Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Other
- Codes
- UAC code 429500
- Program code 3980
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $175,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $331,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Industry mentorship
-
Leading academics
-
Aviation Career Enrichment Program (Q-ACE)
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
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Launch your flying career at a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025). The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) will prepare you to become a confident, licensed pilot.
The program focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional pilot working either as an independent pilot in a general aviation organisation or as part of 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 journey to becoming a first officer.
Tourism is experiencing a huge upswing and airlines around the world are growing their fleets. With this surge in travel and 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. In 2023, 66 occupations, including aeroplane pilots and flying instructors, were identified as being in high demand (Jobs and Skills Australia, Skills Priority List, 2023). This trend underscores the sector's dynamic growth and the promising career prospects it offers.
Now is the perfect time to consider a career in this thriving industry and join our School of Aviation. You’ll join our global alumni network connecting with professionals and leaders in the aviation industry, opening doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities worldwide.
Key features
- Flying Operations Unit (FOU)
UNSW operates an exclusive Flying Operations Unit (FOU) to support students out of Bankstown Airport. You’ll have access to our fleet of Diamond DA40 and Piper PA44 training airplanes, and advanced flight simulators and training equipment, ensuring you graduate confidently and career ready. Our ground and flying instructors are meticulously selected to deliver the highest quality training.
- Taught across two campuses
You'll spend your time between two of our UNSW campuses. Half of the program will be delivered at our Kensington Campus, where you'll complete academically focused courses. The other half of the program will be delivered at our FOU in Bankstown. At our FOU, you’ll get your hands deep into practice experiences that require access to our fleet of aircrafts like flight training.
- Comprehensive flight training
The Professional Pilot Program provides the flight training required to obtain your flying licences and ratings. The program includes approximately 200 hours of flight training and 30 hours of simulator training. The program covers the necessary training for obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane, and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Join the School of Aviation
As the only Go8 university to offer aviation, UNSW is the 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 accredited aviation degrees, operates flight training under its own Air Operator’s Certificate and undertakes research.
Learn from expert educators
Our Aviation educators have come directly from leadership roles within organisations such as Qantas, Airservices Australia, CASA, ATSB and the Federal Airports Corporation. Our programs are written and coordinated by industry experts with substantial experience, like Norman Fitzpatrick, retired Captain with Singapore Airlines. Our educators bring a wealth of aviation experience, while our academic staff regularly engage with regulatory authorities, industry bodies and research collaborators.
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, opens in a new window (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.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
Additional Selection Criteria
In addition to your UAC or direct application (via Apply Online), there is a three part selection criteria. This consists of:
Academic entry
An interview – You will need to fill in a form and return an internal application form. You can also request one from the Undergraduate Coordinator at aviation@unsw.edu.au or by calling +61 2 9385 5756. We will arrange interviews with applicants after receiving the internal application form.
CASA Class 1 medical certificate – You must 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 Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers 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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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
|
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
27.0
|
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1130.0
|
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), there is a three part selection criteria. This consists of:
Academic entry
An interview – You will need to fill in a form and return an internal application form. You can also request one from the Undergraduate Coordinator at aviation@unsw.edu.au or by calling +61 2 9385 5756. We will arrange interviews with applicants after receiving the internal application form.
CASA Class 1 medical certificate – You must 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:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
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 Bankstown 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 undertake approximately 200 hours of flight training and 30 hours of simulator training.
Full program structure
Students must complete 144 units of credit (UOC) to graduate with a Bachelor of Aviation (RPAS). This three-year full-time course includes core courses (126 UOC), prescribed electives (6 UOC) and general education courses (12 UOC).
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.
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
Flight operations manager
Chief operating officer
Our alumni
“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
“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.
Besides submitting an application through UAC, you must complete the internal application form for the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). We schedule interviews on a case-by-case basis, starting in early November. Due to the high volume of applications, we encourage you to submit your 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.
Besides submitting an application through UAC, you must complete the internal application form for the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). We schedule interviews on a case-by-case basis, starting in early November. Due to the high volume of applications, we encourage you to submit your internal application form as early as possible.
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
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 cover the flight training costs portion of this degree out-of-pocket, as these expenses cannot be covered by HECS. In 2025, the anticipated standard cost of flight training to obtain the minimum of a Commercial Pilot Licence (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. This significant investment is a crucial step towards achieving your dream of becoming a professional pilot and opening numerous exciting career opportunities in the aviation industry.
*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 cover the flight training costs portion of this degree out-of-pocket, as these expenses cannot be covered by HECS. In 2025, the anticipated standard cost of flight training to obtain the minimum of a Commercial Pilot Licence (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. This significant investment is a crucial step towards achieving your dream of becoming a professional pilot and opening numerous exciting career opportunities in the aviation industry.
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).
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
It gives weight to my qualification when I tell people I completed my flight training at UNSW.
