Start date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
LBAN

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 40,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088880B

Degree overview

  • Take the first steps towards becoming a pilot.
  • Study theory and practice at the same time.
  • 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.
  • Study the Graduate Diploma in Aviation concurrently, and prepare for your Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) exams.
  • South Australia’s only degree in Aviation.

Snapshot

Snapshot

Make your dreams of being a pilot a reality with South Australia’s first and only aviation degree designed specifically to train pilots.

You’ll gain 10 hours of flight experience in your first semester, which includes pilot flying and observing in a DA40 aircraft with our partner FTA. You'll learn aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation and flight planning. See the Bachelor of Aviation flyer for further details.

Flight training is taught separately to this degree via the Graduate Diploma in Aviation. There are a number of entry requirements that must be fulfilled before you can begin. Please read the Graduate Diploma in Aviation page carefully.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

UniSA works in close partnership with industry, you will graduate ready to meet the growing global demand for pilots1.

1 Boeing’s Current Market Outlook 2014-2033

What you'll learn

What you Learn

You will undertake general studies in aviation including an introduction to human factors and safety management systems. You will do Flight Training Theory 1 and Commercial Pilot Theory, taught by instructors from the flight training provider. These courses prepare you for CASA Commercial Pilot Licence theory examinations.

As your studies progress you will explore more advanced and theoretical areas including meteorology, law, human factors and aspects of the flight and performance of large aircraft systems. You will also study communication and aviation management. Your technical studies will include aerodynamics, heavy aircraft systems, navigation and risk and safety management.

Over the course of the degree, you can select up to three electives from the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) degree and other aviation-related electives.

Flight training is done via the Graduate Diploma in Aviation and there are a number of entry requirements that must be fulfilled before you can begin. Please read the Graduate Diploma in Aviation page carefully.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Introduction to Aviation AERO 1022 4.5
Human Performance & Limitations in Aviation AERO 1017 4.5
Aviation Law AERO 1014 4.5
Aviation Elective 1 4.5 Note(s): 2
OR
Introductory Instructional Flights AERO 1028 4.5 Note(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Introduction to Aviation Management AERO 1024 4.5
Aviation Practice AERO 1020 4.5
Flight Training Theory 1 AERO 1021 4.5 Note(s): 3,4,8,9
Aviation Safety Fundamentals AERO 1025 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
University Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Commercial Pilot Theory AERO 2064 13.5 Note(s): 6,7,8
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Quantitative Methods for Business MATH 1053 4.5
Advanced Pilot Theory AERO 2063 4.5
Airline Operations Management AERO 2058 4.5
Aviation Physics AERO 1011 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Humans in Aviation: People, Systems and Safety AERO 2053 4.5
Safety and Risk Management for Aviation Professionals AERO 3016 4.5
Aviation Project 1 AERO 3013 4.5
Large Aircraft Flight Operations (Part 1) AERO 3021 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Large Aircraft Flight Operations (Part 2) AERO 3020 4.5
Aviation Project 2 AERO 3012 4.5
Aviation Elective 2 4.5 Note(s): 2
Aviation Elective 3 4.5 Note(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Hear from Aviation students

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

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

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

Here are some careers to consider:

  • Professional airline Pilot
  • Charter pilot
  • Military careers
  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Aircraft manufacturing
  • Remote pilot
  • Air traffic management

1Boeing 20-year Pilot, Technician and Cabin Crew Outlook 2020 - 2039

Industry facts

data-presentation

Boeing predicts an additional 602,000 commercial airline pilots will be needed worldwide between now and 2041

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

column-chart-growth

Commercial air traffic is expected to recover to 2019 levels by 2024

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

global-travel-delivery

By 2038, global air travel transport is forecasted to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy

(Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders 2022)

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
International students interested in this program should contact UniSA International enquiries at International@unisa.edu.au.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

The UniSA Aviation Academy at Parafield Airport is fully equipped for flight training with networked classrooms, simulators housed in climate and sound-controlled rooms, and aircraft maintenance hangars. There is also a student lounge, briefing rooms for one-on-one time with instructors, and a flight planning area.

An operations room is staffed by qualified personnel who maintain a ‘flight watch’ service for all FTA aircraft in the air. Students have immediate access to weather, NOTAMS and other flight planning data as required.

Your study spaces

Your program director

I’m an academic leading the UniSA’s aviation program. I teach courses and conduct research into aviation, especially on airlines and airports. My colleagues and I work on projects across all aspects in aviation, thereby enabling relevance and connections with the industry. Our aviation team comprises of experts in specific aviation sub-sectors such as flight operations, human factors, airport management and accident investigation. Both our industry collaboration and technical knowledge enable our coursework and materials to be distinctive in satisfying the needs of the ever-changing industry and ensuring academic excellence.

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for AsPr Paul Lee
Portrait image for AsPr Paul Lee

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire

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.

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