Study Graduate Diploma in Aviation 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

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
Mawson Lakes

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
LGAN

Fees
AUD$ 119,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
102581C

Entry requirements

Applications for this program are by invitation only. Applicants are required to have a current enrolment in a qualifying UniSA Bachelor of Aviation degree.

An offer of entry into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation will be made when the following additional requirements
are met. Applicants are required to be selected via a process which includes:
- a formal interview
- a flight aptitude test
- an assessment of Aviation English Proficiency,
- successful completion of AERO 1021 Flight Training Theory 1 with a minimum of 80% class attendance, and
- academic achievement, normally achieving at least a pass average.
In addition:
- before commencing flight training, students must obtain a Class I Medical Certificate (Class II will be
  considered if Class I held in the last 3 years). The CASA medical must not have any restrictions that would impede the student’s ability to complete the program, and must be held for the duration of the program.
- before enrolling in Advanced Flying, students must hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Applications for this program are by invitation only for students who have a current enrolment in a qualifying UniSA Bachelor of Aviation degree. UniSA works with its flight provider to deliver training for students. Aircraft have restrictions and minimum standards for safe operations; continued enrolment is subject to approval by the provider.

Snapshot

Make your dreams of becoming a pilot a reality, and develop the skills and knowledge to work as a first officer in a multi crew aircraft, or as a pilot in command of most single engine operations.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation is a highly disciplined, technical flight training program at Parafield Airport. It is delivered in conjunction with the professional flight instructors at Flight Training Adelaide, our industry partner.

This qualification equips students with the skills, knowledge and competence to sit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) exams for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (CIR). These are professional qualifications recognised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation is delivered at the UniSA Aviation Academy at Parafield Airport. It is studied alongside the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

What you'll learn

This diploma comprises seven courses delivered with our industry partner Flight Training Adelaide. You will study them at the same time as the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

As part of this diploma you will sit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) theory exams. Your studies in the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) will help prepare you for these exams.

When you have developed the flight skills and knowledge – and passed the CASA theory exams – you can test for your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Command Instrument Rating (CIR) flight.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Introductory Flying	AERO 2061	6	Note(s): 7
Advanced Flying	AERO 5027	6
Aircraft Navigation 1	AERO 5028	6
Night Flying	AERO 5032	1.5
Aircraft Navigation 2	AERO 5029	6
Instrument Flight 1	AERO 5030	6
Instrument Flight 2	AERO 5031	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To be eligible to graduate from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation students must satisfy all academic and non-academic requirements including professional conduct, as well as be eligible to graduate from the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

2. Continuing enrolment in the Graduate Diploma is dependent on enrolment in the Bachelor of Aviation. If a student ceases to be enrolled in the Bachelor's program they will be withdrawn from the Graduate Diploma.

3. In accordance with government regulations, the flight training provider requires that all flight related courses up to a Commercial Pilot Licence take no longer than two calendar years to complete. The duration of two calendar years is defined as the time from the commencement of AERO 1021 Flight Training Theory concepts to the time in which AERO 5029 Aircraft Navigation 2 is completed in this program. Students who have not completed AERO 5029 within this timeframe will be discontinued.

4. Any student who has been disqualified from flying by the Aviation Academy cannot enrol in courses in this program.

5. Students are required to complete the Graduate Diploma in Aviation courses in the sequence shown.

6. It is compulsory for students in this program to meet with their Program Director or their delegates for academic counselling if they fail a course.

7. Students must hold a current Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC) for the duration of their study in the program from the commencement of the course Advanced Flying to the completion of Aircraft Navigation 2.

8. Students are required to own or purchase at their own cost a compatible iPad/tablet and aviation headset prior to flying. This is to enable students to perform numerous flight-related tasks in the cockpit.

9. To comply with CASA integrated timeline requirements, students must attend 80% of their scheduled workshops in AERO 1021 Flight Training Theory 1 and AERO 2064 Commercial Pilot Theory respectively to be eligible for entry and remain in the Graduate Diploma in Aviation (LGAN). *Students must provide evidence of medical or compassionate grounds for not meeting this limit.

Notes

1. Students who do not achieve the required course outcomes in the allocated hours in a course, will have the option to apply for the Aviation Consolidation Short Flying program to achieve the required competencies.

2. Students should note that a leave of absence may not be available and may require withdrawal from the program. Removal from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation may disqualify students from readmission in future.

3. Completion of Commercial Pilot Theory AERO 2064 prior to admission into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation will result in disqualification from entry.

4. Weight and height restrictions apply throughout the duration of the program and exceeding these restrictions may result in discontinuance from the program.

5. Students who are unable to maintain medical and ASIC clearances may result in discontinuance from the program.

6. Students are required to progress through the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) program in accordance with their Program Director's advice. Enrolment in Bachelor of Aviation courses outside of the Program Director's advice may result in disqualification from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation.

7. Credit may be available for this course. Credit will not be awarded for any other course in this program.

Study hours

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation, studied concurrently with the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot), is a very demanding and time-consuming study commitment.

You will be expected to have a minimum of 3 weekdays (and the occasional weekend day) available for flying. Once you start flying you are strongly discouraged from taking any planned leave until you finish your flight training.

The combination of contact hours and flying hours requires a strong work ethic and commitment.

In your own study time you’ll have assignments, readings, projects to work on and assessments to prepare for. You can also watch or listen to most of your lectures again, online.

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 assessments (e.g. flight, navigation) weighted pass/fail
practical exams (e.g. Commercial Pilot Licence, Command Instrument Rating)
theoretical exams with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)

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.

Why Graduate Diploma in Aviation

You will work with industry experts, flight instructors and academics. They will prepare you with the flight training skills to enter the aviation industry as a pilot.

We emphasise hands-on, practical knowledge. This program offers flight training in single and multi-engine aircraft, giving our students the opportunity to master professional flight training competencies. The theoretical training learned in the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) alongside the highly disciplined, technical flight training in this graduate diploma makes our graduates much sought after by airlines.

As part of this diploma, you will prepare for and sit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) exams for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (CIR). These professional qualifications are recognised by CASA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Real-world connections

Our partnership with Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) draws on mutual experience and expertise to deliver quality flight training to our aviation students. FTA instructors teach from the University of South Australia’s Aviation Academy, located near the Mawson Lakes campus.

We have a focus on aviation research and have developed partnerships and new technologies for industry. In fact, UniSA is one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research (UniSA's Engineering research rated well above world-class - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)). UniSA also collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide. These extensive industry connections give us a truly competitive edge – our students get real-world skills and contacts.

Hear from Sam Rogers, Aviation student

Sam Rogers talks about his experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) and Graduate Diploma in Aviation, where he completed flight training at UniSA's Aviation Academy.

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

You could consider the following careers:

commercial pilot working for international, national or regional airlines
corporate and business aviation
flight instructor
defence pilot
firefighting pilot
medical and air ambulance pilot

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

Industry facts

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

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

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

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

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.

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 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

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

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.

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.

Your program director

I’m an academic in UniSA’s aviation program, I teach courses and conduct research into aviation safety, specifically in standardisation and multiculturalism. My colleagues and I work on projects in aviation safety with airlines and airports, so we maintain a close connection to industry. This really helps us to be certain that the coursework and materials we provide students satisfy the needs of industry and represent academic excellence.

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I 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.