Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- UAC code 450080
- Program code 4430
- CRICOS code -
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $26,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- -
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
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The Australian Defence Force Academy
Combining teaching and research with military education
UNSW Canberra specialises in high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all areas relating to military, strategic and defence studies. This means future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force can combine their military and leadership training with our world-class university programs and defence industry expertise.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees
Overview
The Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) is organised into areas such as foundation science, engineering technology, materials and structures, dynamics and control, thermofluids, and design and management, as well as discipline specific areas such as aircraft design and maintenance and engine performance.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
As an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Trainee Officer, you’ll have access to purpose-built workshops and facilities and benefit from the best university teacher-to-student ratio in Australia. Our teachers are experienced practitioners and collaborate closely with industry to ensure our graduates possess the skills to meet the needs of the workplace. Working alongside leading experts, you’ll gain the hands-on experience required to meet the global challenges of the future.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
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- 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.
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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
Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics, Physics
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.
Program structure
This degree provides a solid foundation in engineering technology, specially developed to meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force and accredited by Engineers Australia at the Engineering Technologist level.
In your first year of study you’ll build a solid understanding of science and engineering, sharing common core courses with other technology and engineering students. In your second and third years, you’ll specialise in aeronautical engineering, where you’ll further explore the fundamentals of aeronautics, aircraft design and engine performance.
With various electives to choose from, including materials and structures, aerodynamics and thermofluids, you can pursue interests both within and beyond aeronautical engineering.
In your last semester, a final project will build problem-solving skills and apply your knowledge in technology, engineering, and aeronautics.
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) if you wish to upgrade to a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering, you may undertake a further 12 months study. Entry to the Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering at UNSW Canberra will be at the discretion of the Defence Services.
Full program structure
Potential careers
With a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, you could design, build, maintain or manufacture aeroplanes and helicopters, design and operate unmanned aerial vehicles or wind turbines, or conduct research in the aerospace or energy sector. Engineering graduates may work for aerospace companies, airlines, energy companies or civilian and military aerospace organisations.
The Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) is primarily undertaken by Air Force Trainee Officers who intend to become aircrew with specialised knowledge in aircraft design, manufacture, and maintenance. However, the program is also available to Navy and Army Trainee Officers, where you will find yourself employed in many technical branches of the ADF.
As an Air Force Trainee Officer, you’ll graduate with an enhanced understanding of the operation and performance of aircrafts, leading you towards aircrew careers including:
- Air Traffic Controller (mission controller)
- Ground Defence Officer
- Human Resource Manager
- Intelligence Officer
- Mission Aircrew
- Pilot
For Pilots, the practical flying components are undertaken after graduating from ADFA.
Accreditation
Engineers Australia
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.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.
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