor
  • Technical support officer
  • Flight operations manager
  • Chief Operating Officer

Our alumni

Photo of UNSW alumnus Luke Brock

“Being taught the flying perspective within the aviation discipline was of great value throughout my career. It taught me the responsibility that you need to not only be a good pilot but a good operator as well. The emphasis on working as a team within projects and in day-to-day, as well as the importance of on-time flying were invaluable traits I have taken into my career. Over the last decade I have kept in touch with many of my friends in my cohort. My three years at UNSW were the most fun I have had in my life and can never be replaced.”

Ryan Smith

Captain, QantasLink

Photo of UNSW alumnus Luke Brock

“Completing your education at UNSW doesn’t only give you high quality flight training but also a deeper level of industry knowledge that just doing your pilot training cannot give you. The current environment and my 25 years in the industry has proven that you need to have a fall back during the down turns. Completing my flying training with UNSW gave me a tertiary qualification that allowed me a much easier path into postgraduate study when I lost my medical.”

Jeremy Robertson

Aviation Medical Examiner and Commercial Pilot, R&D AeroMed

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

In addition to submitting an application via UAC, you must complete the internal application form, opens in a new window for the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). Interviews are scheduled on a case-by-case basis, commencing from early November. As we receive a high volume of applications, we encourage applicants to submit their internal application form as early as possible.

Ready to apply?

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.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

In addition to submitting an application via UAC, you must complete the internal application form, opens in a new window for the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). Interviews are scheduled on a case-by-case basis, typically with a 1-2 week turnaround.

Ready to apply?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$9,000*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$175,500*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.

You’ll need to pay for the flight training costs portion of this degree. In 2025, the anticipated standard cost of flight training to obtain the minimum of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane is $150,000. Additional flying costs are incurred depending on your choice of third year flying practicum and if more than the 200 flight hours are required to achieve proficiency in any aspect of the flight training. Students will be notified of their flight training costs in October of the year before they undertake the training.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee
$58,500*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$331,500*

*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.

You’ll need to pay for the flight training costs portion of this degree. In 2025, the anticipated standard cost of flight training to obtain the minimum of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane is $150,000. Additional flying costs are incurred depending on your choice of third year flying practicum and if more than the 200 flight hours are required to achieve proficiency in any aspect of the flight training. Students will be notified of their flight training costs in October of the year before they undertake the training.

 

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.

Featured scholarship

  • SYD100 Scholarship
    The Sydney Airport SYD100 Scholarship has been established to support educationally disadvantaged students undertaking study with UNSW Aviation. This scholarship covers full tuition fees for four years and $25,000 towards residential fees (where relevant).

Featured scholarship

  • SYD100 Scholarship
    The Sydney Airport SYD100 Scholarship has been established to support educationally disadvantaged students undertaking study with UNSW Aviation. This scholarship covers full tuition fees for four years and $25,000 towards residential fees (where relevant).