Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Other
- Codes
- UAC code 429510
- Program code 3928
- CRICOS code 114591B
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $27,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $58,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $187,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Emerging field
-
Industry experts
-
Accredited degree
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Launch your remote pilot career at one of the top 20 universities in the world.* The Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) will prepare you to work across a wide range of industries and applications – with more opportunities emerging every day.
This new course has been designed in close collaboration with industry and is the third undergraduate program in our suite of aviation degrees. Through a combination of classroom and experiential learning, our industry-leading teaching staff will give you the foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills to lead the sector into the future.
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone is any uncrewed aircraft that is piloted from a remote pilot station, such as a commercial drone, and the flight systems that support it. The dynamic nature of the uncrewed sector gives graduates the freedom and confidence to pursue a path aligned to their interests. Current applications include remote piloting for emergency services, defence, surveying, entertainment and more. Opportunities will only multiply as the sector matures, and UNSW Aviation graduates will be well-positioned to lead the charge.
*QS World University Rankings, 2024
Key features
- Maximise your potential in the aviation sector
The Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) prepares you for an exciting career in aviation, with a focus on managing and operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. The coursework shares a common core with our Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) and Bachelor of Aviation (Management), giving you the transferable skills and expertise to take your career to new heights. As a result, you’ll graduate with your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Recreational Pilot's Licence (RPL), multiplying your opportunities upon graduation. - Industry-recognised, accredited degree
You’ll graduate fully qualified with a Recreational Pilot's Licence (RPL) and Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). With these industry-recognised accreditations, you’ll be ready to transition straight into professional remote piloting work. You might set up your own enterprise for commercial operations or join one of the many organisations utilising Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems technology.
- Hands-on training with industry experts
Gain at least 80 hours of total flight experience, which includes up to 40 crewed flight hours (aeroplane) and up to 40 uncrewed flight hours (Drones) with a range of multi-rotor and fixed-wing equipment. You will undertake the 40 crewed flight hours along with the students in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying), after which you continue into the drone-specific component. The drone-specific flight hours consists of up to 20 hours of uncrewed flight training and up to 20 hours of commercial experience, both provided by leading industry partners. To underpin your practical flying skills, you’ll cover courses in drone operations management, drone programming, information systems and aviation law to round out your skill set. - Partner with Surf Life Saving NSW
High school students got a taste of what it's like being a UAV pilot at our Drone Racing Day, hosted in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW. The Australian UAV Service is a leading UAV service provider in the Emergency Service sector and has partnered with UNSW to deliver commercial experience hours in the practical training component of the new Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems).
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 get your remote pilot licence. 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 real-world experience
As part of our university-wide Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, students can take part in a professional placement to experience what it’s like to work as a remote pilot. Leveraging our network of industry partners, you’ll have the chance to gain work experience and build your CV while you study for a smooth transition into a job after graduation.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
-
- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
-
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Additional Selection Criteria
In addition to your UAC or direct application (via Apply Online), you must complete the internal application form. You can also request one from the Undergraduate Coordinator at aviation@unsw.edu.au or by calling +61 2 9385 5756. Interviews will be arranged with applicants after receipt of the internal application form.
Students will 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)
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:
- 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.
International direct entry
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. This form is available on the School of Aviation Website. You can also request one from the Undergraduate Coordinator at aviation@unsw.edu.au or by calling +61 2 9385 5756. Interviews will be arranged with applicants after receipt of the internal application form.
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 whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. 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 English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do 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.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
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).
The academic program includes courses in aeronautical knowledge, aviation transport, drone information systems and commercial navigation. In addition to theoretical studies, you’ll complete a practical training component of up to 40 crewed flight hours (aeroplane) and up to 40 uncrewed flight hours (RPAS),with a range of multi-rotor and fixed-wing equipment. The RPAS-specific flight hours includes 20 hours of flight training as well as up to 20 hours of commercial experience with our leading industry partners. You will acquire a respective Recreational Pilot's Licence (RPL) and Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).
