Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)

Training the next generation of pilots.

Explore the science behind aviation, earn your flying licences and get ready to take on global opportunities within the aviation sector. This degree not only educates and trains pilots to the highest commercial standards, it also develops future industry leaders and managers.

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Delivery Mode

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Award

Bachelor of Aviation

Commencing Terms

Term 1

Duration (Full Time)

3 Year(s)

Overview

Launch your flying career at one of the top 20 universities in the world.* The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) will prepare you for a successful career as a pilot, industry leader or manager within the aviation sector.

Our Flying program has been recently revamped to meet the rapidly changing needs of the aviation sector. The degree 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, the program allows students to gain real-world experience through mentorships and partner programs to accelerate their pathway to becoming a first officer.

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

^{*QS World University Rankings, 2024}

Key features

Taught across two campuses
You will spend half of the program at UNSW’s Kensington Campus, where you will complete academic courses. The other half of the program, incorporating flying theory and flight training, is delivered 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 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. 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 get your wings. 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. The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program is one of three undergraduate programs, sitting alongside the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) and the new Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems).

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 Future Pilot 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

Indicative Enrolments

118

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Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

80.00 + Interview

2023 A levels

13 + Interview

2023 IB Diploma

29 + Interview

2023 Lowest ATAR

75.45*

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. 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 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 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.

See more

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:

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

I studied in:

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:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

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 will spend half the program studying academic courses at our Kensington Campus and the other half completing flying theory and flight training at our Flying Operations Unit (FOU).

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 will also have the option to utilise 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).

Basic 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)

Introduction to Science Communication (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)

Commercial Aircraft Knowledge (6 UOC)

Commercial Aerodynamics (6 UOC)

Commercial Operation, Performance and Planning (6 UOC)

Instrument Rating (6 UOC)
Air Transport Flight Planning (6 UOC)

Air Transport Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems (6 UOC)

Air Transport Performance and Navigation (6 UOC)

Air Transport Law, Meteorology and Human Factors (6 UOC)

Aviation Safety and Resource Management (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)

Students must also complete 12 UOC of General Education courses outside the Faculty of Science.

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.

The following lists all of the flight tests to be passed during the Professional Pilot Program. All flight tests are conducted by a CASA Flight Training Examiner (FTE) or a CASA-Approved Testing Officer (ATO).

Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane

Grade 3 Instructor Rating (for those choosing this elective)
The following lists all the written examinations required for licensing to be passed during the Professional Pilot Program.

Pre-Solo Air Legislation

Pre-Area Solo

Recreation Pilot Licence Aeroplane (RPLA)*

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Seven Examinations)*

Instrument Rating (IREX)*

Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) (Seven Examinations)*

*CASA Examinations. The remainder are UNSW in-house examinations.

Download sample program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

Australia has one of the most highly developed aviation industries in the world. It is 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 within the general aviation sector to gain additional flying experience. For this reason, most flying graduates will spend some time working as a flying instructor, charter pilot or in some other general aviation flying activity.

For qualified pilots, there is a wide variety of work in aviation which includes being 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

“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 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 the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). Interviews are scheduled on a case-by-case basis, typically with a 1-2 week turnaround once the interview period commences from early September. As we receive a high volume of applications, we encourage applicants to submit their internal application form as early as possible.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

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.

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$8,300*

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 2022, the anticipated standard cost of flight training to obtain the minimum of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane, and ATPL (Frozen) is $141,500 (some elective fees and extra flying fees may apply). 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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$47,970*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$147,260*

*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.

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).

Explore Scholarships