Interested in Aviation?

The University of South Australia will build your knowledge in airport and flight operations and prepare you for a global career in aviation. 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 (Flight) is structured so you can complete flight training at the same time as this specialised undergraduate degree.

Flight training can start from the first year of your bachelor degree through private flying lessons.

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, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).
  • Access flight simulators and work with the latest industry software.

Why UniSA?

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.

Private flying lessons are available through FTA who 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 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.

Your career

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

Your Career

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

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

Study at UniSA

Derek Tsai, Georgia Ho and Datian Li talk about their experiences studying the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) at UniSA.

UniSA Video

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)

Xander Redhead.jpg

Xander Redhead

Bachelor of Aviation (Management)

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)

Kim-Clarke_Aviation-Management.jpg

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:

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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.

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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.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings