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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Aviation?
Build your knowledge in airport and flight operations with SA's longest running Aviation degree at the University of South Australia. UniSA has well above world-class research in Aviation1.
We offer two specialisations – Pilot or Aviation Management. In the Bachelor of Aviation (Management), you will develop the knowledge and skills for a career in aviation management, airline administration, and airport or flight operations. The Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) is structured so you can complete flight training at the same time as this specialised undergraduate degree.
Flight training commences while you're still studying your bachelor degree through the Graduate Diploma in Aviation. It is taught by UniSA’s partner, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).
1Results in Engineering - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Key features
- Build your knowledge in airport and flight operations with South Australia’s longest running degree in aviation.
- We were the first in Australasia to offer a tertiary qualification in aviation.
- Develop fundamental knowledge in aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, flight planning, and aircraft power plants and systems.
- Gain 10 hours of flight experience in your first semester with our flight partner, FTA.
- Access flight simulators and work with the latest industry software.
We emphasise hands-on, practical knowledge. For example, through our connection with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) information service you can submit flight plans and access the latest aerodrome alerts and weather forecasts.
Our partnership with FTA draws on mutual experience and expertise to deliver quality flight training to our aviation students. FTA teaches from The University of South Australia’s Parafield Airport hangar, located near our Mawson Lakes campus.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities*, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
UNSTOPPABLE ® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. *Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
UniSA offers the following Aviation degrees
Choose your level of study
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Within the next 20 years, it is predicted there will be a demand of 837,000 new personnel required in the Asia-Pacific region. Although the aviation industry is currently experiencing a downturn driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term need remains robust with anticipation of growth to the sector in coming years.1
This growth should have a flow on effect on other careers in the field of aviation, making it a very exciting time to be launching a career in this vibrant industry.
1Boeing 20-year Pilot, Technician and Cabin Crew Outlook 2020 - 2039
Global networks
We are a globally connected university; our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We also have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Study at UniSA
Aaron Quick talks about his experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) and Graduate Diploma in Aviation, and why UniSA’s facilities, teaching quality and industry connections made it his first choice for studying Aviation.
What others are saying
With a curiosity into how things work mechanically and aerodynamically, I decided to study Aviation at UniSA. This degree left many doors open for me, as to whether I wanted to be a pilot, airport manager, air traffic controller or even do something a little left field like mechanics or engineering.
Xander Redhead
Bachelor of Aviation (Management)
Bachelor of Aviation is for individuals looking at pursuing Aviation as a profession, and so you will be equipped with skills that will enable you to lead and motivate a team, manage threats and errors in your everyday operation and learn about your own performance and limitations. You will gain a rock solid foundation from many experienced people to build an exciting career.
Grant Price, Boeing 777 Captain
Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot)
Emirates Airlines
Before my instructor sent me on my first solo flight, I was feeling quite nervous, but knowing that I was in control of the aircraft, with no one sitting beside me, was an experience I’ll never forget. Watching yourself grow as a professional pilot is truly an amazing feeling.
Alexi Currie
Graduate Diploma in Aviation
UniSA was the obvious choice because it was one of the few universities in Australia – and the only in the state – to
offer an aviation degree. As someone who is fascinated by airplanes, I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering the mysteries of the aviation industry.
Joshua Chin
Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot)
Flight Instructor | Flight Training Adelaide
For any student considering an aviation industry based career, I would strongly recommend this UniSA degree and the social life that you gain with it. Make sure to take advantage of the Aviation Student Association (ASO) club. This has allowed myself and many of my peers to meet with a vast range of companies such as Qantas, REX, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Airservices Adelaide control tower and many more. You'll gain so much exposure to the industry and network with the staff who are potentially going to hire you in the future!
Be active within UniSA's online career hub where you can take extra workshops on: how to network, leadership, emotional intelligence, and a huge list of other valuable and employable skills that can set you apart from the rest.
Kim Clarke
Bachelor of Aviation (Management)
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