You’ll also have the opportunity to utilise 6–12 UOC of electives in work placements through the UNSW Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program. The WIL program allows students to gain real-world aviation industry experience and foster networks and connections with industry partners.
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).
-
- Aeronautical Knowledge (12 UOC)
- Simulation in Aviation and Airworthiness Management (6 UOC)
- Introduction to Human Factors: The Safety Science of Human Performance (6 UOC)
- Aviation Transport Economics (6 UOC)
- Improving Communication Skills for STEMM (6 UOC)
- Mathematics for Life Sciences (6 UOC)
- Statistics for Life and Social Sciences (6 UOC)
-
- Commercial Navigation (6 UOC)
- Commercial Meteorology (6 UOC)
- Commercial Human Factors, Flight Rules and Air Law (6 UOC)
- Advanced Human Factors (6 UOC)
- Instrument Rating (6 UOC)
- Drone Operations Management (6 UOC)
- Drone Information Systems (6 UOC)
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Aviation (6 UOC)
-
- Drone Programming and Applications (6 UOC
- Airline Management (6 UOC)
- Aviation Safety and Resource Management (6 UOC)
- Flight Data Analytics (6 UOC)
- Aviation Research Methods (6 UOC)
Students must choose one of the following:
- Human Factors Tools and Methods (6 UOC)
- Aviation Work Placement 1 (6 UOC)
- Environmental Performance Evaluation of Aviation: Theories and Techniques (6 UOC)
Students must also complete 12 UOC of general education courses outside the Faculty of Science.
Flight Selection
In addition to the academic elements of the program, students will undertake practical testing and assessment to determine their suitability for a career as a remote pilot.
-
This involves airborne and simulated flying where students will be assessed to determine suitability for a career as a pilot. Scores are based on rate of learning, aptitude for flying, punctuality, preparation and behaviour. This involves:
- 4 hours DA40 – general flying
- 1 hour FRASCA – instrument flying
-
This is a PC-based selection tool free of cultural, gender and experiential bias that tests competency in:
- Hand-eye-foot coordination
- Spatial orientation
- Multi-task management
- Mental arithmetic
- Short-term memory
- Mental capacity
Future careers
Australia was one of the earliest adopters of drone technology. Demand is steadily growing for qualified RPAS pilots to drive progress and efficiency across a wide range of industries and functions.
As a dynamic, rapidly-evolving sector, the RPAS industry is brimming with potential. Dozens of sectors are already integrating RPAS technology into their work, including emergency services, defence, surveying, entertainment, and safety management.
Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can even set up their own enterprises for commercial operations as soon as they are qualified.
Potential careers
- Chief Remote Pilot
- Drone Operations Manager
- Aerial and Ground Robotics Operator
- Drone Delivery Pilot
- Drone Light Show Pilot
- First Response Drone Team (RPIC)
- Flight Test Operator
- LIDAR Analyst & UAS Pilot
- UAS Flight Operations Lead
- UAS Sensor
- UAV Technician
- Counter Drone Specialist
- Multi-Vehicle Supervisor (MVS)
- eVTOL Pilot/Operator
- Geospatial Data Analyst
- Commercial Drone Operator
- Drone Missions Commander
Potential industries and applications
- Emergency services
- Defence
- Humanitarian aid
- Photogrammetry and surveying
- Medical and disaster relief
- Retail and supply chain management
- Entertainment and content production
- Conservation biology
- Health and safety management.
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 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 for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
In addition to submitting an application via UAC, you must complete the internal application form for Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems). 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) 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 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
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 in an aeroplane to achieve your Recreational Pilot Licence, as well as 40 hours of flight training for the Remote Pilot Licence and Commercial Experience component is $49,815. Students will be notified of their flight training costs in October of the year before they undertake the training.
*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 2024, the anticipated standard cost of flight training in an aeroplane to achieve your Recreational Pilot Licence, as well as 40 hours of flight training for the Remote Pilot Licence and Commercial Experience component is $48,000. 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).
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#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.
