Study Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to International students

You’re considered an International student if you are a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.

International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Mawson Lakes

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
LBAF

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2019: AUD$ 36,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
2020: AUD$ 37,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

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
095900M

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR
Work and life experience

Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	330
German Abitur	3
India (best 4)	65
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	30
Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	70
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
HKDSE	16
Nepal NEB	2.61

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Brochure Enquire Favourite Apply

This program is available to international students only. Domestic students are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

Degree overview

Take the first steps towards becoming a pilot and get 15-20 hours of flight experience with the option to concurrently obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Fly in your first year with our partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).
Study theory and practice at the same time.
Gain fundamental knowledge in aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, flight planning, and aircraft power plants and systems.
Access flight simulators and work with the latest industry software.

Snapshot

Make your dreams of becoming a pilot reality with an innovative aviation degree for international students that includes flight training. The Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) provides a great foundation in the field of aviation practical flight experience. Whilst some airlines prefer you to have a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), other airlines prefer to train you fully via a pilot cadetship program.

The flight training component is offered in your first year of study through an elective course, Flight Experience. In this course you will log approximately 15-20 hours of dual flight time in a single engine airplane with the possibility of a solo flight for those who meet the competencies. Flight training is offered by our partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).

In your studies you will also learn aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation and flight planning in ultra-modern facilities.We work in close partnership with industry to ensure you will graduate ready to meet the growing global demand for pilots¹.

¹ Boeing’s Current Market Outlook 2014-2033

What you'll need

For the flight training component of this degree, you must hold a minimum of a Class II Medical with at least 6 months validity. You must also remain compliant with the Aviation Academy’s Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP).

What you'll 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 2, 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.

Flight Experience is part of this degree. If you don’t take up Flight Experience, this course will be replaced by two electives.

For further information, download the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) flyer which provides greater detail about the flight experience course.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Flight Training Theory 1	AERO 1021	4.5
Aviation Physics 1N	AERO 1011	4.5
Introduction to Aviation	AERO 1022	4.5
Aviation Practice	AERO 1020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Flight Training Theory 2	AERO 1023	9
Flight Experience	AERO 1026	9	Note(s): 3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Meteorology	AERO 2054	4.5
Professional and Technical Communication	COMM 1065	4.5
University Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1
Aviation Law	AERO 1014	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, or 6)
Introduction to Aviation Management	AERO 1024	4.5
Large Aircraft Performance and Planning	AERO 3015	4.5
Introduction to Aviation Safety	AERO 1025	4.5
Human Factors 1	AERO 1017	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Heavy Aircraft Systems	AERO 3014	4.5
Advanced Aerodynamics	AERO 2049	4.5
Human Factors 2	AERO 2053	4.5
Communications and Research Methods	AERO 3013	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5, or 6)
Advanced Navigation	AERO 2055	4.5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
Risk and Safety Management Systems	AERO 3016	4.5
Aviation Project	AERO 3012	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students undertaking the Flight Experience course must hold a minimum of a Class II Medical with at least 6 months' validity, and must remain compliant with the Aviation Academy's Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP).

2. Internal transfer into this program is not permitted. All applications for entry must be made via UniSA International.

Notes

1. The University elective is a course from any school or program within the University of South Australia that is freely chosen by students, subject to pre-requisite requirements and availability.

2. Students may choose to undertake an elective from a list provided by the School of Engineering, or other electives outside of the list, as approved by the Program Director.

3. Students who do not undertake the 9-unit Flight Experience course should request a study plan from the School of Engineering at the earliest opportunity.

4. No flight hours are required to complete this program. The flight experience elective gives students the opportunity to log approximately 15-20 hours of dual flight time, and a short solo flight for those who meet the competencies

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 and 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.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

practical tasks and tests
practical assessments (e.g. flight, navigation)
essays and assignments examinations
an industry-relevant project
an oral or online presentation

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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.

Why Bachelor of Aviation (Flight)

You will learn the very latest in aviation theory from academics, industry experts and flight instructors.

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.

You will train in our state-of-the-art flight and airport simulators and learn on the latest industry software. Through this degree you will develop an in-depth knowledge of aerodynamics, aircraft power plants and systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning, computer controlled flight management systems and flight operation technology.

Study flight training in your first year through an elective course, Flight Experience. In this course you will log approximately 15-20 hours of dual flight time in a single engine airplane with the possibility of a solo flight for those who meet the competencies. Flight training is offered by our partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).

Thanks to this close partnership, our students have the option to study FTA's Diploma of Aviation alongside our Bachelor degree. This combination will help you obtain a CASA CPL-A.

Real-world connections

UniSA has a track record for partnerships and developing new technologies for industry. We are ranked number one in South Australia for Engineering Research, with assessed research rated well-above world standard (2015 Excellence in Research for Australia). We collaborate with over 2,500 companies worldwide. These extensive industry connections give us a truly competitive edge – our students get real-world skills and contacts.

Our partnership with Flight Training Adelaide (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 Aviation Academy at Parafield Airport, located near our Mawson Lakes campus.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

Over the next 20 years the world's airline fleet will grow at an average rate of 3.6 per cent annually, driving the need for more than 36,700 new airplanes valued at 5.2 trillion dollars. Growth is being driven by emerging markets such as Latin America, Asia-Pacific, low cost carrier and sixth freedom business models¹.The 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook projects that 617,000 new commercial airline pilots and 679,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to fly and maintain the world fleet between now and 2035².

With this growth, it is an exciting time to be planning a career in the aviation industry. Here are some careers to consider:

commercial pilot working for international, national or regional airlines (with further study)
corporate and business aviation
flight instructor
firefighting pilot
medical and air ambulance pilot

¹ Boeing’s Market Outlook 2013-2032

² 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook

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.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student gyms, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

careers advice
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
services offered through our student association, USASA
accommodation services

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

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.

Your campus

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

Your study spaces

The UniSA’s 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 program director

I come from the United States, and am a licenced commercial pilot. My primary research area is in aviation safety, standardization, and multiculturalism. Before coming to UniSA I conducted aviation safety development research in china and also worked in general aviation business development. My interests include traveling and teaching, and prior to UniSA I taught at universities in china and the USA.

Dr Steve Leib

Program Director

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Dr Steve Leib

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

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?

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?

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?

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.